The Need for High Tech Simplicity

The New York Times has an interesting piece that essentially says that those of us over 50 have an increasing need for simplicity in our gadgets. Well, being over 50, and the resident GBM old guy, I can relate. But if you ask me, this isn’t an age thing, besides that’s all in the mind, right? Simplicity is a key no matter your age, although I’m sure those with more heartbeats left in the cycle can put up with a few more complications while finding it less aggravating.

Simplicity is a real key, especially in mobile computing. When you’re on the go and you want to check that email, or take a quick look at a document, you don’t want to wade through anything, you just want what you need right away. The shortest path between two points is indeed a straight line. The straighter a line we can create without add-ons, connectivity issues, menus, etc… the better off we will all be.

I still maintain the simplest way to create a streamlined, simple user interface for any device or gadget is to force the CEO of the company to use their own products for a period of time. Better yet, have the CEOs and their familes use them. You want to weed out complexity? That’ll help do it in a hurry.

In any case, it is an interesting read.