I agree with the premise, but disagree with this comment 'A system that tries to be everything to everyone will often require so much configuration and maintenance by its users that, while they may become experts at setting up your software'.
The art of simplicity isn't to dumb down things, but to make the complicated simple.
If there are so many settings, features, etc. that the user must 'learn', then you have a problem. If all the features that a user wants 'exists', and the user doesn't need to 'learn' them, then you are likely on the right path to simplicity.
One method to manage layers of complexity is to 'hide' the more advanced features until the user starts looking for them or needing them.
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[ 3.2 ms ] story [ 11.7 ms ] threadThe art of simplicity isn't to dumb down things, but to make the complicated simple.
If there are so many settings, features, etc. that the user must 'learn', then you have a problem. If all the features that a user wants 'exists', and the user doesn't need to 'learn' them, then you are likely on the right path to simplicity.
One method to manage layers of complexity is to 'hide' the more advanced features until the user starts looking for them or needing them.