https://www.nngroup.com/articles/complex-application-design-framework/

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

When designing for a complex application, designers should consider 5 layers of complexity based on context for the application's use.

- Integration
- Information
- Intention
- Environment
- Institution

Complex Application Design: A 5-Layer Framework

NN Group defines a complex application as 

"any application supporting broad, unstructured goals or nonlinear workflows.

In addition, complex apps frequently:

- Support highly trained users with specialized knowledge
- Help users navigate and manage large underlying data sets and enable advanced 
 sensemaking or data analysis
- Support problem solving or end goals with unknown or variable underlying tasks
- Require handoff or collaboration among multiple roles, tools, or platforms
- Mitigate the risks of executing high-impact (or high-value) tasks, where high loss (e.g., revenue or even lives) is at stake"

Many complex applications are focused on supporting specialized domains, where the work requires specialized background and training. 

Contrast this against generalized applications, where NN Group defines them as having the ability to "enable nonspecialized users to complete largely discrete, linear tasks organized around well-structured goals."



What is a Complex Application? 

"Information complexity refers to the data volume inherent in many complex applications and the interaction behaviors (e.g., exploring, filtering, zooming and modeling) required to navigate and analyze such data sets. (This layer is somewhat related to integrative complexity, as huge data sets may be dispersed among unlinked subsystems.)"

Designers need to be careful to manage the amount of information on screen so that it relevant but not overwhelming

Information complexity can be time-consuming and confusing to the end user.

Information Complexity

This complexity refers to "the complexity of underlying technology, such as the interconnection of multiple and variable (often legacy) back-end systems or databases that support an application."

Having high integrative complexity can result in a bad user experience. If users have to continually perform boring and repetitive to obtain data, this is high integrative complexity. 

Integrative Complexity

"Intention complexity refers to the complexity associated with supporting the unstructured goals and broad tasks that characterize the usage of complex apps"

There is not always a knownw best path to complete a task. Also designers want to encourage an open-form style of interaction. It is difficult then to know the scope.

"This ambiguity and variance make it difficult to understand and design for realistic usage."

Intention Complexity

"Environmental complexity refers to the physical surroundings of complex-app users. These surroundings are often difficult to understand and design for without first hand, real-time field work."

Interruptions in field work might be frequent. It's important then to start in-person testing and research early on.

Environmental Complexity

"institutional complexity refers to the cultural or microsocietal structures that exist within an organization, including norms, attitudes, roles, political tensions, sources of power, and institutionalized ways of doing things."

Those who are long-time users of a system usually prefer the legacy version of a system. There is often resistance to change from designer as well due their relative newness compared to domain experts. 

Institutional Complexity

Use this framework to breakdown the different levels of complexity that are most present in your system. This will keep you from being overwhelmed and allow you to see the big picture. 

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