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"Simple things should be simple, complex things should be possible."

Alan Kay
Alan Kay Computer Scientist
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Quote meaning
Keeping things simple is key. When something’s straightforward, it should stay that way. No need to complicate it. But when things are complex, you should be able to tackle them without hitting a wall. This idea is all about making life easier and more intuitive.

Think about the rise of user-friendly technology in the past few decades. Apple’s design philosophy, for instance, embodies this concept. Steve Jobs and his team aimed to make their devices so intuitive that even a child could use them. Remember the first iPhone? It was a game-changer. Before it came out, smartphones were clunky and confusing. But Apple made the simple things—like making a call or sending a text—effortless. Yet, it didn't stop there. The device was also powerful enough to handle complex tasks, like managing your entire music library or editing photos.

Let's dig into a practical example. Imagine you’re working with a software program. If you need to write a report, the process should be straightforward: open the program, type, save—done. But what if you need to create a detailed financial analysis? That should be possible too, with the right tools and features available when you need them. If the software is too complicated for the simple tasks, it’s frustrating. If it's too basic for the complex ones, it's useless. Balance is crucial.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Start by simplifying where you can. Look at your daily tasks. Are there steps you can cut out? Tools you can use to streamline? Keep things clear and straightforward. But don’t shy away from complexity when it’s necessary. Equip yourself to handle the tough stuff. Invest time in learning and tools that make complicated tasks manageable.

Let’s bring this to life with a relatable scenario. Think about planning a vacation. Booking a flight should be easy. Open the app, pick your dates, choose a flight, and pay. Done. But what if you’re planning an entire itinerary? You might want to book multiple flights, hotels, rental cars, and activities. That’s more complicated. You’d need a platform that can handle all those details—one that lets you manage everything seamlessly.

Imagine if every time you wanted to book a simple flight, you had to wade through options for creating entire travel itineraries. That’d be a nightmare! Or if you had a great app for booking flights but had to use a dozen different sites to handle other parts of your trip? Equally frustrating. You need tools that are simple for the simple stuff and powerful for the complex stuff.

In essence, it’s about making life smoother and less frustrating. Technology, systems, even daily routines—keep the simple bits simple and ensure the complex bits stay possible. You'll save time, reduce stress, and be more productive. And honestly, who doesn’t want that?
Related tags
Complexity Design philosophy Product design Programming Simplicity Usability User experience
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