A complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be made to work ^98%

The Myth of the Perfect System: Why Complex Systems Designed from Scratch Never Work

Have you ever been part of a team that was tasked with building a complex system from scratch? Maybe it was a new software application, a large-scale infrastructure project, or a business process overhaul. Whatever it was, I'm sure you'll agree that the experience was both exhilarating and daunting.

As we embark on designing and developing complex systems, we often believe that starting with a clean slate gives us the freedom to create something truly innovative and effective. However, the harsh reality is that this approach rarely yields the desired results. In fact, it's been observed time and again that complex systems designed from scratch never work and cannot be made to work.

The Problem of Unintended Consequences

When we start building a system from scratch, we often underestimate the complexity of interactions between its various components. We may overlook subtle dependencies, ignore non-obvious edge cases, or fail to anticipate how users will behave. As a result, our system starts to exhibit unintended consequences that can be catastrophic.

The Law of Requisite Variety

This concept, coined by Ross Ashby in 1956, states that any complex system must have at least as much variety (i.e., complexity) as the environment it is designed to manage or control. In other words, if you try to create a simple system to handle a complex problem, it will inevitably fail.

The Five Dysfunctions of Complex Systems

Here are some common pitfalls that can sink even the most well-intentioned complex systems:

• Insufficient communication between teams and stakeholders
• Lack of clear requirements and goals
• Inadequate testing and validation
• Overemphasis on features over usability and simplicity
• Failure to adapt to changing circumstances and user needs

The Value of Iteration and Incremental Improvement

So, what's the alternative? Instead of trying to design a perfect system from scratch, we should focus on building small, incremental improvements that can be tested and validated quickly. This approach allows us to learn from our mistakes, adapt to changing requirements, and create systems that are truly effective.

Conclusion

In conclusion, designing complex systems from scratch is a recipe for disaster. It's essential to recognize the limitations of human knowledge, the complexity of interactions between components, and the Law of Requisite Variety. By embracing iteration, incremental improvement, and a willingness to adapt, we can create systems that are truly effective and meet the needs of our users.

In the end, it's not about building the perfect system; it's about creating something that works, one small step at a time.