It was Albert Einstein who said; “If you can’t explain it, you don’t understand it well enough.” Though it is often mis-reported as being; “If you can’t explain it to a six year old, you don’t understand it well enough.” What Einstein was driving at was a particular application of “keep it simple, stupid”.
From scientific concepts to products the end-user doesn’t care how clever the creator or designer of something is. They care about being able to take that person’s output and make it useful to their own lives. The simpler the explanation and the simpler the product, the more likely it is that the output will be useful to others.
The phrase; “keep it simple, stupid” is thought to have been coined by the late Kelly Johnson, who was the lead engineer at the Lockheed Skunk Works (a place responsible for the S-71 Blackbird spy plane amongst many other notable achievements). It is worth noting that Kelly’s version of the phrase had no comma and was written “keep it simple stupid”.
Author/Copyright holder: Terretta. Copyright terms and licence: CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
There’s really not much more to say here is there? Keep it simple stupid.
Kelly explained the idea to others with a simple story. He told the designers at Lockheed that whatever they made had to be something that could be repaired by a man in a field with some basic mechanic’s training and simple tools. The theater of war (for which Lockheed’s products were designed) would not allow for more than that. If their products weren’t simple and easy to understand – they would quickly become obsolete in combat conditions and thus worthless.
Today the KISS principle is celebrated in many engineering professions (including software engineering) and is often brought to bear by managers in many professions as well as by trainers and educators.
The First Usability Principle?
KISS may have been the first usability principle for product design – though it was never formally presented as a usability principle. It focuses on the idea that if we can’t understand a product, we can’t use it properly and that the widest possible audience must be able to understand it, if the product is to gain maximum market share. This is as true for mobile applications as it is for fighter planes.
Author/Copyright holder: United States Navy. Copyright terms and licence: Public Domain.
The Lockheed F-35 will have been built to the KISS principle and so should your products if you want them to succeed.
Variants of KISS
The KISS principle is also offered in two other forms (for those who feel delicate about the inclusion of the word “stupid”):
Though both phrases technically introduce an “a” into the acronym – they both deliver the same message as “keep it simple, stupid”. The objective of any process is to deliver the simplest possible outcome.
Alternatives to KISS
KISS is related to a fair number of other famous quotes, phrases and principles. Among them:
Occam’s Razor - “Among competing hypotheses, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected” (but often restated as “The simplest solution is most likely the correct solution” which is not quite the same thing).
Albert Einstein’s – “Make everything as simple as possible but not simpler” (it is possible that Einstein never actually said this and it was actually a paraphrase of something he said during a lecture but the principle remains sound).
Leonardo Da Vinci’s – “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” (when, perhaps, the greatest designer in history offers this advice, it’s almost certainly good advice).
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe’s – “Less is more” (Mies was a highly respected architect and peer of the better known Frank Lloyd Wright)
Bjarne Stroustrup’s “Make Simple Tasks Simple!” (Stroustrup is a Danish computer scientist and highly regarded academic).
Antoin Marie Jean-Baptiste Roger, comte de Saint-Exupery’s “It seems that perfection is not reached when there is nothing left to add but when there is nothing left to take away.”
Author/Copyright holder: Fred the Oyster. Copyright terms and licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
Occam’s razor is a metaphorical rather than literal razor and it’s often misquoted too. It is possible for something to be too simple and this diagram, rather ably, demonstrates.
A Note of Caution When Applying KISS to Design
Whilst simplicity is an admirable goal and can lead to enhanced user experiences, it is important not to let simplicity interfere with the design objective. The user must still be able to carry out their task requirements with the finished products or the design process has failed – no matter how simple the final design.
Products such as DSLR Cameras are by nature more complex than the cameras found on the latest generations of smartphones. Complexity is to be resisted when it exists for its own sake and not when complexity can enhance the design for the user.
Author/Copyright holder: Bill Bertram. Copyright terms and licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
The DSLR is as simple as it can be without reducing its utility. It’s not as simple as a mobile phone camera but it offers more options to the photographer. KISS has not been abandoned here but rather kept in line with user expectations.
The Take Away
Simplicity is a key design principle. The easier something is to understand and use – the more likely it is to be adopted and engaged with. KISS, “keep it simple, stupid” is thus a great rule of thumb to be applied when considering your design work in a larger context of usage. However, it is also important not to make things so simple that they compromise the functionality of the final design – users will live with a little complexity if it enhances their overall experience.
References
Forbes Magazine explores why using KISS doesn’t make you any stupider. See here.
Lifehacker offers tips into implementing the KISS principle in your life in general here.
Hero Image: Author/Copyright holder: Kristian Bjornard. Copyright terms and licence: CC BY-SA 2.0
FAQs
Keep it simple, stupid (KISS) is a design principle which states that designs and/or systems should be as simple as possible. Wherever possible, complexity should be avoided in a system—as simplicity guarantees the greatest levels of user acceptance and interaction.
What is the Keep it simple method? ›
There's a saying the US Navy coined in the '60s: “Keep It Simple, Stupid” — or KISS for short. The idea behind it is that most processes or systems work best if they're kept simple. Unnecessary complexity gets in the way of purpose and should be avoided at all times.
What is an example of Keep it simple? ›
idiom. Don't go into too much detail in the report. Just keep it simple and to the point. We don't want to spend a lot of money on the party, so we're keeping it simple.
What is the KISS principle in agile? ›
What does KISS stand for? KISS stands for “Keep It Simple, Stupid.” The message is just as simple: Don't make your business processes any more complicated than they have to be.
What is an example of the kiss principle? ›
The principle is best exemplified by the story of Johnson handing a team of design engineers a handful of tools, with the challenge that the jet aircraft they were designing must be repairable by an average mechanic in the field under combat conditions with only these tools.
What is the kiss principle in teaching? ›
The rationale for teaching with Ocarinas can most easily be described by the acronym 'KISS'. The KISS Principle, or 'Keep It Simple, Stupid', (Rich, 1995) maintains that most systems work best when kept simple, not complicated.
What does Keep it simple mean in a relationship? ›
Regardless of what specific phrase fits best in your mind, the principle still remains the same: keeping it simple. Meaning, you don't want to be doing all the things or adding a bunch of complicated spice to your relationship to maintain happiness.
Why is Keep it simple important? ›
By keeping it simple, you can have the greatest impact and create the most value. Don't try to say or do everything – concentrate more on what really needs to be said or done. When you can change something complex into something simple, you've really added value!
What does Keep it simple in AA mean? ›
It refers, quite simply, to the streamlined beauty of approaching an issue with little speculation or embellishment. Things that are simple are easy to understand and to do. The “Keep It Simple” concept has been used throughout history in design, Alcoholics Anonymous, science, philosophy, religion and even the Navy.
What is the KISS method of communication? ›
For those unfamiliar, K.I.S.S. is an acronym for “Keep it simple, stupid.” It originated as a design principle by the U.S. Navy in 1960 and stated that most systems work best if they are kept simple rather than made complicated. Simplicity should be a goal, and unnecessary complexity should be avoided.
Simple Sentences
The train was late. Mary and Samantha took the bus. I looked for Mary and Samantha at the bus station. Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station early but waited until noon for the bus.
Where does Keep it simple come from? ›
The phrase; “keep it simple, stupid” is thought to have been coined by the late Kelly Johnson, who was the lead engineer at the Lockheed Skunk Works (a place responsible for the S-71 Blackbird spy plane amongst many other notable achievements).
What is full meaning of KISS? ›
: to touch (someone or something) with the lips especially as a mark of affection or greeting.
What does KISS mean in safety? ›
'KISS' is a principle that means 'keep it simple, stupid', and this principle has been lacking from health and safety software, and programmes for many years. Making HSE complex and bureaucratic is one of the biggest reasons why most initiatives fail to engage workers at scale.
What is the KISS food method? ›
When it comes to diet, apply the KISS method to it. Realize the simplistic approach of meats, veggies, nuts, seeds, some fruit, little starch, no sugar. These things have a direct connection to the earth, no BS hidden ingredients, sodium or sugar.
What is the best explanation of KISS? ›
To kiss is to touch someone's face or lips with your own lips. Most people kiss each other as a way of saying "Hello!" or because they love each other. You might kiss your grandma on the cheek, kiss your girlfriend on the mouth, or kiss your dog on his furry head.
How do you keep it short and simple? ›
Use words that people will easily understand. Keep sentences short and to the point. Use straightforward sentence construction. If speaking to a group, speak so the person least likely to understand is likely to understand.
What is the three KISS rule? ›
In the Netherlands it is considered quite normal for Dutch people to greet each other with three kisses on the cheek. It is also custom to do the same again when saying good bye. It's just a friendly way of saying hello and farewell. It's not limited to the Dutch either.
What does it mean to say someone is simple? ›
If you say that someone is simple, you mean that they are not very intelligent and have difficulty learning things. He was simple as a child. Synonyms: artless, innocent, naive, natural More Synonyms of simple. 6. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
How do you keep things simple in a relationship? ›
Spend six more hours together a week
It just takes small gestures every day to keep the romance going. Eat breakfast together for 15 minutes instead of looking at your phone. Meet for lunch. Talk to each other after a long day instead of watching TV.
Compromise and ongoing communication are key in respecting each other's feelings, needs and values. But compromise shouldn't always be one way. If one partner actively disrespects, ignores or demeans the other person, this is abusive behavior.
Why being simple is the best? ›
Simplicity saves time, and simplifying tasks allows us more energy. Even if we don't understand how things work, they will still be easier to figure out because all the complex pieces have been broken down into smaller segments and arranged in a way that we can understand.
Is it better to keep life simple? ›
For many, one of the biggest benefits of simple living is the fact that it leads to way less stress. Without as much to worry about, you can say goodbye to sky-high stress levels. Studies have shown that cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone, are higher in cluttered spaces.
Is being simple a good thing? ›
Being a simple person is a quiet gift that benefits both you and the many others in your life. What is this? A simple person is happy, healthy, and well, experiencing a type of inner peace that few others can often find.
What should you not say in AA? ›
Here are some examples of things you should avoid speaking about during an AA meeting:
- Unrelated Topics. ...
- Controversial Topics. ...
- Substance Use Behaviors. ...
- Distressing or Traumatic Incidents. ...
- Grievances or Resentments.
The Promises of AA
Promise 1: We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. Promise 2: We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. Promise 3: We will comprehend the word serenity.
What is the most popular AA slogan? ›
One of the most common AA slogans is “one day at a time.” This simple phrase carries two essential messages. First, we must focus on the present. We cannot see the future, and we cannot control the universe. But we can control our own actions right now.
How do you kiss silently? ›
Don't blow - a little breath will do the trick. You can even say their name softly for added emphasis, but make sure you say it quietly because everything is very amplified when you're talking that close to their ear. You can kiss their cheek softly on the way back to their mouth if you want to.
How do you kiss someone safely? ›
Prevention of infection while kissing
- Avoid kissing when you or the other person is sick.
- Avoid kissing anyone on the lips when you, or they, have an active cold sore, warts or ulcers around the lips or in the mouth.
- Maintain good oral hygiene.
- Cough and sneeze into a hanky if you have a cold.
The four types of simple sentences are: Statement A statement states something. Question A question asks or requests something. Command A command orders or commands something. Exclamation An exclamation exclaims something.
The 4 English Sentence Types
| form | example sentence (clause) |
|---|
| 1 | declarative | John likes Mary. |
| 2 | interrogative | Does Mary like John? |
| 3 | imperative | Stop! Close the door. |
| 4 | exclamative | What a funny story he told us! |
Simple Sentences
A simple sentence contains a subject and a verb, and it may also have an object and modifiers. However, it contains only one independent clause. Here are a few examples: She wrote.
What does KISS stand for military? ›
KISS is an acronym for "Keep it simple, stupid" as a design principle noted by the U.S. Navy in 1960. The KISS principle states that most systems work best if they are kept simple rather than made complex; therefore simplicity should be a key goal in design and unnecessary complexity should be avoided.
Does 3 kisses mean text? ›
If you receive three kisses in a text message, someone is trying to let you know how much they care about you or how much they have feelings for you in a romantic and/or sexual manner.
What type of kiss means love? ›
Love Bite/Hickey
More of a sucking action than kissing, a love bite or hickey is one to plant on your partner's neck. This type of kiss indicates your romantic desire for your partner.
What does kiss mean to a guy? ›
Some men view kissing as something exciting at the beginning of a relationship, but as time passes, they start to think of it as a simple prelude to sex. Other guys love kissing and are passionate about it. One tip for how to tell if a guy likes kissing you is if he always lingers and could kiss you for hours.
Does kiss mean dating? ›
If you're wondering if you should kiss on a first date, the harsh truth is that it doesn't signify that you'll have another date with this person. There are plenty of daters who end up kissing at the end of a great first date, but then never hear from or see this person ever again.
How to kiss girl safely? ›
If you and your partner both feel comfortable doing more, go for it!
- Pay attention to body language. ...
- Gradually increase the intensity. ...
- Make eye contact between, or even during, kisses. ...
- Take a break from their lips. ...
- If you're going to bite, be gentle.
Body kiss. A body kiss is a way to make your makeout session more intimate or erotic, or it can be a form of foreplay. "You can kiss various body parts like earlobes, sides of necks, insides of wrists, and other hot spots, where blood flow is close to the surface of the skin," Brown-James says.
What is a bread KISS? ›
Noun. The kissing crust is the edge on a loaf of bread where it has touched another loaf in baking.
Experts advise brushing your teeth and waiting at least 4 hours before kissing someone if you think you ate a food that person may be allergic to.
How do you make your KISS count? ›
How to make the first kiss count
- Get to know each other.
- Play up your assets.
- Foster anticipation.
- Stay sober.
- Oral hygiene matters Scent and taste make a difference in a good kiss -- particularly to women who, generally, have a stronger sense of smell than men. ...
- Pick the moment.
- Don't worry.
- Keep kissing.
Principle 2, “there are no little things,” is a discussion of the little things that make a difference in orthodontic practice. Principle 3 refers to “the KISS principle,” derived from the popular maxim “keep it simple, stupid,” with the idea to avoid complexity.
What is the kiss principle and or Occam's razor? ›
The KISS Principle, also known as Ockham's Razor, is an acronym for a popular maxim, “Keep IT Simple and Stupid” or “Keep IT Simple and Straightforward”. Restated, one should avoid complexity when undertaking any plan, design, or action, when possible.
What is the kiss principle in relationships? ›
Regardless of what specific phrase fits best in your mind, the principle still remains the same: keeping it simple. Meaning, you don't want to be doing all the things or adding a bunch of complicated spice to your relationship to maintain happiness.
Is KISS principle the same as Occam's razor? ›
Occam's razor (also known as lex parsimoniae), an often cited principle of parsimony, economy, or succinctness used in problem-solving. It has also been expressed as the KISS principle or "Keep it simple stupid!". It states that among competing hypotheses, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected.
Who coined the KISS principle? ›
The phrase; “keep it simple, stupid” is thought to have been coined by the late Kelly Johnson, who was the lead engineer at the Lockheed Skunk Works (a place responsible for the S-71 Blackbird spy plane amongst many other notable achievements).
What is KISS approach in Anaesthesia? ›
The KISS is also used in anaesthesia management when complicated decisions are needed to be taken but it remains underutilised [8]. It was a modified aphorism of 'Keep it Simple, Stupid! ' to 'Keep it Simple yet Safe!
What is Occam's razor example? ›
Occam's razor may be useful in very specific scientific settings. For example, doctors use a version of it—“when you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras”—to ensure they go for the simplest diagnosis to explain their patient's symptoms.
What is a simple example of Occam's razor? ›
Examples of Occam's razor
“You have a headache?”, “Oh no… you might have the Black Death!” Sure, it's true that one of the symptoms of the Black Death is a headache but, using Occam's razor, it's obviously much more likely that you're dehydrated or suffering from a common cold.
Occam's Razor, put simply, states: “the simplest solution is almost always the best.” It's a problem-solving principle arguing that simplicity is better than complexity. Named after 14th-century logician and theologian William of Ockham, this theory has been helping many great thinkers for centuries.
What is the three kiss rule? ›
In the Netherlands it is considered quite normal for Dutch people to greet each other with three kisses on the cheek. It is also custom to do the same again when saying good bye. It's just a friendly way of saying hello and farewell. It's not limited to the Dutch either.
What is the KISS principle synonym? ›
' Principles Wiki tells us that the letters KISS also stand for 'Keep it Short and Simple' or 'Keep it Simple and Straightforward. ' In fact, they may even stand for 'Keep it Smart and Simple. '
Why do couples stop kissing after a while? ›
Some reasons they may have stopped kissing include infidelity if they do not enjoy kissing, are preoccupied with work or are expecting you to make the first move. To make sense of the situation, you may have to consider how old the relationship is.
Why is it called Occam's razor? ›
Occam's Razor. The term "Occam's Razor" comes from a misspelling of the name William of Ockham. Ockham was a brilliant theologian, philosopher, and logician in the medieval period. One of his rules of thumb has become a standard guideline for thinking through issues logically.
What is the definition of Occam's razor in psychology? ›
the maxim that, given a choice between two hypotheses, the one involving the fewer assumptions should be preferred. In other words, one should apply the law of parsimony and choose simpler explanations over more complicated ones.
