Tesler’s Law: The danger of oversimplifying complex products

Tesler's Law, also known as the Law of Conservation of Complexity or the Waterbed Theory, asserts that complexity in a system is conserved and cannot be eliminated, only shifted. This principle is crucial in UX design, where oversimplification can lead to unintended complications, as demonstrated by various examples such as the inefficacy of mailto links for email contact. Effective UX design involves managing complexity through organized information architecture, avoiding unnecessary fragmentation of content, and ensuring clarity without oversimplifying essential details. Techniques such as A/B testing, progressive disclosure, tiered onboarding, and smart defaults can help balance complexity while enhancing user experience. The article emphasizes the importance of critical thinking in evaluating design solutions, prioritizing long-term benefits over short-term simplicity, and understanding that great UX design is about making systems as simple as possible without compromising functionality.