Why Simplicity Wins in Software—and in Business
Early in my career, I thought complexity signaled sophistication.
Big words. Big diagrams. Fancy solutions.
But after building software for 30+ years and leading a consulting firm through market swings, tech revolutions, and team transitions, I’ve learned the opposite is true:
Simplicity wins. Every time.
In software:
- The simple solution ships faster.
- It’s easier to test, easier to maintain, and easier to explain.
- Clients understand it. Developers trust it. Users prefer it.
Yes, some problems are inherently complex. But that’s all the more reason not to add layers just to look smart. Good software makes the complex feel simple—not the other way around.
In business:
- A clear offer converts better.
- A focused strategy beats a scattered one.
- Teams move faster when they know exactly what matters.
We’ve said no to “opportunities” that didn’t fit our core business because we know what we’re great at—and more importantly, what we’re not. That clarity creates momentum.
The cost of complexity:
- Confused customers
- Overstretched teams
- Projects that drag on
- Decisions that never get made
Complexity creeps in when no one’s watching. It takes discipline to say, “This is enough.” Or even better: “This is too much.”
Simple isn’t easy. It’s a choice.
It requires thought, tradeoffs, and a bias for clarity over control.
But when you choose simplicity—whether in an architecture diagram, a process, or a product offering—you gain something far more valuable:
Focus. Velocity. Trust.