Simplicity Through Hidden Complexity

Often in many discussions people bring up new technologies that "radically" simplify end products. Common examples are electric vehicles (EVs) - Tesla and others, rocket engines (SpaceX). Also in my own domain - the Bluetooth NLC wireless lighting control, as opposed to wired (or even other wireless) systems that are based on central control boxes (DALI, KNX, and many similar).

Indeed there is radical product simplification. It is much easier to compose an EV out of components: a battery integrated with a battery management system (BMS), an integrated motor / drive train, then chassis / suspension, body covers and you're done.

It is also way, way easier to commission a Bluetooth NLC lighting system, as essentially all that is needed is a wireless node in every luminaire. No extra wires (other than line power), no control boxes (the nodes talk to each other and collectively agree on what to do).

In the Bluetooth NLC case the end product simplicity (which is highly desired) has been achieved with high complexity of the hidden underlying technologies, specifications, integrated radio microchips, and, last but not least, the highly complex software stack. The great part is all that is invisible to users.

What is important, the hidden technological complexity hugely contributes not only to the end product simplicity, but - equally importantly to the overall resilience and robustness. In other words the product is not just simple to integrate and commission. It "just works". Which sounds simple, but in reality is a big thing, contributing in the long run to the runaway success of the technology. With 1 million devices in the field and growth accelerating, it feels like we are at the inflection point.