Don't Worry, Be Happy

I'm continuing my research on simplicity, complexity and design. It's for my Simplicity Cycle book, and I might even use it as part of my Systems Engineering thesis when I'm at AFIT this fall.

In my research, I came across Don Norman's book Emotional Design, which I mentioned yesterday. Here are a few quotes from the book which make me happy:

"Psychologist Alice Isen and her colleagues have shown that being happy broadens the thought processes and facilitates creative thinking... When you feel good, Isen discovered, you are better at brainstorming, at examining multiple alternatives."

"Attractive things make people feel good, which in turn makes them think more creatively."

"[After completing a task,] tense and anxious people will complain about the difficulties whereas the relaxed, happy ones will probably not even remember them. In other words, happy people are more effective in finding alternative solutions and, as a result, are tolerant of minor difficulties."

Being happy broadens the thought processes? I guess that's why Buddah is always laughing.

And what's the connection between "attractive things" and simplicity? In a word: elegance.

Micromanagement & Complexity

Is there a link between a tendency to micromanagement and a preference for complexity?

My gut says yes, but I haven't been able to craft a solid case for it yet. I'm interested in hearing your opinions, theories, experiences or experiments. Do micromanagers tend to overvalue complexity, or am I off base here?

Here's what I'm thinking so far. Since micromanagement tends to be about trusting one's self more than one's subordinates, micromangers might prefer complexity because their understanding of complex systems / technologies / processes / etc is greater than their subordinate's understanding, which reinforces the perceived need for their involvement ("Here, this is complicated and I know how to do it, so let me just do it for you...").

Other thoughts? Stories?

Simplicity & Genius

Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius -- and a lot of courage -- to move in the opposite direction. - EF Schumacher