Knowing the Difference Can Transform Your Product.

In the world of design, development, and user experience, complexity is inevitable. But not all complexity is created equal. Some of it is necessary. Some of it is simply…accidental.

Understanding the difference between Accidental Complexity and Essential Complexity is key to building better systems, products, and user journeys. When teams fail to make this distinction, they risk spending time solving the wrong problems, or worse, breaking what was working just fine.

Let’s break this down.

What is Accidental Complexity?

Accidental Complexity refers to friction or extra steps that exist, not because they’re required, but because the system hasn’t been designed in a simpler way yet.
These complexities can usually be reduced or removed entirely, leading to a better user experience without sacrificing functionality.

A practical example from Apple: Taking screenshot on an iPhone.

Originally, users had to simultaneously press and release the side button and volume up button. While it did work, it wasn’t exactly intuitive or easy for everyone.

Apple later introduced a smarter, simpler feature, The Back Tap. By just tapping the back of the phone two or three times, users could take a screenshot effortlessly.

Nothing about the core function had changed. But the way users interacted with it became smoother, more accessible, and less cognitively demanding.

This is a classic case of removing accidental complexity. It didn’t take away from the experience, it just improved it.

What is Essential Complexity?

Essential Complexity, refers to the kind of complexity that is inherent to the task or system. You can’t remove it without removing value. It’s basically complexity that exists for a reason.

The Amazon Experience

Searching for a product on Amazon isn’t just a one-click process. You type in what you’re looking for, scroll through listings, compare options, read reviews, and then make a decision.

Sure, it could be simplified with deeper filtering or rigid category structures. But that would again limit flexibility, reduce discoverability, and possibly frustrate users who have specific or nuanced shopping goals.

This complexity is essential because it’s tied directly to the richness and depth of the platform. So trying to oversimplify it would do more harm than good.

Why This Distinction Matters?

Knowing what kind of complexity you're dealing with helps you make smarter design decisions.

• Accidental complexity can and should be reduced. It clutters workflows, adds friction, and makes systems harder to use.

• Essential complexity must be handled with care. It’s more about managing depth without overwhelming the user along with resisting the urge to oversimplify things at the cost of functionality.