On simplicity

We firmly believe in supplying the simplest solution to a problem. This may sound like we supply naive, childish solutions to customer problems, but that is not what we mean by “simple”. In fact the “simple” solution can sometimes be the most complex in terms of the amount of thought involved.

A “simple” solution is:

• The solution that provides a full answer to the customer’s problem, with the smallest amount of code.
• The most cost-effective solution to a given problem.
• A solution that allows for future change with the minimum of fuss.
• The solution that can be provided in the shortest time overall.

A “simple” solution is not:

• A “dumbed down” solution that fails to provide the full set of features requested by the customer.
• A hack just to get something to the customer quickly.