“There is never any justification for things being complex when they could be simple.”
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“Complexity is always failed simplicity.”
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Edward de Bono discussed the importance of designing simplicity in his aptly named book Simplicity. According to de Bono there are fourteen methods of simplification outlined below. These methods often overlap significantly and not all of the methods have to be necessarily completed for a successful design. Although de Bono uses broad language to accommodate outcomes from all design disciplines and organizational structuring, I have paraphrased these methods for a specific relevance to systems and service design.
The Historical Review involves the critical observation of a system or its parts and challenging any unnecessary components. This questions the need of any superfluous and antiquated burdens included within a system out of tradition over reason.
Shedding, Trimming, Cutting, Slimming, etc. is similar to the Historical Review, this method removes all facets that fail to justify their continued existence.
Listening is a major component of Participatory Design, de Bono comments that people who actually use the system will have suggestions on what is, and what is not, necessary. They may have established more efficient methods of using the system that could possibly be theorized by a designer.
Combining different functions which are currently separate eliminates burdensome bulk.
Extracting Concepts is a method which aims to reestablish the core purpose of the system or particular actions and processes within it and designing new ways to deliver that concept.
Bulk and Exceptions is the consideration of how a design might best accommodate the bulk of users. The system can then be expanded to make special provisions for any exceptions.
Restructuring is a harsh, fundamental restructuring of the system. Some restructuring changes are fashionable. De Bono notes that whilst these changes are most often positive, they should only be instituted if they actually make sense for the system. Change for the sake of fashionable change is dangerous, but change for the sake of change can yield unexpected benefits.
Start Afresh is the complete purging of the old system and re-designing the system whilst considering the key values and priorities. Once designed this should be compared to the benefits and drawbacks of the old system.
Modules and Smaller Units is breaking down the system into smaller units and re-designing those units separately.
Provocative Amputation is the removal of each element and exploring the system’s ability to accommodate that loss.
Wishful Thinking is designing an idealistically simple system with complete disregard to other restraints. Shift Energies is shifting the work needed within the system to other parts of that system, or to those outside of the system. The
Ladder Approach is disregarding the whole system and designing incrementally, step after each consecutive step. The value of each next step should be considered and included into that next step.
The Flavour Approach is essentially the opposite of the previous method and similar to Extracting Concepts. This method seeks to determine the utmost, broadest and simple concept of the system and completely redesigning it.
Essentially, de Bono feels that simplicity should be instituted in systems and services by the consideration of these ten rules:
Rule 1. You need to put a very high value on simplicity.
Rule 2. You must be determined to seek simplicity.
Rule 3. You need to be understand the matter very well.
Rule 4. You need to design alternatives and possibilities.
Rule 5. You need to challenge and discard existing elements.
Rule 6. You need to be prepared to start over again.
Rule 7. You need to use concepts.
Rule 8. You need to break things down into smaller units.
Rule 9. You need to be prepared to trade off other values for simplicity.
Rule 10. You need to know for whose sake the simplicity is being designed.
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