Simplicity

Benefit: Makes easier
Prerequisites:

Description

"Everything should be made as simple as possible but not simpler" - Unknown

The quote explains it pretty well. If something can be done in a simpler way without removing any attribute it should be simplified. In game development this is regarded as depth/complexity. A game is better if the complexity is decreased while keeping the depth same. An article is better if there are less words while the meaning is the same. A function is better if it does one simple thing. An idea is better if it is easily understandable.

There are a few ways to make something simple.

This works very well with article. After writing go over it and try to read it by removing some words. If the meaning is same continue removing more words until you can't not remove any more words.

This works in complicated systems. When writing if you can replace a sophisticated word with a basic one do it. When coding if you can use another functions/code again, do it.

Warren Buffet constantly says, he avoids any business that looks complicated. If something is complex and you have the option to not do it, that might be the sound decision. Another way is postponing it until you figure out a way to do it in a simpler way.

While practicing simplicity skill make sure to be aware if your simplification decreases only complexity or depth as well.

Practice

Think of a task you're doing today. It could be a new design, explaining an idea, giving a presentation, writing a new class/function, researching a concept etc.

Ask yourself

  1. How can this be simplified?
  2. What parts can be removed that will keep the meaning same?
  3. What parts can be replaced with simpler parts?
  4. Can I postpone this until I find a simpler way of doing it?
  5. Can I do something else instead of this?