Multilayered Complexity Evaluation within Configurators for Design

Abstract

This paper describes the concept of integrating several complexity evaluation methods, previously developed and tested by the authors, into one product configurator through a technical prototype. In this case variations of an online configurator for design products based on a choice of these digital complexity evaluation methods developed between 2015 and 2020 are presented. This research shows that an integration of complexity evaluation for several Gestalt qualities in one product configurator is feasible, though the amount of aspects of each of these qualities and the necessary effort to be invested to achieve an integration that is suitable for customer use may vary. The concept is illustrated using a simple test case, i.e. an online shelf configurator.