Concept · Agile & Software Development
KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid)
Origin: Kelly Johnson / US Navy
Biological Parallel
Metabolic pathways evolve toward minimal viable complexity—glycolysis uses 10 enzymatic steps, not 100, because each additional step adds failure modes and energy costs. KISS enforces metabolic efficiency: systems with fewer components have fewer breakdown opportunities and lower maintenance overhead. The simplest solution that solves the problem is usually the most evolutionarily stable. Complexity is a liability, not an asset, unless each component pays for itself in fitness advantage.