Definition
“Keep It Simple Stupid” or its acronym KISS is a design principle first noted by the US Navy in the 1960’s. The emphasis is on stating that a large variety of systems tend to work best when the procedure is kept simple, rather than overly complicated. A simplicity in design will greatly benefit in the product being more relatable and accessible for the end users.
It is a usability principle for Product Design that has two other variants : “Keep it short and simple” and “Keep it simple and straightforward” , in the cases of when the word ‘stupid’ is deemed highly sensitive and troubling to some. The central message/objective remains the same: To deliver the simplest possible outcome.
Further Reading
- “Moderating Usability Tests: Principles and Practice for Interacting” (book), by Beth A. Loring and Joseph S. Dumas.
