Update on complexity by Erik Puik

The concept of complexity in Axiomatic Design was introduced by Suh in 1999. Suh defines four different kinds of complexity, and introduces the understanding of ‘time dependence’. The original definition of complexity has been applied for almost twenty years. This masterclass tries to bring complexity in AD to the next level. This is possible within the original concept of complexity as it was defined in 1999 by Suh. Mainly the concept of ‘imaginary complexity’, that originates from ‘a lack of knowledge and understanding of the design by the designer’ will be investigated. This is done by returning to the ‘Theory of Information’ as introduced by Shannon. Shannons theory of information appears to provide room for expansion of the definition of complexity in AD. This enables the application of Information not only for the Information Axiom, but also for the Independence Axiom.