thejavajar

Complexity is overrated. We each have our own concept of complexity. Complexity can be measured scientifically but in reality what I think is complex/simple may be simple/complex to someone else. Here is how seeking simplicity can have its’ advantages; Simplicity, at some common level, is key to a broader acceptance in our society.

With that, I am taking a look at Web sites and applications. Google, for example, has given us a text box and some buttons that allow us to search the Internet. Is searching the Internet complex? Yes, I think it is, but we are not presented with the complexity at all. When I use Google, all I care about is whether or not I find what I am looking for in the search results rather than the algorithm used to compile the results.

When developing Web sites or applications there should be an emphasis on simplicity. Of course, we expect that the content or purpose of the application may be complex, but that should not be represented in the presentation to the end-user. Obviously, for different spaces and environments we have to take into consideration our end-users or audience to determine a base simplicity level. The key is to ensure that simplicity is sought during development and during system design. Complexity will grow when needed.

This entry was posted on Monday, February 11th, 2008 at 12:13 pm and is filed under Commentary. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.