Simplifying Complexity for Understanding

Explore how breaking down concepts using plain language, relatable analogies, and clear structure can enhance understanding and drive meaningful progress.

Published on March 19, 2025•By Joey Davis

In any field, from technology to leadership, the ability to simplify complex ideas is a skill that sets great communicators apart. The goal isn't to dumb things down: it's to make them accessible. Albert Einstein is famously quoted for saying: "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough," and that holds true. Whether you're explaining a new process to a team, pitching an idea, or sharing insights on a broad topic, clarity is key. But how do you simplify effectively?

Simplifying Complexity

Simplicity is about breaking things down in a way that's clear. Clarity can come from many avenues, from the ways we structure the information (format, lists, indentation) to the actual words and phrases used. Here is some guidance that's widely accepted.

1. Identify the Core Message. The first step is to distill the idea to its essence. What is the fundamental point that needs to be understood? Strip away unnecessary complexity and get straight to the heart of the matter. If someone could only take away one thing from your explanation, what should it be?
2. Use Plain Language. Jargon and technical terms create barriers. If you must use them, provide a quick, relatable definition. Simplicity doesn't mean sacrificing depth: it means making sure people actually grasp what you're saying. The best explanations are the ones that feel obvious once you've heard them. Receiving feedback like "now that you've said it that way, it seems obvious," is a good indicator you're on the right track.
3. Provide Analogies. People understand new ideas best when they relate to something familiar. A well-employed analogy can transform an abstract concept into something tangible; it's building a bridge to something that's potentially out of reach. For example, explaining data pipelines? Think of them as water pipes delivering clean drinking water: complete with filters, flow control, and all. The goal isn't to reinvent the concept of a pipe, but to solve for the correct arrangement, or management, of pipes.
4. Use Visuals or Examples. Sometimes words alone aren't enough. Diagrams, charts, and real-world examples help reinforce ideas. If you're explaining a process, break it down into a step-by-step scenario. If you're illustrating a concept, show it in action through a relatable story.
5. Keep It Concise. Brevity forces clarity. If it takes too long to explain, chances are it's too complicated. Challenge yourself to summarize the idea in a single sentence before expanding. The more concise your explanation, the easier it is for others to remember and repeat.
6. Structure for Clarity. Present information in a logical sequence. Start with a clear statement of what you're explaining, then provide supporting details. Avoid jumping around: build understanding step by step.

How Can Things Get Better?

Simplifying complexity isn't just about explaining ideas: it's also the foundation for achieving common ground and meaningful improvement. Without clarity, action is misdirected. Without action, understanding is meaningless. This brings us to the three key elements of effective progress: Clarity, Action, and Perspective. Each builds on its predecessors, so order matters.

1. Clarity comes first because without understanding what needs improvement and why, any action is aimless. If you don't know what's wrong or where you want to go, you'll likely waste effort in the wrong direction. Clarity helps define the problem and set a meaningful goal.

2. Action follows clarity because knowing isn't enough: change only happens when we do something about it. But taking action before having clarity can lead to frustration and wasted effort. Once we know what needs to improve, we can make deliberate moves toward progress.

3. Perspective reinforces both clarity and action because improvement isn't just about external change, it's about how we see and approach challenges. A growth mindset helps us stay resilient, see obstacles as learning opportunities, and remain adaptable as we refine our actions.

This sequence ensures that progress is intentional, effective, and sustainable by starting with clear understanding, following with deliberate effort, and strengthening with the right mindset.

Final Thoughts

Simplicity is a sign of mastery, but it's not foolproof. Even a well-crafted, simple message can be misinterpreted, overanalyzed, or distorted by individual or group biases. When this happens, the key isn't to blame complexity or over-explain, it's to recalibrate. If you notice confusion or misinterpretation, you can further clarify in a simple way: "I'm hearing x, but the message said y, which means..." or "I'm sensing misalignment, let me rephrase and get your feedback." While the scenario may not always afford this opportunity, effective communication isn't just about delivering a clear message; it's about ensuring that message is received as intended.

By stripping away unnecessary complexity, using relatable language, and structuring information effectively, we make ideas more accessible, actionable, and impactful.

The same principles apply to improvement: understand first, act second, and reinforce with the right mindset. The goal isn't just to inform: it's to ensure people walk away with real understanding. That's the true power of simplicity.

@article{joeydavisme2025simplifying-complexity-for-understanding,
  author = {Joey Davis},
  title = {Simplifying Complexity for Understanding},
  year = {2025},
  publisher = {joeydavis.me},
  url = {https://joeydavis.me/simplifying-complexity-for-understanding},
}