The demand for high productivity and quality combined with the need for decreasing energy consumption will substantially affect machine tool design in the future. This development is driven by a modification of process chains which is focused on resource conservation. One important contribution for that purpose is the transition towards complete machining. This approach calls for a configuration targeting major process stability as well as a structure geared towards accuracy and dynamism. The compromise between potential dynamism and machine size can be improved by using redundant drives. This paper describes models, simulation tools and the method of the development process for redundant kinematics. To highlight the different aspects of designing such machine tool structures, their development process is demonstrated on the basis of two examples, complete machining for tool- and die making and an adaptive spindle holder for micro contouring and -structuring.