Through their highly intuitive design Apple no doubt leads this revolution of simplicity.  Which let’s be honest we needed.  As technology speeds up and our time becomes ever more valuable, being able to do more with less is critical.

So whats the point of this article?

Whatever you’re doing, whether creating a website, building software, talking with a potential client, developing the worlds lightest electronic vehicle, re-inventing the pet rock or just about anything else you need to be focusing on making it as simple and accessible as possible.

However, delivering simplicity can sometimes be far from simple. Let’s look at a short case study in simplicity with one of our newest favorite examples – Buffer.

BufferApp.com is a web based Social Media Management solution that’s employing the philosophy of simple to massive effect.

While the available features are playing catch up to their competitors, something they improve regularly, one thing they do better than anyone is keep things simple – which is the reason we use their product.

Here’s why we love it:

• They don’t inundate with information we don’t need. Instead it’s doled out as it’s needed, right about the time we start feeling inclined to hunt for answers. Further when we do need to actively search, their support is just as easy to navigate.

• Graphically their site feels clean and inviting, without a sea of flashing lights, banners or buttons to confuse. It’s what I need. When I need it.

• Settings and management is a breeze. It takes no more than a few seconds to integrate a new project or account, and only a few more to configure it just the way I want it (scheduling times, team member access, etc..).

Let’s simplify their model:

• They remove unnecessary words and steps (barriers of entry).
• They don’t make the customer work to use their service.
• They don’t drown people in information.
• They deliver an organic and natural flowing experience.
• They educate on the go – providing guidance when it’s needed, and not before.
• They avoid flashing lights, fancy widgets and unwanted pop-ups.

How can you apply these concepts to your own business?

• Get a friend or family member who doesn’t really know your system to sit down with you and use it. Take notes of where they take excess time or get confused.
• Through reviewing analytics, which widgets, links or content take up precious space but are little used? Can you afford to remove them?
• Instead of asking potential customers to fill out a survey during the checkout process, try emailing it to them a few days AFTER they’ve made their purchase.
• Create intuitive Call-To-Actions that don’t leave room for guessing, e.g. “Start Here!”.

In the end, doing more with seemingly less drives consumer interactions and becomes critical as the world begins to appreciate the fact that our time is our most valuable commodity.

So we ask again, what can you simplify within your business?