Variability and complexity in software design - towards a research agenda

Many of today's software systems accommodate different usage and deployment scenarios. Intentional and unintentional variability in functionality or quality attributes (e.g., performance) of software significantly increases the complexity of the problem and design space of those systems. The complexity caused by variability becomes increasingly difficult to handle due to the increasing size of software systems, new and emerging application domains, dynamic operating conditions under which software systems have to operate, fast moving and highly competitive markets, and more powerful and versatile hardware. This paper reports results of the first International Workshop on Variability and Complexity in Software Design that brought together researchers and engineers interested in the topic of complexity and variability. It also outlines directions the field might move in the future.