Superficial simplicity

From Against Superficial Simplicity by Jorge Arango:

Many designers have internalized the quote attributed to Leonardo, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” We love to make things simple. Simple things are easier to use than complicated or messy things. Simple is more beautiful and desirable.

But simple isn’t always better. Sometimes, in trying to make things simpler, we make them harder to use. The fact that something looks simpler doesn’t mean it’s easily understood. Case in point: notifications in macOS.

I’ve completely given up on using any of the fancy iOS / Mac focus modes. They’re just the right blend of too complex but also not customizable enough, making it easier to simply make a point of not having any of my devices around when I want quiet.