A complexity index for the design process

Design projects are typically plagued with schedule and cost overruns. A factor in these overruns can be attributed to projects being more complex than originally anticipated. Although research has been carried out in this area there is currently no method for measuring the complexity of the design process. In order to estimate costs and schedule projects more accurately it is essential that complexity of the design process can be measured. Presently, design process complexity is highly subjective. The objective of this research is to quantify the complexity of the design process through the establishment of a 'Complexity Index' for the design process, thus removing the subjective aspect.