People often view complex as synonymous with brilliant. Only a genius could invent something with a huge number of moving parts. Such thinking misses the point. The real challenge comes to simplify. To reduce complexity by focusing on what is important. There is much to be said for simple and smart solutions.
The Problem of Complexity
What is wrong with complexity? Firstly, if a product is too complicated often no one knows what need it actually solves. Secondly, complex tends to mean expensive. Multiple moving parts require production, assembly and create a nightmare for operations. Thirdly, complex often means fragile. More moving parts equals more to go wrong.
As a middle-aged man I’m acutely aware of this problem of things falling apart. My childhood teddy is in great shape. It is only a cover with some stuffing. My complex human body, admittedly much more useful than my teddy’s torso, has numerous muscles and bones that haven’t done quite so well over time.
Simple And Smart Solutions
Simplifying isn’t a sign of simplistic thinking. It can show an ability to get rid of things that don’t really matter. This underpins the idea of Jugaad Innovation as described by Navi Radjou, Jaideep Prabhu and Simone Ahuja. (Full disclosure, Simone is a friend.) They advocate for simple, cheap, and achievable innovation. They argue this mindset is often, but not exclusively, found in non-western economies. Indeed, constraints encourage brilliantly simple innovation, e.g. a fridge that doesn’t need power. Such frugal innovations can improve people’s lives as well as providing a good living to innovators.
Simple can be great.
Wishing to decrease infant mortality…. Dr. Jeganathan developed a minimalist incubator from a wooden table made of locally harvested wood, a Plexiglass top and standard 100 watt light bulbs (rather than radiant coils) to maintain the baby’s temperature. Thanks to its simple design, the incubator cost only $100 to build and was easy to maintain.“
Radjou, Prabhu and Ahuja 2012, page 109
This may not be cutting-edge technology but surely this is human ingenuity at its best.
Complex Isn’t Brilliant
It is important to remember that complex isn’t the same as brilliant. Complex can be brilliant but can also be a symptom a lack of focus. Simple is often brilliant. If it solves a problem cheaply, using few resources, and is robust to faults then simple is unbeatable. A focus on simple yet effective can benefit entrepreneurs in remote villages in developing countries as well as the innovation teams at GE and 3M.
Simple often equals brilliant.
For more on innovation see here.
Read: Navu Radjou, Jaidepp Pabhu and Simone Ahuja, 2012, Jugaad Innovation, Jossey-Bass