Complicated or Complex?

Context

  • Once again trying to differentiate between complicated & complex problems.
  • This note highlights more questions you can ask yourself when you’re trying to diagnose what kind of problem you have in front of you.
  • Organisations can be looked at as complex systems
  • Software projects & engineering teams can also be viewed as complex systems

My initial notes on this topic are from a talk by Aaron Dignan.

Properties to help with classification of problems

  1. Nature of components:

    • Complicated problems involve many parts, but these parts are typically fixed and have predictable interactions.
    • Complex problems have components that can adapt, evolve, and change their behavior based on interactions.

  2. Predictability:

    • Complicated problems, while difficult, are generally predictable if you understand all the components.
    • Complex problems are inherently unpredictable due to emergent behaviors and non-linear interactions.

  3. Solvability:

    • Complicated problems can often be solved with enough expertise, resources, and time.
    • Complex problems may not have a single “correct” solution and often require ongoing management rather than one-time fixes.

  4. Cause and effect:

    • In complicated problems, cause and effect relationships are generally clear and can be mapped.
    • Complex problems often exhibit unclear or delayed cause-effect relationships, making it difficult to pinpoint direct causality.

  5. Replicability:

    • Solutions to complicated problems can usually be replicated with similar results in different contexts.
    • Solutions to complex problems are often context-specific and may not work the same way in different environments.

  6. Approach to understanding:

    • Complicated problems can be understood by breaking them down into smaller parts (reductionist approach).
    • Complex problems require a holistic approach, considering the system as a whole and the interactions between parts.

  7. Time dimension:

    • Complicated problems are often static or change in predictable ways over time.
    • Complex problems are dynamic, with the system and its components evolving over time.

  8. Expertise required:

    • Complicated problems typically require deep expertise in specific domains.
    • Complex problems often require interdisciplinary knowledge and the ability to synthesize insights from multiple fields.