Coping with Complexity

The old microwave in our kitchen died a painless death several weeks ago.  Out with the old and in with the new.  The "new" is different from the "old" - - in terms of features, functionality, controls, etc.  Even setting the clock is a little different than our old model - - a simple clock lacks standardization within a product category (Even a "simple" dead bolt lock lacks standardization and is complex - - do you turn the key left or right and is it a partial rotation or a full 360 degrees?).

Complexity is here to stay, while tomorrow looks as if complexity will be increasing at exponential rates.  Living and coping with complexity has become an important trait and attribute for everyone.  The vast majority of us face complexity on a daily basis - - smart phones, computers, the infamous remote control, appliances, etc.  We are not gizmologists.  We get by with are a variety of coping strategies.

No matter how well designed some things are, no matter how good the conceptual model, the feedback, the structure, and modularization - - you still have to master that remote control.  This requires rules and strategies that are detailed below:

1. Acceptance - - Take a deep breath.  Realize that life is complex.  Everyone is in the same boat - - we are all learning to understand and use complex systems.  You can learn it too.  Complex things become simpler once they are dealt with properly, once they are divided into smaller parts (i.e., "smallifying"), each of which is relatively easy to master, once it is understood, and once the cues built into the system are discovered and used.
2. Divide and Conquer - - Smallifying is important.  Learn one part or module at a time.  Then, as each part is learned, it provides a feeling of accomplishment that helps motivate the learning of the next.
3. Just-in-Time Learning - - I own a Suunto Vector Watch.  Cool looking and complicated to the point I am not sure what all the "Vectors" do.  Setting the time is tricky.  But I really don't have to do this except three or four times a year.  Don't try to learn everything at once: learn only what is needed to do the task that interests you.  Learn when it is needed.
4. Understand, Don't Memorize - - Try to develop a conceptual model of the technology: what is it really doing?  How does it work"  If you can learn this, then quite often the operations will seem sensible and when that happens, they become learnable.  Unfortunately, many technologies seem to go out of their way to make this understanding difficult to acquire.  Do your best to avoid these.
5. Watch Other People - - Watch other people using the technology (like your children): see what they do and how they do it.  Don't hesitate to ask for help or, more importantly, why they did what they did.  Most people will be happy to help.  This is how experts learn little secrets.  Tell people what you are doing - - "I just want to watch and learn."