Managing Complexity
Systemic Analysis and Conceptual Redesign of the Office Workplace

More Than Philosophy

At first glance, it may seem like a philosophical theory, but it is far more than that. While philosophy often engages in thought experiments and discusses hypotheses, systems theory is a scientific method:

– It analyses structures
– Identifies recurring patterns
– And makes complex processes comprehensible

In the 1960s, it experienced a period of great prosperity. Later, its limitations were recognised – yet its significance endured. Today, it has almost fallen into obscurity, perhaps because it does not offer the simple answers many people desire, but rather an invitation to truly explore and understand complex interrelationships.

Executive Summary (One-Minute Read)

This work applies the principles of modern systems theory to the design of work environments.
Using the example of the office workplace, it demonstrates how complexity can be made visible, structured, and deliberately reduced in order to simplify decision-making, as well as to improve productivity, concentration, and the efficient use of time and space.

Why Systems Theory?

– Focus on interrelationships rather than isolated components
– Transferable principles: applicable from technology to design
– An abstraction tool for complex problems

Objective of the Work

– Development of a design method for reducing complexity
– Creation of a simplified decision-making environment:
• Fewer unnecessary options
• Clearer processes

Methodology

– Systemic analysis of the office work system and its subcomponents
– Application of design strategies according to Brügger:
Restructuring, Eliminating, Adding, Replacing, Perceiving
– Design of a highly integrated yet modular workplace system

Key Concepts (Selection)

– Complexity vs. complicated
– Variety – the measure of meaningful system variations
– Symbiosis / structural coupling
– Targeted intervention
– Entropy – the necessary removal of “waste products”

Result in Brief

– A concrete method for visible and targeted complexity reduction
– A workplace system with reduced decision-making load and more efficient workflows

Full Text (Deep Dive)

Introduction

Systems theory has established itself as a universal, holistic approach in numerous disciplines.
It extends the perspective from isolated objects to interconnected structures and feedback loops.
This Master’s thesis examines the application of systems theory principles in product design and develops a methodological design approach for the redesign of the office workplace.

Problem Statement & Objectives

Complex work systems often generate decision overload and inefficient workflows.
The aim is to develop a new design method that:
– reduces unnecessary decisions
– eliminates redundant workflows
– increases productivity and concentration
– improves the use of time and space

Fundamentals of Systems Theory

– Complexity and system structure: The number, properties, and relationships of elements determine the variety.
– Complex vs. complicated: Complexity is system-inherent, while “complicated” is a cognitive attribution.
– Modular vs. integral architectures: Tension between flexibility, coupling, and functionality.
– System hierarchy and multifunctionality.

Methodology

– Research into relevant aspects of the office workplace.
– Systemic breakdown into components (elements, relationships, flows).
– Application of Brügger’s design strategies: Restructure, Omit, Add, Replace, Perceive.
– Design of a highly integrated yet modular workplace system.

Analysis of the Office Work System

The system is modeled along its elements, functions, and interactions.By making relationship density and feedback loops visible, concrete leverage points for systemically sustainable interventions emerge.

Design Principles for Complexity Reduction

– Restructure – Order, grouping, clear hierarchies.
– Omit – Eliminate redundant options and actions.
– Add – Aids, guidelines, feedback mechanisms.
– Replace – Better couplings, more suitable means.
– Perceive – Visibility of status, conditions, and consequences.

Central Theoretical Concepts (Excerpts)

Complexity
Variety as a measure of meaningful system variations; the number of possible combinations increases with each additional component. Relationships between elements are decisive for the degree of complexity.

Change
Impulses can originate internally or externally; networking generates self-dynamics and emergent properties.

Symbiosis (structural coupling)
Two systems can couple and form a new overarching system with new properties.

Point intervention
Local interventions cause effects on the overall system; side effects must be anticipated.

Entropy
Complex systems require the removal of “waste products” (material, information, energy) to maintain or increase functionality; complexity itself cannot be “outsourced.”

Conclusion

– Holistic view instead of isolated optimization.
– Systematic complexity reduction through clear principles.
– Transferability to other domains and problem areas.
– Linking theory and practice for robust design solutions.