<a href="http://egroup.jasonmangone.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/J36A7356.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-8659" alt="Business Applications" src="http://egroup.jasonmangone.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/J36A7356-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199" /></a>

At least since the KISS principle was coined in the 1960 by the US Navy, we have all understood that keeping things simple is better. However clear the understanding, it has been an elusive goal for many businesses with regard to internal processes. I think this has occurred because some leaders mistakenly approach the KISS principle with the belief that simple equates to easy, fast, and lacking depth, when in fact, simplicity in design is everything but. It is difficult to achieve.

The goal of simplicity is about <i>simplicity for the user</i>, not the design team. The simplicity should not be at the expense of value creation.
<h2>Simple designs consider the user</h2>
Well-designed processes reduce the distraction and frustration of the user by anticipating bottlenecks and resolving them behind the scenes.  A simple example is that of giving an error to a user that the format of a telephone number has been entered incorrectly when a little more program logic could eliminate the disruption. Why require a user to enter City, State and Zip code, when just the zip code would suffice?  Do the work behind the scenes so we humans can maximize our energy and attention on true value creation or the outdoors or our families.
<h2>Simple designs are about ROI</h2>
To be faster, cheaper, better, we have to refine and refine so the smallest bottleneck is cleared. We don’t have to eliminate valuable features and functionality to achieve the optimal design, we need to incorporate them into the process in a thoughtful way so that don’t disrupt the flow.
<h2>Simple designs are about the details</h2>
To be a leader, to be an innovator, to be an effective problem solver requires the tenacity to keep pushing for flow. Constantly looking and listening for subtle nuisances that will provide the next win. These wins will often be small, but the accumulation of them results in breakthroughs. So, do sweat the small stuff; that is where you will find the gold.

Every year billions of dollars are spent on business applications in the hope that they will be a silver bullet to solve ineffective processes; that as soon as the implementation is complete all will be well. When, in fact, it is the beginning of the opportunity for innovation. Often the vast majority of potential benefit of these applications is not realized because of the lack of an ongoing effort to implement, explore and refine. These applications provide a platform for process improvement, insights and innovation.

To extract the value, include the right resources, expectations and attention after the implementation is complete, so that you realize the optimal value.