The Startup Ideas Podcast
The best businesses are built at the intersection of emerging technology, community, and real human needs.
“stupid simple”
What It Means
Design apps with extreme simplicity that anyone can understand immediately without explanation
Why It Matters
Removes friction for viral adoption and reduces barrier to entry for new users
When It's True
For consumer apps targeting mass market adoption and viral growth
When It's Risky
For complex professional tools or when simplicity sacrifices necessary functionality
How to Apply
Test if a 5-year-old can understand your app
Limit initial version to 4 screens maximum
Remove any features that require explanation
Example Scenario
“Wombo succeeded with just selfie input, song selection, and output - no tutorials or complex menus needed”
Related Knowledge
always delete, delete, delete, delete
Continuously remove unnecessary UI elements until only essential components remain
why did you do markdown files like that's like literally the most basic files ever
Anthropic chose simple markdown over complex formats to maximize accessibility and usability
Apps are brutally stupid simple. One screen, one button, one transformation
Successful mobile apps minimize interface complexity to single-action workflows that users can complete without confusio
Embarrassingly simple, give yourself 2 to 3 days to build it
Initial product versions should be so basic they feel embarrassing, but buildable in days not months
You start small. It's really simple to get started
Begin with minimal viable automation and build complexity through iteration
Good design really does that. Good design is viral. Good design is something that people talk about.
Design quality functions as a multiplier across multiple business dimensions - marketing, credibility, and user experien