Always start simple

by | Mar 18, 2023 | Blog

Have you ever heard of Gall’s Law?

It’s this (my bolding):

“A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from a simple system that worked. A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched up to make it work. You have to start over with a working simple system.”

Note: In the same book, which was, for many years, titled “Systemantics” (such a good title :), author John Gall also pointed out that “A simple system may or may not work.”

So it’s critical not to overlook the “that worked” part of the law.

He wrote it about systems design, and so it necessarily applies to your business and your offerings (which are, after all, systems).

It means it’s best if you:

  • start with one idea
  • solve one problem
  • speak to one ideal customer
  • make your name for one thing

And wait until you’re sure it all works before adding a second to any of those.

It also means if you started with something too complex, the best way forward is to get back to basics.

In many ways, this is another way of looking at the ‘minimum viable’ approach (a topic for another day).

Simply,
James

P.S. I first heard of this concept in this post from Nick Milo (the Obsidian guy).