Wilderness First Aid, or The Pull to Complexity

Even though we understand and accept that simplicity is better, we repeatedly end up with complex solutions. Why?

It's tempting to use what we know: I once took a comprehensive Wilderness First Aid Course, and for the next couple of outings, a little voice in my head said, "If only someone would sprain their ankle right now. I know exactly how to tape it based on the direction of the sprain. I'd be a hero." These are horrible thoughts, but we all crave to be competent and demonstrate that competence.

So, we read about strategies, processes, and design patterns and can't wait to use them. Resisting this pull goes against our nature.

And if it's not our desire to appear competent that pulls us towards complexity, it's our fear of appearing incompetent in front of peers, bosses, or clients. If we propose a simple solution, won't they think we are simple?

The antidote is a mindset shift from the baroque aesthetic of "more is more" to the minimalist aesthetic of "how little can we get away with?" Take pride in expressing things simply, in finding clarity, in discovering the connection that cuts through layers of complexity.

And alleviate your fear of appearing simple. The right people will appreciate it when you, the expert, give them a simple solution that works.