What laws define the added level of complexity that systems tend to take on over time?

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I've been pondering the way that products and online sales channels have evolved over the past decade.

Simple things like email or blogs have evolved into complex systems. In the same way that newly launched apps have a minimal set of tools and then grow with more complexity over time... are there any rules that guide this in the way that computing function (Moore's law) defines transistors?

Mia Sophia Walker · Accepted Answer

My understanding is that systems tend to gain complexity over time due to the combined effects of evolving user expectations and new technological capabilities. As users get accustomed to a system, they start demanding more features and functions. And as the underlying tech improves, there are more possibilities to meet those expanding demands. So the two kind of feed into each other, leading to growing system complexity. That's my take on it, but curious to hear others' views too!

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have noticed that user feedback really drives the complexity of products. It's fascinating to see how features evolve based on real user needs.

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I always appreciate finding tools that strike the right balance between functionality and ease of use. It’s refreshing when a product does that well!

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i would say law of requisite verity o control  complex system ,the controlling system needs to be equally complex

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don't forget bout galls law it sys that complex system evolve from simpler ones, but starting with complexity often leds t failure

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I just like apps start with basic functions and expand, systems become more intricate as they add new capabilities and integrations to stay relevant.

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I think there’s no single law like Moore's Law for this, but it’s more about how technology and user needs evolve.

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This reminds me of Lehman's Laws of Software Evolution as systems grow, they become more complex unless active efforts  are made to simplify them.

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From what I’ve observed, there isn’t a specific law like Moore’s for this kind of growth. Instead, it’s about how technology adapts to changing needs and how developers add features over time, which makes systems more complex.

Terrence Kelleman · Answer

@chaity_okpalanozie yes it's a common thing we witness, from computer programs to the growth of a forest. There is a typical life cycle that we can see - that's why I'm interested in finding out more - that's where there is an opportunity for deeper understanding.

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Brooks's Law could play a role too. Adding more people  to a project  can increase complexity  and delays, especially in software.

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Your comparison to Moore's law really resonates with me. It’s impressive how the demand for more functionality seems to grow exponentially.

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I’d point to  The Second Law of Thermodynamics in any system, entropy tends to increase over time , leading to more disorder and complexity

Terrence Kelleman · Answer

Thanks @cassidy_doyle for adding this to the discussion!

This is very interesting - I didn't know about Lehman's Law. It feels like in the PH world there are the guiding forces of the market yet few actually understand the dynamics behind the actual evolution of their product at this deeper level.

Thanks for pulling back the veil on this for me and everyone else in the discussion. I think there is more to be explored here. It's facinating to me.

On the wikipedia page the description itself of Lehman's Law says "Over the past decades the laws have been revised and extended several times." - exactly! lol

Terrence Kelleman · Answer

Thanks @amy_english for adding this to the discussion.

Entropy is the great equalizer that is also applying a pressure on systems. The organizing principles of a system are basically fighting that entropy through their simplicity, their natural evolution is to adapt to changes in their environment/demands, those changes add complexity and then we introduce the opportunity for entropy again.

What laws define the added level of complexity that systems tend to take on over time?

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