Why do we glorify complexity and look down on simplicity — especially in tech? I wanted to share this because it resonates with so much of what I’ve experienced and observed in tech myself.
In Joan Westenberg’s thought-provoking piece, “Why Simplicity Offends Tech Elites”, she explores the curious tendency within tech circles to glorify complexity and dismiss simplicity as somehow less valuable. Reading this, I was struck by how deeply embedded this mindset is in startup and developer culture — where convoluted solutions, obscure tools, and overly engineered systems are often seen as badges of honor. Westenberg challenges this mentality, arguing that simplicity should not be mistaken for laziness or lack of depth. In fact, true simplicity is hard-earned — it requires clarity, discipline, and empathy for users.
There’s a certain elitism around “hard mode” — where doing things the difficult or complex way is a way to prove worth or intellect. But as Westenberg points out, the real innovation often lies in making things accessible, usable, and clear. That’s not dumbing things down — that’s making them work. Her essay is a call to rethink our values, especially in tech-driven spaces, and to start honoring the difficult work behind simplicity rather than fetishizing difficulty for its own sake.