Complexity Theory

Simple, Complicated, Complex and Chaotic Systems, in Other Words Cynefin. And How Does It Relate to Software Development?

• Mariusz Sieraczkiewicz
• Software development , Agile practices , Complexity theory

Intro

You might have already come across terms such as complex systems, complicated systems, or complex adaptive systems; especially, if you have read Management 3.0 by Jurgen Appelo or heard about Ken Schwaber’s ideas about the applicability of Scrum. It might sound intriguing, but finding logic in it is difficult without some background theory. This is the point at which Dave Snowden’s Cynefin concept comes in handy. This concept is based on complex systems theory, anthropology, evolutionary psychology, and, last but not least, cognitive psychology.

Simple, Complicated, Complex, and Chaotic Systems: The Cynefin Framework

• Mariusz Sieraczkiewicz
• Complexity theory , Software development

Perhaps you’ve previously encountered concepts such as complex systems, complicated systems, or complex adaptive systems, for instance when reading Jurgen Appelo’s Management 3.0, or when considering Ken Schwaber’s thoughts on the applicability of Scrum. This might sound intriguing, but it can be difficult to find logical sense in it if one lacks a certain theoretical foundation. This is where it’s worthwhile to examine Dave Snowden’s concept called Cynefin, which is based on complex systems theory, anthropology, evolutionary psychology, and cognitive psychology.