When simplicity is the goal, even the best ideas can get lost in a sea of features. In our two-year journey with a doctor who approached us with a clear-cut concept, we witnessed firsthand how a straightforward idea can gradually become a complex beast.
The Simple Idea
Our client came to us with a clear problem: his current wound care note software required an excessive number of clicks—up to 40—to complete a task. Having used a wireframe tool to design his ideal interface, he envisioned a solution where everything was on one page, allowing users to finish their notes in just five clicks. This minimalist approach, focused solely on efficiency, was exactly what he needed.
The Evolution of the Project
Initially, the project was a breath of fresh air—a streamlined, user-friendly tool designed to cut through the clutter. However, as work progressed, the temptation to add more features began to creep in. Every few months, additional functions were introduced. Despite gentle reminders to keep the scope in check, our client, Dan, kept insisting on new additions.
The result? The software gradually transformed from a sleek, efficient tool into an overcomplicated system reminiscent of the very software he initially criticized. What began as a simple, intuitive design slowly morphed into a feature-laden monster.
The Breaking Point
The turning point came when Dan prepared a how-to video for a potential client. During the demo, it became painfully clear that the once simple tool was now overly complex—so much so that he couldn’t get past the first few steps without feeling overwhelmed. It was then he realized that all the extra features had diluted the original intent.
Lessons Learned
This case study is a powerful reminder that:
Simplicity is key: The goal should always be to achieve a specific, strategic outcome without overcomplicating the process.
Beware of feature creep: Adding too many features can clutter a system and compromise user experience.
Know your audience: What seems intuitive to the creator may not be so obvious to new users. An interface that feels second nature to you can be confusing for someone seeing it for the first time.
Stay focused on the original vision: Like a modest two-room house, a project can serve its purpose beautifully when kept simple. Expanding it into a 200-room mansion might sound impressive, but it often leads to unnecessary complexity.
Final Thoughts
In the fast-paced world of software design, the temptation to continuously add new features is ever-present. However, as this wound care note project illustrates, overloading a product can turn an elegant solution into a cumbersome one. The key takeaway? Keep it simple, stay true to your original intent, and always consider the end user's experience.
By learning from our experience with Dan’s project, we hope to remind all developers and innovators to carefully balance ambition with usability. After all, sometimes less truly is more.