link: Design Principles

Keep It Short and Simple

The KISS principle advocates for simplicity in design and execution, emphasizing that systems work best if they are kept simple rather than made complex. This design philosophy is applied across various disciplines from software development to mechanical engineering.

Key Principles

  • Simplicity over Complexity: Encourages the avoidance of unnecessary complexities, favoring straightforward and simple approaches.
  • Ease of Understanding: Simplifies the comprehension and maintenance of the system by making it more accessible and easier to manage.
  • Avoid Overengineering: Prevents overcomplicating a system with excessive features or optimizations that do not practically enhance performance.

Warning

Caution While simplicity is valuable, overly simplifying complex processes can omit necessary details and functionalities, potentially leading to underperforming systems that do not fully address user needs or the complexities inherent in certain tasks.

Adhering to the KISS principle can significantly improve both the usability and reliability of a system, making it easier to build, test, and troubleshoot.