All complex systems have four different hierarchical levels of design: the system of goals, architecture, interfaces, and components. Each level has its own design question related to it. The difference between these levels and understanding of the issues associated with each sheds light on the evolution of products and markets, and the principles on which the organization should be structured to perform each task. In the first part of the note contains examples that illustrate the four levels of the complex design of the product, and how each level of the cascade to the next course. The second section explores the implications of hierarchy in terms of project management, product evolution and the evolution of the market. The third section introduces the idea that the same hierarchical level within the design can be used when thinking about the design of complex processes. "Hide
by Steven J. Spear 17 pages. Publication Date: November 2, 2004. Prod. #: 605039-PDF-ENG
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