Simplicity Doesn't Sell (and I'm Tired of Being Called Lazy for It)
19 hours ago
- Selling simplicity in tech projects is often rejected because clients prefer impressive but overengineered solutions over practical ones.
- A professional was criticized for suggesting SQLite for a small internal tool (3 users) and was dropped from a project.
- Clients avoid simple solutions because they threaten their self-image as builders of 'scalable' or 'enterprise' systems.
- True simplicity requires deep understanding and difficult decisions, unlike following tutorials for complex architectures.
- Complexity is mistaken for competence, as elaborate diagrams in pitch decks get funded while simple solutions get rejected.
- Experience leads developers to suggest simplicity due to knowing the true costs of complexity, not laziness.
- Most projects aren't unique, and adding more moving parts doesn't solve problems but delays time to market.
- The professional urges buyers to examine if their resistance to simplicity stems from insecurity rather than engineering need.