simplicity – designing a future where less is more.

“Simplicity does not just happen. The evolutionary trend is the other way.  Things get even more complex as we keep adding on and seeking to deliver more.  Simplicity needs a determined effort.  There has to be the will to make things simpler.  There also has to be some special thinking.  Designing for simplicity is not as difficult as trying to simplify something which is already in progress.” 
Dr. Edward de Bono

If we are going to compete, lead and work smarter, we need a framework and set of tools that help us cut through the clutter, that allow us to focus on what is important and not waste our time on the rest.  We need the power of simplicity. 

Why is Simplicity as a value important?
More, better, faster!  Systems, procedures, technology, regulations, convention etc exist to help make our lives easier and more productive.  So why are so many things often a hassle, full of complexity and frustrating?  Occasionally, simplicity might just happen.  Yet, on the whole simplicity does not happen by chance.  You have to want to make something simple.  There has to be a drive, an urge, a motivation to make things simpler.

What is Simplicity?
Simplicity is a process where the focus is to make the complex clear.  It is about creating the right kind of order.  This order comes about from creating clarity and meaning.  Edward de Bono believes that much of what we do can be made more effective and efficient by simplification. 

Simplicity can transform a task into an opportunity, a burden into a pleasure.  The challenge of achieving simplicity requires a managed approach and a lot of creative techniques, including historical review which asks whether something we traditionally take for granted is still necessary; shedding, where we eliminate what cannot be justified; bulk & exceptions, which deals separately with majority and extreme cases; and extracting concepts, which can help us find another, simpler way of delivering the concept. 

Simplicity is an examination of ways to break free from the intimidating complexity of today and frustration of information overload.  Simplicity is the power to do less of what doesn’t matter and more of what does.

Simplicity Programme
We are proud to announce that last year, we were among the first de Bono trainers worldwide to be certified by Edward de Bono in his new Simplicity™ Skill Building Programme at the home of de Bono Thinking Systems, Edward's publishing arm which is located in the USA.

The Simplicity Skill-Building Programme is based on Edward's 1999 publication, “Simplicity” and is designed to make simplicity a key value.  He has created tools and processes that can help bring simplicity into our complex lives.

We are now offering offering a two-day Simplicity Programme with coaching support in our Fuel Seminar Series.  This two-day workshop introduces you to a managed approach for simplicity, to bring a breath of new life to old issues, problems, approaches and processes.  Programmes for teams and organisations can also be conducted in-house. 

For further information on the Simplicity Programme, please email us.

Comments

[David hayes]

In the book Simplicity, Edward de Bono notes that every country should have a National Institue for Simplicity. Do you know of any country that has one?

Thanks