

In the following examples, it becomes clear what happens if the KISS principle is not used in PowerPoint presentations, quotes and sales pitches.Ī jumble of words adds little to the story and the essence of one’s story will remain unclear. The unintended consequence is that the message does not get across clearly and is not understood well. Most people tend to use many words to explain an important topic. The KISS principle is considered to be the key to working efficiently and fast. Managers also use the KISS principle to present complex models or huge data streams as simply and clearly as possible, so everyone in the organisation can understand it. Vice versa, something can only be explained properly if the person explaining it understands what he/she is talking about. The underlying idea of KISS is based on a quote by Albert Einstein: ‘if you can’t explain it, you don’t understand it well enough’. Messages come across much better if all the information isn’t presented at the same time, but rather in a compact version. Today, the KISS principle is mainly used in the advertising, marketing and design world.
KISS METHOD MANUALS
Therefore, the intention is that the widest possible audience must be able to understand how it works immediately.įor example, lengthy user-manuals of smartphones have been reduced to manageable manuals consisting of practical images with short texts that explain the operation of the device.

The KISS principle assumes that if a large group of people cannot understand a product, it will be almost impossible to use the product properly. The underlying idea of the KISS principle is to keep things as simple as possible in order to prevent stupidities.
KISS METHOD CODE
The longer the number of code lines, the greater the chance of conflicting commands, which in turn would lead to unreliable software.īy keeping codes as simple as possible, not only disc space was saved, but the chance of contradictions occurring would also be far less. The term originates from the world of programmers and was first used at the end of the seventies by the Dutch mathematician and computer scientist Edsger Wybe Dijkstra.ĭue to limited disc space, computer programmers at the time were asked to minimise the number of lines of code they used. Occam’s (or Ockham's) Razor: A 14th century theory that states that in a series of hypotheses, the simplest one is most likely to be correct unless the burden of proof rests on a more complicated theory.Do you want unlimited ad-free access and templates? Find out more World of programmers.Albert Einstein: "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." This means that one should simplify the design of a product and success is achieved when a design is at its maximum simplicity.The KISS principle is similar to older concepts:
KISS METHOD SOFTWARE
Today, this term is frequently used in software design, where function creep and instruction creep can make programs unmanageable over time. Johnson coined the KISS principle during a long engineering career of designing systems with simple repair capabilities, using tools and skills used by average mechanics. Kelly Johnson formulated the KISS principle in the mid-1900s while working as an engineer for the Lockheed Skunk Works, Lockheed Martin's advanced aircraft development program. Techopedia Explains Keep It Simple Stupid Principle KISS is also an acronym for "keep it short and simple" and "keep it simple and straighforward".
