Keep it simple, stupid! Simplicity in digital

If there’s a chance to do something the simple way, go for it. This formula works well not only with everyday challenges but also with IT projects. At KISS digital, from day one it has proved useful for creating advanced technological solutions — without overcomplicating the whole process. What is “keep it simple, stupid” principle?

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. This idea of Leonardo da Vinci has been shared and followed by many creators. Not only in the realm of design but also of software development.

What does keep it simple mean?

• KISS (acronym for “keep it simple, stupid”) is a principle that helps to prioritize tasks and implement projects more efficiently.
• As KISS digital we apply it in communication, customer relations and technology design.
• KISS allows us to save customers’ time and money as well as to focus on the results of our actions, not secondary issues.

It is common knowledge that minimalism, austerity of form, preference to avoid excess and complexity have been present throughout the ages in a variety of cultural contexts. Ockham’s razor, Japanese Zen philosophy, Ikea furniture are but a few prominent examples. No wonder — many of us hold dear the idea of choosing simple solutions over the complex ones.

At least in theory. Because in practice we have a natural tendency to complicate things and see problems as more troublesome than they actually are. When choosing KISS digital as our company’s name, we were aware of this inclination. So we decided that the effort of overcoming it will constitute the keystone of our work.

Who came up with “keep it simple, stupid”? Or: what KISS is actually about

KISS principle, despite its friendly connotations, is an acronym with military roots. The phrase it stands for, “keep it simple, stupid”, served as the motto (allegedly coined by Kelly Johnson) of American military aviation engineers in the early 1960s. It postulated that the aircraft be designed simply enough for an average skilled mechanic to be able to repair them in field conditions using simple tools.

At KISS digital we don’t have much to do with the army. Our projects are completely peaceful. However, we demonstrate certain combativeness — or courage, at least — in facing complex problems. We believe that for every complex issue there is an effective solution, and it’s worth to look for it with simple tools.

Why? Because it is in simplicity where several IT industry-specific characteristics converge. These are:

• functionality,
• ease of use,
• aesthetics,
• saving resources, including time and money spent on projects.

As a result, the KISS paradigm allows us to create projects that are attractive to our clients, our clients’ customers and ourselves.

We apply the “keep it simple (stupid)” principle on several levels of our business. For instance, in:

• communication (internal and external),
• relationships with clients,
• technology design.

What do you think about this approach? What other principles lead your work?

Read more at: https://kissdigital.com/blog/what-do-we-mean-by-kiss-simplicity-in-digital