Simplicty Principles
Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2011 11:30 pm
Don't get me wrong, I think Edward de Bono is an enormous CLiNT that has made obscene amounts of money by simply putting the bleeding obvious in print. Someone was bound to do it however, ticked off it wasn't me 
Regardless, his "simplicity principles" are worth applying to spudguns however. I'm not trying to infuse spudfiles with inane corporate letterbocks but there is some wisdom to be gleaned when it comes to design and construction:
Regardless, his "simplicity principles" are worth applying to spudguns however. I'm not trying to infuse spudfiles with inane corporate letterbocks but there is some wisdom to be gleaned when it comes to design and construction:
# You need to put a high value on simplicity
To get simplicity you have to want to get it. To want to get simplicity you have to put a high value on simplicity.
# You must be determined to seek simplicity
People quite like simplicity if it does not cost anything but are usually unwilling to invest resources in making something more simple.
# You need to understand the matter very well
If you do not seek to understand a situation or process, your efforts will be ‘simplistic’ rather than simple. Simplicity before understanding is worthless.
# You need to design alternatives
It is not a matter of designing the ‘one right way’. It is more a matter of designing alternatives and possibilities, and then selecting one of them.
# You need to challenge and discard existing elements
Everything needs to justify its continued existence. If you wish to retain something for the sake of tradition let that be a conscious decision.
# You need to be prepared to start over again
In the search for Simplicity, modify if you can – start afresh if you cannot.
# You need to use concepts
Concepts are the human mind’s way of simplifying the world around. Warning: If you do not use concepts, then you are working with detail.
# You may need to break things down into smaller units
The organisation of a smaller unit is obviously simpler than the organisation of a large unit. The smaller units are themselves organised to serve the larger purpose.
# You need to be prepared to trade off other values for simplicity
A system that seeks to be totally comprehensive may be very complex. You may need to trade off that comprehensiveness for simplicity.
