KISS

"Why or why do officials find it necessary to invent intentionally complex solutions to problems?"

This week saw the death of one of my heroes, Micheal Collins. With a steady hand, the valiant Collins piloted the Command Module as his two colleagues went to the Moon's surface to make history. On the dark side of the Moon, he swung out of human contact in his tin can. 
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Often cited as having had the loneliest job, he was nonchalant about that assertion, making the critical distinction between alone and lonely.

Collins wrote about his experiences in 'Carrying the Fire'. He feared the most dangerous part of the mission was the take-off from the Moon. That depended on a single-engine functioning flawlessly, whereas a redundancy of options covered possible failures at other critical moments. Around Collins's neck was hung several actions cards detailing steps he had to take in each of 18 eventualities. Simple, step by step instructions meant he had few decisions to make. 

Our high-paid civil servants who could do with some NASA logic and remember the acronym KISS. NASA took 'Keep it simple, stupid' or 'Keep it short and simple' from the US Navy. It anchored their thinking; always go for simple, easy to comprehend and implementable solutions. 

Why or why do officials find it necessary to invent intentionally complex solutions to problems?

My head hurt attempting to understand the new Covid restrictions. The changes sought to achieve a relaxation of the regime but only brought frustration and bafflement. 

To help you comprehend the complexities, the above picture is an extract. There are nine pages of this convoluted mess. 

By all accounts most businesses have opted to ignore these provisions, retaining the simple, implementable, four-person rule. Few will go for the hassle of enforcing these tangled protocols. Because, of course, the consequence of an honest mistake or oversight means a fine or worse. And the government wonders why its popularity falters.  

Here's a suggestion. Allow dining and drinks venues to open with eight people who can prove they've had a vaccination. Other than that, retain the current rules but extend opening hours.

Remember; keep it short and simple. That's what got us to the Moon and back.