KISS principle
KISS , an acronym for keep it simple, stupid , is a design principle noted by the U.S. Navy in 1960. [1] [2] The KISS principle states that most systems work best if they are kept simple rather than made complicated; therefore, simplicity should be a key goal in design , and unnecessary complexity should be avoided. The phrase has been associated with aircraft engineer Kelly Johnson . [3] The term "KISS principle" was in popular use by 1970. [4] Variations on the phrase include: "Keep it simple, silly", "keep it short and simple", "keep it short and sweet", "keep it simple and straightforward", [5] "keep it small and simple", "keep it simple, soldier", [6] "keep it simple, sailor", or "keep it sweet and simple". The acronym was reportedly coined by Kelly Johnson , lead engineer at the Lockheed Skunk Works (creators of the Lockheed U-2 and SR-71 Blackbird spy planes, among ma