Input sensitivity refers to the level of dependence of the downstream design on specific inputs from other activities. An example of an input sensitive situation is the design of an electrical system based on a particular piece of equipment. If that piece of equipment is changed, the design of the electrical system must start over.
Integration sensitivity refers to the ability of downstream design elements to be separated from the entire system. An example of an activity that is integration sensitive is designing the vertical alignment for a roadway. A change in elevation at one point along the alignment can “ripple” through the entire alignment, since it is difficult to isolate segments of the roadway design.