I realized something funny last night. My simplicity post was kind of complex. So I’m a hypocrite! Sue me. LOL6
Anyway. Problems are complex, solutions are simple. But not all solutions are simple.
Solutions can only be simple after the true problem is identified and the ideal solution is found. Otherwise, potential solutions are just distractions from the problem at hand, and they add complexity.
Further, I think simplicity means finding the true nature of someone’s intent – what they want most – then seeking the most effective tools to help them do (or get) what they want. Tools that speed up or facilitate production and creativity, instead of slowing it down.
Examples:
1. If someone wants to build a graphic design company that has locations in five cities, simplicity will take thousands of hours of planning. Simplicity would probably involve 3 web systems, 9 pieces of software, and constantly-evolving internal systems that promote business growth and accountability. Not to mention a wild and crazy IT setup in each location – tailored to the precise needs of the growing company and its staff.
2. If you’re a financial planner and you want more time with your family, simplicity will involve solid remote access to your workstation in the office, a Mac running Windows 7 and Mac OS at the same time, full email / contact / calendar syncing across all devices, and a toll-free phone system that routes calls to your cell whenever you choose to turn that feature on. And all those things will have to work very reliably.
In both those cases, the simplest solutions are very complex by most people’s standards – but once executed correctly, they disappear behind the scenes and become more like electricity. Flick a switch, get the intended results, do your thing.
I just thought of something interesting.
How are the status quo, the norm, and the daily grind not simplicity? We certainly like to think they are, and I think we’re pretty good at pretending they are.
I’d say they are not at all simplicity, because they imply a dampening (a shrinking) of our lofty intent, in order to fit within the confines of our current “status quo” reality. People are settling – so the solutions being used are solving problems that are not fully understood.
Example:
If you’re a creative writer who works two different high-stress admin dayjobs but longs to write, we could setup Evernote so he can write creative content while on the go (or in a washroom stall). All his content would sync across all devices and save every word automatically.
Simplicity is relative.
Also, “settling” is murder to intent, and to true simplicity.
