KISS

Shorthand for keep it simple stupid or keep it short and simple, KISS is a well-known principle reminding people and companies to keep their information and products simple. Computer Hope always tries to adhere to the KISS principle. Below are some general KISS principles to follow when designing a website, program, or product.

Applying KISS to a website

• Keep your layout clean, consistent, and easy to read and navigate for all visitors.
• Don't overload the website with images, Flash, and other distractions.
• All primary content should be above the fold. Avoid any vertical scroll to see primary content; never make the user scroll horizontally.
• Break up text. All text everywhere on the website should be broken into easy-to-read paragraphs and sections.
• Make the primary sections of your website and search accessible with a navigation bar or links on each page.
• Secrets and tips on promoting your website and blog.

Applying KISS to software programming

• Comment code and keep it simple. Obfuscated code or condensed code makes it difficult to read, understand, and troubleshoot.
• Properly format and indent your code.
• Avoid spaghetti code.
• Break up the common problems or tasks into classes or subroutines.
• Avoid overcomplicating a problem. The best algorithms and code is short, simple, and easy to understand.

Applying KISS to a product

• Less is more. Don't overcomplicate your product with more buttons, switches, or other options.
• Solve the most important problem in the simplest way.
• How your product solves a problem should not be more complex than the original problem.
• Your product should be usable by all types of people, especially those you hope to use the product.

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