Software Design

Complexity
Guide towards Software Design
Contents
01 02
Introduction Types

04 03
Examples Techniques
 What is
Software Design
Complexity??
 Software Design
Complexity

Software design complexity refers to the inherent difficulty of designing software

systems due to factors such as size, scope of the system, number of components,
level of abstraction required for different components, degree of concurrency and
synchronization needed, level of uncertainty and variability in system
requirements and environment, and presence of non-functional requirements such
as performance or security (Freeman).
 Types of
COMPLEXITY
A B C

Essential Incidental Accidental

Complexity Complexity Complexity
A

Every system will have a certain degree

of complexity. There's nothing that can
Essential be done to reduce this, which is okay as
Complexity long as the complexity is recognized and
appreciated
B

Sometimes external factors will be lead

Incidental to extra complexity, such as hardware
or software limitations.
Complexity
C

This is the type of complexity you

want to watch out for it. It can be
avoided with planning and precision.
Accidental
Complexity Accidental complexity this is the
biggest issue when creating code is.
Whenever possible, developers
should be able to pinpoint and deal
with this form when it appears.
 Different ways
on measuring
Software Design
COMPLEXITY
Cyclomatic Complexity
Halstead Complexity
Maintainability Complexity
Object-Oriented Design Matrix
Chapin metric (Data Complexity)
Cognitive Complexity
Rework Ratio
 Factors
Contributing to
Software Design
Complexity
FACTORS:
Size and Scope of the System
Number of Components and Interaction
between them
Level of abstraction required for different
components and modules
Degree of concurrency and synchronization
needed in system design
Level of uncertainty and variability in
system requirements and environment
Presence of non-functional requirements such as
performance, reliability, and security
A

The larger the system, the more

complex it becomes due to the
Size and Scope increased number of components,
of the System interaction between them,
and the need for more extensive
documentation and testing (Freeman).
B

Number of The more components a system has,

the more complex it becomes due to
Components and the increased number of
Interaction interfaces and interactions
between them between them (Freeman).
C

Level of abstraction Different components and modules of

required for different a system may require different
levels of abstraction, which can
components and
result in complexity due to the need
modules to manage multiple levels of
abstraction simultaneously (Freeman).
 D

Degree of concurrency Concurrent systems with multiple

and synchronization threads of execution can be more
complex due to the need to
needed in system
manage synchronization and avoid race
design conditions (Freeman).
E

Level of uncertainty Systems with high levels of uncertainty

and variability in and variability in requirements and
environment can be more complex due to
system requirements the need to design for flexibility and
and environment adaptability (Freeman).
 F

Presence of Non-functional requirements such as

performance, reliability, and security
non-functional
can add complexity to system design
requirements such as due to the need to optimize system
performance, reliability, performance, ensure system reliability, and
and security provide adequate security measures
(Freeman).
 Why is it
Important to
UNDERSTAND?
 Importance of
Understanding

Software design complexity is crucial for software designers and developers

because it affects various aspects of software development such as time, cost,
and quality of the software system. Understanding software design complexity
helps designers to make informed decisions about system architecture,
component design, and testing strategies, which can result in more efficient,
reliable, and maintainable software systems (Hamilton).
Techniques for Managing
Software Design Complexity
Modularization and decomposition of a system into
smaller, more manageable components
Use of design patterns to reuse
proven solutions for common
problems
 Application of formal methods such as
mathematical modeling or theorem proving
to ensure correctness
 Use of visualization tools to aid in understanding
complex system architectures

Employment of agile development methodologies to

enable rapid prototyping and iterative refinement of
designs

Incorporation of automated testing and verification

techniques to ensure system reliability and
maintainability
Case Studies & Examples
 Discussion of real-world
systems with high design
Examination of common
complexity, such as air
design challenges and
traffic control systems B
pitfalls encountered in
or financial trading
such systems
platforms

Analysis of successful
A design approaches used C
in these systems
Benefits of Understanding
Software Design Complexity
Better code quality
Improve Maintainability
Reduced Bugs
Faster Development
Improve Collaboration
Better Code Documentation
Thank you
Software Design