|
| |
Complexity versus simplicity is a common design tradeoff. Complexity always has a cost. As such, complexity is ideally minimized for equivalent functionality and quality.Needless ComplexityAdding complexity without adding functionality or quality is known as needless complexity. Complexity can be exciting and it is possible to get involved in making technologies, communications or ideas complex for the sake of complexity. Generally, this is a mistake as complexity costs more to develop, support and use.
OversimplifyingNot everything can be made simple. It is common for functionality or quality such as aesthetics, durability, accuracy or performance to demand complexity. Designs that are clean, simple and comprehensible may be a mistake if they are outperformed by something more complex. Complexity often wins. For example, organisms became increasingly complex over the process of evolution as a survival mechanism. The successful designs of the future are surely complex but not needlessly so.
Design
This is the complete list of articles we have written about design.
If you enjoyed this page, please consider bookmarking Simplicable.
© 2010-2023 Simplicable. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of materials found on this site, in any form, without explicit permission is prohibited.
View credits & copyrights or citation information for this page.
|
