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After two decades in enterprise software, managing complex projects, and leading tech teams, one lesson I have learned (through tears and joy) is that simplicity is power. Unfortunately, it turns out that simplicity in itself will not necessarily help you make the right thing. Nor will it make the thing right. But, if you use it correctly, like all power really, it will help you reach your goal.
If you use it correctly...
The KISS principle (Keep It Simple, Stupid) originated somewhere in the 1930s, while a lot of attribution seem to be somewhere around the us military complex there are also indications of it being used in federal government literature prior [wikipedia]. But it wasn't until its introduction in popular software engineering literature where the prominence of the mantra arose. Every software engineer that has spent enough time in the field will remember that time where personX took a copy of Clean Code and wandered through the halls and proselytized everyone to keep it simple or be forever punished by their unnecessary complexity and lack of cleverness. Or something around those lines. But as we all know, from simplicity alone nothing great has ever risen.
Naively removing things, you have an intuition might not be needed, rarely ends up working as expected. Sure YAGNI, but all of a sudden we understood three months later that we actually did Need It for some of those removed things. But what should we have done? Developed all the edge cases and creature comforts up front? That's the way to shipping zero things! Right? Yes! It only is the point where complexity rears its head that drives home the point that trying to keep things clear, understandable and (most importantly) doable within reasonable effort does introduce an advantage. That moment does also introduce a mechanism on how to best deal with it: engineered adaptability.
Startup culture likes to talk a lot about being nimble and agile. And while there is a lot being misinterpreted about these terms there is one piece of truth that almost universally translates into good things happening.
If you have set up your project/team/organization in a way that it can evaluate and adapt to information quickly and with little effort you can get away with running a simpler operation and take a few more chances; which in turn leads to a more effective operation and increased possibility of success in the long run.
But there might be nuance to that as well when we look at different aspects of the software production process.
Great design is all about clarity. Look at Apple’s iconic minimalism—every element serves a purpose, making products intuitive and delightful to use. Simplicity in design not only enhances user experience but also accelerates learning curves and innovation. But you don't get to make the most successful phone of all time just by putting out a phone with no buttons. Iteration. Gathering key insights and responding to them is not only how you get there but also why!
A lean, flat organization can be a game-changer. Startups and innovative companies often shun rigid hierarchies, empowering teams to make quick decisions and adapt rapidly. For instance, many modern tech firms keep their structures “simple and straightforward,” a principle detailed in this Business.com article.
Complex processes can stifle creativity and delay progress. Embracing simplicity in project management—such as breaking work into clear, manageable Agile sprints—ensures that every step adds value. As noted by Wrike, streamlined workflows reduce unnecessary complications and boost team efficiency.
Even your personal growth strategy benefits from a minimalist approach. Instead of an overwhelming to-do list, focus on a few clear, achievable goals. Embracing the mindset of simplicity—championed by blogs like Zen Habits—helps you concentrate on what truly matters and avoid burnout.
From design to team structure, from process management to personal development, simplicity is the secret ingredient that transforms complexity into clarity, a "We think this is working" into a "We are succeeding!". By finding out which parts are the essential ones you create space for people to make a difference and apply themselves without the hindrance of doubts, leaps of faith and uncertainty.
So no matter your role—coder, manager, or entrepreneur—remember the message is simple:
Please keep kissing!
