MIT Approach or Worse Is Better

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worse_is_better

Worse is better, also called the New Jersey style was conceived by Richard P. Gabriel to describe the dynamics of software acceptance but it has broader application. The phrase is a play on words representing the concept that "quality" is relative. Because of this, something can be "inferior" but still "better". For example, to a particular market or user, software that is limited but exceptionally simple to use may be "better" than software that is more comprehensive but harder to use. The phrase is a paradox and at different times, Gabriel himself has argued both sides of the "worse is better" concept.

the design must be simple
the design must be correct in all observable aspects
the design must not be overly inconsistent
drop parts of the design that deal with less common circumstances than introduce implementational complexity or inconsistency.
the design must cover as many important situations as is practical
completeness must be sacrificed whenever implementation simplicity is jeopardized.
Consistency can be sacrificed to achieve completeness if simplicity is retained

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