Simplify

This ought to be one of our ten commandments of life.

Usability is perhaps the least acknowledged and yet most valuable concept we're aware of.  Usable excellence happens when we aim for simplicity and achieve it.  You can apply this to almost any area of our lives - from processes to products, services to science.

Allow me to illustrate with my vote for best technology, the one that places simplicity at the forefront of its purpose.  The light switch.  Very few people acknowledge this, and yet this little omnipresent tech is everywhere.  It actually does something quite magical that we take for granted.  You see, all the weird and little-understood bits are behind the scene, and if you disagree with that, don't call the electrician the next time it doesn't work, try fixing it yourself.  I recommend not standing in water at the time.

Simplicity succeeds all around us as well.  I recently heard someone talking about the "miracle" of very young children using various iPad and tablet interfaces, with the cutting observation that if our expectations are exceeded because kids can mange a 1-button, touch interface, then perhaps we need higher expectations.  That 1-button approach by the way, is the key to Apple design success.

In the next couple days notice the things and procedures around you.  Look for the over-engineered, over-optioned and well intentioned but badly designed things in your life.  Ask yourself how you might simplify these, and then take that thought-process into whatever you do.  It'll make the world a better place. Guaranteed.