It’s Complicated - exploring complexity within the experiential flatlands.

The world is complex. People are complex. Cultures, platforms and systems ARE complex. Simplicity seems to be the apparent antidote — but does the absolute lack of complexity ensures a better experience, or are we trading (at times) real depth with superficial interactions?

Some of the most celebrated traits of the modern era are the application of minimalism and simplicity in design. We create user interfaces that can penetrate and through complex data & knowledge systems, one click that opens-up infinite data paths. The idea is noble and much needed, especially in an age where an abundance of content surrounds us. But the idea of an ‘effortless experience summoning’ seems to be the only USP technology platforms. Creating engagements on a single gesture, one click, soon to be ‘one blink’ world, what value would conscious interaction have?

What would happen once we make the next leap, letting cognitive computing and sophisticated micro-gesture recognition kick in — channelling body language and micro-gestures through predictive algorithms that will execute our (subconscious) choices?

Perhaps we have peeled-off so many layers that we have cut-out users from creating a meaningful bond with platforms and brands. Complexity might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but well-designed multilayered systems can embed a deeper sense of discovery and value creation. In an age an automated, instant solution seems the obvious answer, it also means that we are giving up our ability (and desire) to experience the nuances of a decision or an action, a ritual of engagement. Yes, we are creating a highly-efficient-easily-accessed landscape, but oh-so-flat user experiences with it. We have been confusing simplicity and minimalism and embraced ‘effortless’ as core criteria, mirroring users’ ‘wants’ vs investing in something that can give them more value.

Why can’t we look at challenges, difficulties and setback as precisely what they are — a part of the process? Not something we should strive for, but perhaps not something we need to override at ANY cost. Perhaps something that can be part of the experience value, outside the obvious triggers of satisfaction and indulgence. So I say — bring me the ugly, the uncomfortable and the complex and let’s explore how we can turn those into valuable assets.

One of my favourite examples of failed simplicity (and by favourite — I mean ‘least favourite’) is…POWERPOINT…ofcourse. Data visualisation guru — Edward Tufte — speaks extensively* about the difference between the value of clear data visualisation vs a partial, oversimplified version. Observing the manner in which new tools, such as PowerPoint, changed deep concepts into oversimplified pitches, which turn into 30-word elevator pitches and overused buzzwords.

When be able to beautify everything around us, summon any content at will, and block undesirable ones? Is this a perfect world or one controlled by a passive-aggressive partner at best (or Norma Bates)? With all emerging technologies, there is great potential to make better experiences, but we need to find a path to meaningful interactions, rather than a mere manifestation of the culture of convenience.

There is a place — and a need — to explore poetic complexities, easy to navigate multilayered experiences rather than just an easy-to-chew content. I believe that we can maintain a great experience while providing rich(er) paths and a sensibility to nuances. Form a new digital space where the path between two points is not ALWAYS the shortest. Bring back user exploration, a sense of wonder, and (in the words of Frank Gehry) explore some ‘healthy insecurities’ within the creation of digital and physical experiences and interactions.

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The article was originally published in Medium on Feb 16, 2018

Galit Ariel is Author of 'Augmenting Alice - The Future of Identity, Experience and Reality', a notable keynote speaker and thought-leader in the field of immersive interaction.

*Do read ‘The Cognitive Style of PowerPoint Pitching Out Corrupts Within’