# Recognise simple and complex things #permanentnote ## Source - [[book - Why Simple Wins - Escape the Complexity Trap and Get to Work That Matters]] ## Keywords (topics and howto) - [[topic - simplification]] - [[topic - personal efficiency]] - [[topic - leading and managing]] - [[how to get stuff done well]] - [[how to recognise complexity]] - [[how to recognise simplicity]] ## Relevant notes - [[zt - chief simplification officer]] ## Notes ### Characteristics of simple things Simplified things are: - **minimal**: as minimal as possible. There must be enough to get the job done - **understandable**: they are understandable by novice which have no expertise in the subject - **repeateble**: easy to scale or replicate - **accessible**: they are available and transparent to as many people as possible ### complexity can be used against people We agree on T&C without reading them as they are way too long McBeth is 18110 words long: - Paypal T&C 36000 words long - iTunes: 20000 - Facebook: 12000 - Google: 10500 ### Quote > Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. > *Albert Einstein* ### Signs of complexity 1. Too many approval proceses 2. Frustrated customers 3. Coordination overload 4. Too many rules change 5. The end of easy (many forms, long contracts) 6. Mystery rules (stuff that appears our of nowhere) ### Impact of complexity Stress from complexity is stress without reward