Keep it Simple, Stupid! The KISS Principle Explained

• The KISS principle refers to the concept of keeping designs simple and easy to use for users.
• It is important to determine what a design needs versus what can be left out.
• To apply the KISS principle in UX design, designers should work backward and conceptualize the final product from the user's perspective.
• The minimum viable product (MVP) is an excellent example of the KISS principle in action as it only focuses on what is needed for the user to successfully solve their problem.
• Successful KISS designs include the Google homepage and Airbnb's search functionality.

What is Keep it Simple, Stupid (The KISS principle)?

The KISS principle refers to the idea of keeping designs simple and accessible for users. It was first introduced as an acronym by the United States Navy, but an engineer named Kelley Johnson is credited with coining the exact phrase “keep it simple, stupid.”

How to apply the KISS principle to UX design

Designers can apply the KISS principle in UX design by working backward and conceptualizing the final product from the user's viewpoint. The minimum viable product (MVP) is a great example of the KISS principle in action. Designers focus only on what's necessary to solve the user's problem, and MVPs are launched to gather feedback for further improvements.

Great UX examples of KISS in action

Some popular KISS designs include Airbnb's search functionality and the Google homepage. Both designs feature simplistic yet intuitive interfaces that enable easy interaction and use for users.