The words difficult, complex and complicated are very commonly used. How does one decide on which one to use in a particular context? They appear similar but are they not different?
When the question about the differences is raised explicitly I have seen that many start thinking deeply about it. You may also have this question in mind. Or if not you can at least check and confirm your understanding with how experts differentiate between these terms.
The primary reason why it is critical to understand the differences is not to be able to use them accurately. But it is also how to approach issues or tasks depending on whether they are difficult or complex or complicated. More about that later but let us just cover what these really mean.
It is very useful to know that irrespective of whether you are a business leader or a trainer or an instructional designer or a surgeon or a sportsperson or an engineer or in any other profession.
Difficult – It is an indication of an individual’s perception of the challenge in terms of physical and mental effort or how well they are equipped to handle the task at hand in terms of the resources needed such as knowledge, skills and materiel resources.
Complicated – Complicated systems or matters are those that have several interdependent parts or subsystems or require an elaborate set of steps to accomplish the objective. For instance, applying a bandage after cleaning a wound over a bruise vs root canal treatment for a tooth. The latter is complicated as it involves a systematic approach to the treatment. The digestive system of our body can be understood as a complicated system.
Complex – Complex systems or issues are those that also have many interdependent parts or sub systems but the understanding of these is not good enough. Managing or handing those issues or tasks is quite challenging due to several aspects of their working that are unknown or uncertain. For instance, addressing global warming successfully or alleviation of poverty in a country. These are complex issues.
Difficult vs Complicated
WIth that it may appear that difficult and complicated are the same. Complicated tasks require more resources, knowledge or skills to manage. However the way to understand the key difference is that difficulty is from an individual or a group perspective. It is a view of the matter from outside. While complicated issue is inherently challenging to manage due to its own characteristics.
Complicated vs Complex
In that case aren’t complicated and complex the same? Well the difference is that the first one is far more intricate in how to manage but it can still be broken down and explained or addressed successfully. Whereas, whatever is complex cannot be managed objectively and comprehensively due to several aspects being unknown or uncertain.
Let us try and apply these explanations to the topic of Covid-19 which is most widely discussed these days.
- It is difficult for some people to continue running their business activity due to Covid-19 lock down.
- The routine that healthcare workers need to follow each day in putting on the PPE and work inside Covid-19 treatment centers is complicated.
- The decision to allow reopening of schools given the status of Covid-19 pandemic in countries like US, India and Brazil is complex. It is also complex to put systems into place that would minimize the risk of community spread of Corona virus in case the schools are reopened.