Beware of fake complexity

The relationship between competence and complexity

The term complexity can take on a variety of meanings. Often what we call “complex” can just be complicated, or indeed even simple.

There is however another dimension to complexity. It’s where complexity is inherent not in the problem, but introduced additionally by the solution, or those tasked with solving the problem. I call this fake or illusory complexity and it’s usually detrimental to project success.