A complex system that works evolved from a simple system that worked.
Gall's 1975 statement, and the corollary is the part usually ignored: a complex system designed from scratch never works and cannot be patched into working. Start over from a simple system that does.
In practice
- A payments system that began as a single script and grew works; one designed as a complete platform and built for two years does not.
- A neighbourhood scheme that started with three streets and expanded outlives the one designed from the start to cover the borough.
- Subject
- Design & Systems
- Essay
- The limits every design runs into