Lessons from the Trenches

Complexity in a tech stack rarely stems from malice or incompetence. It’s a natural byproduct of growth, especially when businesses scale rapidly and prioritize delivery over architecture. But unchecked complexity can cripple 🚀 velocity, 💡 innovation, and 🛡️ resilience.

Here’s a typical real-world example:

🛠️ Deployments are scattered across Jenkins, GitHub Actions, and manual processes.

🌐 Infrastructure as Code (IaC) includes Terraform templates and Kubernetes configurations (some raw, some managed with Helm charts), with significant overlap in parameter storage and no clear architectural boundaries.

⚙️ Google Cloud Functions proliferate in one corner while the rest of the stack resides in AWS —nearly identical copies with hard-coded parameters and an overly permissive portal allowing data to be posted back into an AWS/Kubernetes stack.

Such a fragmented environment doesn't arise from poor intentions. It grows out of necessity, as decisions are made to keep up with immediate demands. However, this explosion of complexity creates bottlenecks and risks that completely stifle long-term agility, and eventually the business grinds to a paralyzing halt.

⚡ The Relentless Pursuit of Simplicity

A well-architected platform isn’t defined by the sheer number of features or technologies it employs. Its power lies in its 🧘 simplicity—a deliberate and disciplined use of technologies, implemented with care and purpose. Simplicity is not just a byproduct of good design; it’s an active pursuit.

🛑 Introducing New Technologies: A Rigorous Threshold

Every new technology added to a platform increases its 🧠 cognitive load, ⚙️ operational overhead, and ⚡ potential for failure. By default, introducing new technologies should be met with resistance. When a new technology is proposed, ask:

❓ Does it provide a unique set of attributes not already present in the stack?

📈 Do these attributes deliver crucial business value?

🤖 Can the maintenance overhead be automated or rendered negligible?

In most cases, a "no" to any of these questions should result in a rejection. These criteria aren’t about stifling innovation—they’re about preserving focus and ensuring every tool contributes meaningfully to the platform's goals.

✂️ Simplicity Through Subtraction

Simplicity isn’t just about avoiding unnecessary complexity; it’s about actively removing it. A well-architected platform should improve over time, not just by adding new capabilities, but by shedding outdated, redundant, or unused components. Constantly ask:

❌ What can we remove?

🗓️ What features or tools have outlived their purpose?

🪶 How can we reduce the platform’s "weight" to make room for sustainable growth?

This mindset is akin to pruning 🌱: cutting back old growth not only keeps the platform healthy but also allows it to thrive and adapt to new challenges.

✨ Why Simplicity Matters

Simplicity enables:

🛡️ Reliability: Fewer moving parts mean fewer points of failure.

🚀 Velocity: Developers can move faster when the platform is clear, consistent, and easy to navigate.

📈 Scalability: A lean, focused platform is easier to adapt and scale to meet future needs.

📌 The Takeaway

Complexity is the enemy of progress. A relentless focus on simplicity—through disciplined technology choices and a commitment to pruning—is essential to building platforms that serve both the present and future needs of a business. By continuously refining and simplifying, you create an environment where innovation and growth can flourish.