Great article! Fully agree that more choice doesn’t always lead to better decisions. Through the jam experiment and Hick’s Law, it illustrates how overwhelming options can lead to paralysis rather than action. The lesson is clear: clarity and simplicity are not just preferences but necessities, whether in decision-making, design, or writing.
For writers, this is a wake-up call. Readers don’t crave complexity; they crave understanding. Every unnecessary word, every convoluted sentence, is another “jam flavor” making their cognitive load heavier. So the takeaway is to say less, but say it better. Lead with what matters, simplify where you can, and trust that clarity, not complexity, is what leaves a lasting impact.
Very apt article. Thank you. I’ve found the simplicity approach most useful in marketing too. Many coaches (me too) speak ‘inside’ language instead of speaking the readers language.
Result = no one can hear you!
Straightforward language enables the reader to resonate and go with you in the journey.
I loved this! I especially had fun in the intro, I would have gone for the jam with 6 choices, and my fiance would have gone for the 24. Having ADHD and being an HSP I appreciate all that this article says, it is a good reminder for me as well because I can tend to get lost and over-explain.
Great article! Fully agree that more choice doesn’t always lead to better decisions. Through the jam experiment and Hick’s Law, it illustrates how overwhelming options can lead to paralysis rather than action. The lesson is clear: clarity and simplicity are not just preferences but necessities, whether in decision-making, design, or writing.
For writers, this is a wake-up call. Readers don’t crave complexity; they crave understanding. Every unnecessary word, every convoluted sentence, is another “jam flavor” making their cognitive load heavier. So the takeaway is to say less, but say it better. Lead with what matters, simplify where you can, and trust that clarity, not complexity, is what leaves a lasting impact.
Amazing summary ♥️
Super nice article! Thank you!
I'm glad you found it useful. :)
I had heard the jam analogy long but didn’t have a reference for it. Now I have the reference and some handy tips to apply to my writing. Thanks!
Awesome. I'm glad this was of value to you. :)
To sum it up, simplicity sells.
this is so wonderfully articulated
Thanks. I'm glad you found it valuable.
Great article. Could not stop my brain from picturing the menu from cheese cake factory. Really helpful and true.
Hahah, yeah. The more options there are, the more difficult it is to make a decision.
I think I need more practice...
What do you think?
https://synnthesis.substack.com/p/synthesis
You're doing a great job. :)
I'm trying my best. Thank you.
Wonderful article. Great suggestions
https://open.substack.com/pub/thevaparisers/p/love-letter-to-the-do-nothing-bitch
Ohh I love the visual 😍
Thanks :)
Help team
Very apt article. Thank you. I’ve found the simplicity approach most useful in marketing too. Many coaches (me too) speak ‘inside’ language instead of speaking the readers language.
Result = no one can hear you!
Straightforward language enables the reader to resonate and go with you in the journey.
I’m still learning:)
I'm glad you found value in this. Simplicity trumps 'insider' language.
thanks for this, amazing examples
Very interesting take! This applied to other topics too I suppose!
That's true. A lot of its application I found was in the field of UX and design.
Too good
I loved this! I especially had fun in the intro, I would have gone for the jam with 6 choices, and my fiance would have gone for the 24. Having ADHD and being an HSP I appreciate all that this article says, it is a good reminder for me as well because I can tend to get lost and over-explain.
I'm glad you found it relatable. :)
It's interesting that you'd have gone for 6 choices, I'd have definitely gone for the one with 24. :D