Do the simple thing

In my line of work—and I’m sure in many other industries—there’s a common acronym that reminds us how to design systems or make decisions: KISS, which stands for “Keep It Simple, Stupid!” While the original phrase might come across as a bit harsh, I prefer the less common version: “Keep it stupid simple!”

This principle is best exemplified by a story about Kelly Johnson, lead engineer at Lockheed Skunk Works (the creators of the U-2 and SR-71 Blackbird spy planes, among many other innovations). Johnson handed a team of design engineers a handful of basic tools and challenged them to design a jet aircraft that could be repaired by an average mechanic in the field under combat conditions using only those tools. The “stupid” here isn’t an insult—it’s a reminder of the relationship between how things break and the sophistication available to fix them. Keeping things simple can make all the difference.

In software, it’s easy to get carried away with over-engineering or planning for future “what-ifs.” That’s where this principle becomes invaluable. It reminds us to focus on simplicity in designs, plans, processes, and implementations. When brainstorming solutions, starting with the simplest idea is often the best approach—especially when building a proof of concept. Complexity can be added later if necessary, but simplicity is a strong foundation.

Last week, I attended a class designed to help people find new or better jobs. Having been laid off last year, I can attest that the job search has been... rough. In the class, we discussed the challenge of staying focused during the job hunt and avoiding overwhelm. One piece of advice stuck with me: “Do the simple thing.”

I love this idea. Often, when we know there’s something we need to do, our minds spiral into anxiety and overwhelm before we even begin. The worries and concerns crowd in, paralyzing us. But if we can push through that noise and identify the “simple thing” we can do, we can gain momentum and start making progress.

Sometimes, that “simple thing” is just one small action: applying for one job, folding one piece of laundry, or reading for 15 minutes. These small wins can ease anxiety, build momentum, and help us feel better about ourselves. The key is to start somewhere—even if it’s just a tiny step forward.

So, whether you’re designing systems, searching for a job, or simply trying to tackle life’s challenges: do the simple thing.