Feb 3, 2025
Tesler’s Law: Turning Complexity into a Strategic UX Advantage
Mike Aleo
Theory
Software Design
“Simple can be harder than complex: you have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.” [1]
— Steve Jobs
Modern software design faces a constant challenge: managing inherent complexity without burdening the user. Tesler’s Law, also known as the Law of Conservation of Complexity, teaches us that some complexity is unavoidable—it can only be shifted from one part of a system to another [2]. The key decision is: who should bear that complexity—the user or the system?
In today’s competitive landscape, where user experience (UX) is a strategic advantage, embracing Tesler’s Law means investing extra effort during development so that the end user enjoys a seamless interaction. This article explores the hidden complexity in software, the balance between usability and necessary complexity, and a nuanced example from defense technology that illustrates how even the most advanced systems can achieve intuitive design.
The Hidden Complexity in Software
Every software product carries an underlying complexity. If not properly managed, this complexity shifts to the user, resulting in confusing interfaces and cognitive overload. When users must decipher convoluted workflows or piece together hidden features, their experience suffers and frustration mounts.
Tesler’s Law reminds us that a shortcut in design often leads to a hidden cost: if developers avoid tackling complexity upfront, the burden inevitably lands on users. As one observation puts it, “if a million users waste a minute a day due to unnecessary complexity that an engineer could have eliminated in a week, the overall loss is enormous” [2]. When complexity isn’t absorbed by the system, it manifests as inefficiency, errors, and diminished trust in the product.
Modern design practices emphasize reducing this cognitive load. By carefully crafting workflows and automating intricate processes, software can handle the heavy lifting internally—leaving the user with a clear, direct experience. This approach not only improves satisfaction but also enhances productivity and reduces long-term support costs.
Balancing Usability and Necessary Complexity
Not all complexity can—or should—be removed. Many tasks are inherently complicated, and oversimplifying them can strip away essential functionality. The art of great design lies in deciding where complexity should reside. Should it be embedded in the backend logic and intelligent automation, or should it be exposed to the user in the interface?
A well-designed product minimizes visible complexity without sacrificing capabilities. Techniques such as progressive disclosure help by presenting only the most relevant options at first, while advanced features remain available for expert users when needed. This strategy ensures that novice users aren’t overwhelmed, yet power users retain access to the full functionality required in complex domains.
In essence, designers must determine the “sweet spot” where the system manages the unavoidable complexity behind the scenes, allowing users to achieve their goals effortlessly while still having access to advanced controls when necessary.
Real-World Example from Defense Technology
A compelling example of managing complexity comes from the realm of defense technology—specifically, the cockpit design of the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet. Modern fighter aircraft are among the most complex machines ever built, integrating vast amounts of sensor data, communication systems, and navigation tools. Yet, the F-35’s cockpit is designed to be as intuitive as possible for the pilot [3].
In the F-35, advanced avionics and sensor fusion hide the intricate details of data processing behind a clean, digital interface. Instead of requiring pilots to manually interpret raw sensor outputs, the cockpit presents synthesized, actionable information that supports rapid decision-making in high-pressure scenarios. This design choice exemplifies Tesler’s Law in action: the unavoidable complexity of flight dynamics, target tracking, and situational awareness is handled by sophisticated onboard systems, leaving pilots with a clear, manageable display.
By absorbing the complexity internally, the F-35 not only reduces pilot workload but also minimizes the potential for human error in critical situations. This nuanced approach to UX in defense tech demonstrates that even highly specialized, mission-critical systems can achieve intuitive design—provided that complexity is thoughtfully managed and strategically allocated.
LGNDX’s Perspective: Designing with Complexity in Mind
At LGNDX, we believe that great software doesn’t hide behind a façade of simplicity—it embodies it. Our design philosophy centers on the idea that user experience is a strategic advantage. We recognize that some complexity is inevitable, but we also know that where this complexity lives makes all the difference.
Absorbing Complexity Internally:
Our teams work diligently to ensure that the bulk of complexity is managed during the design and development phases. Whether it’s through robust automation or intelligent defaults, we build systems that handle intricate processes behind the scenes, so users never have to deal with unnecessary details.Intuitive Interfaces Through Progressive Disclosure:
We employ techniques like progressive disclosure to present users with a clean, straightforward interface that reveals more advanced features only when they’re truly needed. This approach keeps the interface uncluttered while ensuring expert users have access to full functionality.Iterative Testing and User Feedback:
Continuous testing is central to our process. We work closely with users—from startup CEOs to government procurement officers—to ensure our designs meet real-world needs. When complexity seeps into the user experience, we refine the interface until it aligns perfectly with our clients’ objectives.
By thoughtfully managing complexity, we turn a potential drawback into a competitive edge. Our goal is to build software that not only meets technical requirements but also delivers an intuitive, efficient experience for every user.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Tesler’s Law reminds us that complexity, if left unchecked, will always find its way to the user. In contrast, investing in design and development to absorb this complexity can transform it into a strategic advantage. The F-35 cockpit is a prime example: despite the immense technical challenges it embodies, its intuitive interface empowers pilots to perform under pressure [3].
At LGNDX, we are committed to applying these principles to every project we undertake. We believe that a superior user experience isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about building robust systems that hide complexity behind a layer of simplicity, enabling users to focus on what truly matters.
Ready to transform complexity into a competitive edge?
Let’s discuss your project and challenges. Together, we can create software solutions that not only function flawlessly but also deliver an intuitive, empowering user experience. Contact LGNDX today to learn how we can help you turn complexity into your secret weapon.
