Exploring complex data from a case-based complexity perspective
Join our global network of researchers and applied and public policy users
COMPLEX-IT is a bespoke design-interface for non-experts in computational modeling to explore their data from a case-based complexity perspective, in a simple, seamless and secure research environment using the latest advances in machine learning, systems mapping, data visualization, data forecasting, and simulation.
Features
Designed for non-experts in computational modeling
COMPLEX-IT employs the latest human-computer design strategies to provide a user-friendly, seamless, visually intuitive, no-fault learning environment.
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It is part of a new methods field called
Approachable modeling and smart methods. Or AM-Smart for short.
Complete support system for
learning and exploring
COMPLEX-IT provides a 360-degree learning environment with video tutorials, PDFs, articles, forum, file-sharing, blog and portfolio.
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It also provides tab-driven prompts and guides during each step of your analyses.
Safe and secure
data environment
COMPLEX-IT online is housed on shinyapps.io secure-by-design. It runs in its own protected environment. Each user's access is always SSL encrypted.
COMPLEX-IT download runs on your local computer in R-Studio.on your
How COMPLEX-IT Works
COMPLEX-IT is a tab-driven interface.
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Tab 1 allows you to import and organize your data.
Tab 8 generates a downloadable final report, complete with EXCEL files, statistical results, and graphs.
Tabs 2 through 7 offer you a suite of of computational methods designed for a case-based complexity approach to data exploration, modelling, forecasting and simulation.
TAB 2 -- Cluster Analysis
TAB 3 - Machine Learning
TAB 4 - Data Visualization
TAB 5 - Scenario Simulation
TAB 6 - Data forecasting
TAB 7 - Systems Mapping
To learn about COMPLEX-IT visit our Help Centre.
Visit also our forum, file-share, portfolio and blog.
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Tab-driven interface
Integrating Smart Technology with Interdisciplinary Methods
COMPLEX-IT facilitates non-expert usage by:
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scaffolding both routine and difficult tasks
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providing rapid and formative feedback
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enabling productive failure
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leveraging visual reasoning skills,
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producing rigorous, authentic, and reliable results
Our Story . . .
Methods software needs to be accessible, but also educational and rigorous.
We created COMPLEX-IT to address three major challenges we faced as methods developers.
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First, we had created a suite of case-based complexity methods that other researchers and applied and policy professionals wanted to use, but lacked the expertise or experience to employ them -- so they were going unused.
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Second, for our own research, no bespoke platform existed that housed these methods in a single place, leaving us jumping from one software programme to the next, which wasted time and often led to errors.
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Third, we wanted to develop a platform that was more than button pushing. We wanted it to help people actually learn how to use computational methods and a case-based complexity approach in a smart and rigorous manner.
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Thanks to funding and support from Durham University and the Centre for the Evaluation of Complexity Across the Nexus (CECAN), we were able to develop COMPLEX-IT
Team
As a team we are committed to advancing a case-based complexity approach to research, policy and practice in an effort to advance the study of social complexity and to support decision making. We each bring to the team a wide range of methodological and programming expertise and are proud of the truly transdisciplinary and international makeup of our work.
