KISS — Keep It Simple Silly

I was forwarded this video today, and thought it was quite interesting. I am often amazed by processes that we create, and how complicated we can make the simplest of problems. We love to create red tape, and yet have never heard praise of anyone having to jump through all of the hoops set up for us.

Does it take you four forms and three phone calls to load new software loaded on your computer? If you want to move a filing cabinet from one side of your office to another are you in need of an executive order, and a stack of forms in triplicate? Do you need a body cavity check to renew your license tabs? Can you sign up for random e-mail spam by inadvertently checking the wrong checkbox on a website and then need to ransom your firstborn to unsubscribe?

Why do things need to be SO difficult? And are they really that difficult, or are we just getting in our own way?

Sometimes they aren't. Sometimes our heads get in the way. Why use a bulldozer to move mountains, when it could be accomplished with the effective use of a mere pebble. That is what Wally Wallington is trying to demonstrate. Watch the video below

Think about it, are there things in your life that you are making too complicated? Are there stones that you are trying to move that all the muscle isn't going to make happen, but perhaps a little finesse may go a long way? What boulders are you trying to move in your life, and are you taking the best approach?

Sometimes simpler really IS better.

Design genius!

I am amazed by the ability to rethink a common problem, coming up with a solution which is practical and beautiful, leaving us all with the old "why didn't I think of that?" This was one of those moments.

Check out these Amphibian Dynamic Scuba Fins. If you have ever snorkeled or done scuba and have tried to walk in fins, you have experience humility in action. No one looks good walking in fins. Sure you might think you do well, but trust me, ya don't. But what if you could have fins with a retractable fin, basically a water shoe with a transformer fin.

Brilliant. Simply Brilliant.

Have a heart......attack

Many of us work to promote services, or trying to convey a sense of what isn't necessarily a tangible product.  The difficulty in that lies with the fact that there isn't a great beauty shot to promote, perhaps it is an experience like education that you can't guarantee an identical experience for each of our customers. So, how to go about getting their attention, and making them feel your message.

The British Heart Foundation found a quite interesting way. Traditionally, we have seen the heart attack warning commercials, talking about people who have had an attack and their love for life and thankfulness for the care they received....happy, happy, warm and fuzzy. But the British took a bit of a different approach. And, while I typically don't praise behavior that uses fear and intimidation to relay the message, for some reason, I think this might have been the most effective way to reach their target. While I may be inclined to tear up to the happy, happy warm and fuzzy, I am not your typical heart attack candidate.

So who are their target? Do you know a man in his 50s who perhaps isn't so in tune with his health, and shutters at the thought of an ongoing relationship with his doctor? If so, perhaps this is the approach to try....the heart attack simulator.

What do you think? Get the message across? I think it probably did, and the style and message of the video, perhaps in the style and sense that most of their target might relate to, might not be compelled to grab the remote and start their 2 minute, 2 second surfing marathon.

Know you audience, know what message might speak to them. It won't likely be the same the speaks to you. In fact, it might just scare the bejeebers out of you.