2 days ago
- Simplicity is undervalued in engineering culture; complex solutions get rewarded while simple ones are invisible.
- In promotions, engineers who build elaborate systems have compelling narratives; those who ship simple, effective solutions struggle to articulate their impact.
- Interviews often push candidates toward complex designs, teaching that simplicity isn't enough.
- Design reviews pressure engineers to future-proof unnecessarily, adding unearned complexity.
- True seniority is knowing when not to use complex tools, not just adding them.
- To fix this, engineers should document their decision-making, push back on unnecessary complexity, and discuss with managers.
- Leaders must change incentive structures: ask for the simplest version first, recognize avoided complexity, and celebrate simplicity in public channels.