A July study by PC World found that very few consumers are satisfied with the computers they buy. Another study by the Gartner Group found that 25 percent of laptops cause problems. The information worker is not happy. A report by the Meta Group found that even though technology workers are working longer hours than ever, their productivity is diminishing. The reasons given are that the projects have become more complex, and because people are changing jobs more often, they are taking longer to acquire the appropriate skills and experience.
Complexity is the curse of the digital age.
It is a type of intellectual pollution that smothers clear thought. Complexity is not a sign of intelligence, but rather a sign of a hyperactive mind gouging on more. True genius and great design is about turning something complex into a product that is simple to use and delivers a real benefit to the consumer. If the technology industry does not stop its love affair with rapid change and complexity, it will alienate a whole marketplace of consumers. Never before has the KISS motto been more true - Keep it simple, stupid.