Paradox of Simplicity Defined

The evolution of simplification follows a pattern. Early technologies tend to look like the technologies they displace. The Ford Model T resembled a horse buggy. As technologies evolve, the interfaces get simpler, hiding even greater levels of complexity. The automobile ignition key is simpler to use, yet internally more complex than its predecessor the crank-start. All technologies follow what Dave Nocera calls the Paradox of Simplicity, that is, no matter how simple the interface, underlying complexity is preserved.