In Slow Coding, the basic idea is:

The main challenge in creating a program is how to manage complexity.

For example, every additional line of code can add complexity to the program, from the programmer’s point of view. If the complexity grows faster than techniques you implement to manage it, you (or your team) will soon be overwhelmed and progress will be significantly impeded.

The basic idea can be applied to business. Every new facet of your business can add complexity. If you don’t manage the complexity, it can soon overwhelm you. How, then, can you manage complexity in business?

1. Recognize that any change, however seemingly small, might add considerable complexity.

2. Think through how to manage that complexity. Ideally, the solution should make your business more simple.

Often, you don’t know how much complexity a change will add to your business. If that’s the case, consider starting very small, and doing it conditionally (try it out, if it’s adding complexity, reconsider it).

Finally,

3. Habitually figure out how to reduce the complexity in your business.

For example, every once in a while, take a look at your customer service processes. How can they be simplified? How can you reduce customer problems that require you to answer them by e-mail? (Sometimes, the answers to how to simplify customer support can be counter-intuitive.)