Blue Flavor

Concrete and Shadow by D. Keith Robinson

Balance and Simplicity

February 21st, 2007 at 1:52 p.m.

Let’s face it. We live in a complicated world. Every day people are bombarded with technology and information. Much of it adding value and meaning to our lives. Much of it making our lives easier. Some of it bringing real joy into our world. But it can be overwhelming and, well, complicated. And that’s just assuming we’re talking about those complex things we enjoy. Too much of that complicated information and technology is valueless, over-complex and a daily drain on our sanity.

We need more simplicity—more understanding and ease of use—while at the same time maintaining the value (and delight) that can be found in a complex world. It’s a difficult balance to strike and one I think about almost every day.

The Value in Complexity

Some of my very favorite things in life are complicated. My favorite books, music, games, toys, people—most of them are complicated. Complicated things can bring with them a lot of joy. Complexity, when properly balanced, can really delight.

To a certain degree value (and meaning) come hand-in-hand with complexity. That’s not to say that I don’t find value in uncomplicated things, no, only that many of the things I value are complicated and to remove that complication would also remove that value.

At the same time, too much complexity (even complexity full of value) can be overwhelming. I find that as my life and work become more complicated, the harder it is for me to enjoy those other complicated things I consider good. I have only the energy to deal with so much complexity in my life! As well complexity that doesn’t add meaning, or value…well, that’s complexity that nobody needs.

In a way there are two different kinds of complexity. The good complexity that comes with meaning and value and the bad complexity that just makes everything harder. Along the same lines there is also good simplicity, which makes things easier and bad simplicity that removes or obscures meaning and renders something dull and useless.

I’ve been on a personal mission of sorts to eliminate “bad” complexity from
everything I do so that I can better enjoy that “good” complexity and hopefully help others in the process. By making my work easier for me to do, while at the same time not removing the value of that work, I’ve got more time and energy to do other things.

For example, the less time and energy I spend using the technology I use every day, the more time I can spend reading, playing games, spending time with my overly-complicated friends or enjoying Rome or Lost.

The Value of Simplicity

There is no doubt in my mind that making something easier to understand without removing value or meaning is a good thing. I don’t think that can be argued. So, in general, simplicity is something I’m always striving for. I try to make things as simple and easy as possible, again, while not removing value or meaning from them.

(This goes for design, business, process, etc. Pretty much anything, and it’s much easier said than done!)

On one side you’ve got complication, value and meaning and on the other you’ve got simplicity and understanding. Those things that bring true delight have all of this in good balance. The now classic technology example is the iPod. It’s a very complicated device with lots of value that, largely because of it simple design and ease of use, brings delight to millions.

This is our goal when thinking about usable, peoplecentric technology; making things as easy to understand and use as possible, while at the same time maintaining (or better yet, adding to) their value and meaning.

Often times by removing unneeded complexity we’re actually revealing the value or meaning of a thing.

I’ve been saying it for years now; technology should work for people, not the other way around. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of simplicity to help someone understand, or see the meaning in a system, message, interface, etc.

But complexity isn’t only a design and technology concern for me. The same goes for the business of consulting—we’ve tried to structure Blue Flavor so that we’re as easy to work with as possible. We do our very best to make our process as simple and straightforward as possible and are always looking for ways to eliminate unneeded complication from it. Hopefully to the delight of our clients!

The work we do is by its very nature complicated and will likely have to remain so. (It has value and meaning!) However, the processes around our work can almost always be improved. Think about how you work and how much of what you do in your day has meaning and value. Now think about those things that don’t have meaning yet take your focus away from those things that do. My guess is you might begin to see where somethings you’re doing can be simplified.

Obviously “meaning” and “value” can be somewhat subjective but the point I’m trying to make is that when it comes to work, life, business, technology, design, etc. it pays to take a long look at what you’re doing on a regular basis and see where you can remove “bad” complexity.

In today’s world where technology, information and complexity (both good and bad) play an ever increasing (and often unwanted) role in our lives, there is a serious need for balance and simplicity. We have to begin to eliminate meaningless and valueless complexity wherever it can be found to ensure we can get the most value, meaning (and delight) out of our lives.

Keith Robinson

More Information