The KISS Principle calls for a solution to a problem that is as simple as possible. The abbreviation KISS originally stood for: "Keep it simple, stupid!" and is nowadays also often translated as: "Keep It Simple and Straightforward".

In its basic message, the KISS Principle is very similar to Occam's razor, which states that when there are several options for solving a problem, the simplest one is to be preferred.

Origin

The principle was originally coined by Kelly Johnson (Lockheed Skunk Works) in the 1960s, where the idea arose that military aircraft should be repairable by mechanics with the simplest tools.

  • Johnson, K. (1960). Lockheed Skunk Works Design Principles.
  • U.S. Navy (ca. 1960). Further documents on the KISS principle.

Application in UX and UI design

In UX and UI design, the KISS Principle means that designers should keep their user interfaces clear, concise and easy to understand. For example, a minimalist layout that offers users only the most necessary functions is often more successful than a cluttered interface. By consistently asking whether an element or function is really needed, unnecessary complexity can be avoided.

Impact on the User Experience

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Further information