Name: Toward a science of simplicity
Uploaded: 2010-04-28T16:34:00Z
Duration: 18 min 18 s
Description: Simplicity: We know it when we see it -- but what is it, exactly? In this funny, philosophical talk, George Whitesides chisels out an answer.

Simplicity: We know it when we see it -- but what is it, exactly? In this funny, philosophical talk, George Whitesides chisels out an answer.

Toward a science of simplicity

The most transformative technologies, from the internet to low-cost medical diagnostics, rest on layers of simple, reliable components stacked together. Simplicity is not just about being basic; it means predictability, low cost, and adaptability, often hiding vast complexity underneath. Cheap, functional tools like a paper diagnostic chip can revolutionize global health by making care accessible where resources are scarce. By focusing on what is essential and stackable, society unleashes creativity and solves real-world problems at scale.