19.07.2009Simplicity is the most complex achievement by Rob Smith
Reading time: 2 – 3 minutes
Today I was listening to Boagworld – a podcast on web design from a company that’s very similar in many ways to Blueleaf in the way it functions and the kind of work it does, apart from they focus solely on digital work.
There was one comment in there, “Simplicity is the most complex achievement” that struck a chord with me so while I was off on a walk earlier I was thinking about how this fits into the world of website development and online sales.
Core purpose
Sticking to your core purpose is what can drive simplicity forwards. Always remembering exactly what your website is looking to achieve, not what else it could do. If you have a site that sells curtains, then make sure you focus on that, not adding masses of functionality around cushions. If your website is to generate enquiries – only put content in aimed at converting people to talk to you.
A limited set of functionality
As your website grows in both content and complexity, try to steo back and ask the question – is there anything that I can remove to help this site become more simple and focused? For instance was there some functionality you put in that your website stats are showing is not being used? Keep what you do simple by taking out things that are not needed.
Apple are very brave in this way. They left out Copy and Paste on the iPhone for a long time. I think it’s a required feature, however they did not. Did it stop sales? No I would suggest. They still don’t offer a lot of features an settings that for instance Windows Mobile 6 does – but what’s their market share? Exactly. Simplicity conquers.
Who’s job is it to take things out?
So who’s job is it to take things out then? Your agency, the business owner? There’s no easy answer – it should be a collaborative process, but it needs to be done.
Conclusion
Help your site by trying to return to complexity – it’s hard to take things out. ‘But what if someone uses it / that one person has used it before?’ Tough decisions. But if you can help 20,000 visitors have a better experience for the sake of one person giving something a try – it’s well, well worth it.
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