LAW I.
No tool can be more complicated than the action it performs
When designing and developing a system, balance the effort to implement the tool with the complexity of the action it must execute.
When we create solutions, the effort and complexity involved in implementing them should never exceed the complexity of the problem they're meant to solve.
Key Principles:
- Simplicity First: Always start with the simplest possible solution that could work. Complexity should only be added when clearly justified by requirements.
- Cost-Benefit Balance: The time and resources invested in creating a tool should be proportional to the value it provides and the complexity of the task it performs.
- Maintenance Consideration: Remember that complex tools require more maintenance, documentation, and training. This ongoing cost should be factored into the initial design decisions.
Practical Application:
- Before implementing a solution, assess whether the complexity of your proposed tool is justified by the problem it solves.
- Regularly review existing tools and systems to identify areas where simplification is possible.
- When faced with a complex problem, break it down into smaller, more manageable parts that can be solved with simpler tools.