Take a look at personal computing for example – In early stages, only those who understood boolean algebra, or knew low-level code such as assembly could use computers – this made computing limited in terms of its application and its applicability. Over time, we had programs like BASIC come out that increased the number of people who could use computers, but were still limited to a set of people who had to learn and train in those languages. Now fast forward through time, you get the Graphical User Interface (Macintosh or Windows) in the 1980s, and then all the way up to the iPhone or iPad where the touch screen and Siri have extended computing to a level that allows a greater number of people to do more with their abilities. Scratch, a new programming language developed by MIT, takes the interface for developing programs to a level that even my four year old daughter can write programs.

For another illustration of this concept take a look at Ben Horowitz’s comparison of Google to the old university library in his Columbia University commencement speech (starting at 13:00).

key point – Simplifying the interface has empowered a greater number of people and given life to ideas and insights that would have otherwise been unimaginable.

Businesses such as Apple and Google created value by bringing an application closer to how an individual thinks, and not having the individual think the way the application works.  In finance and investing, simplifying the interface can lead to greater adoption and appreciation of seemingly complex concepts.

Disclaimer: All views expressed in this article are that of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of his employer or any of its affiliates. The author may be associated as an investor or as an advisor with certain companies mentioned in this article.