What does a startup and the universe have in common?

In accordance with Gall's law, any working complex system is the result of the development of a simple working system. Trying to create a complex system from scratch is doomed to failure. That is, complex systems invariably develop from simple, functional systems. And the creation of any system should begin with its simplest version.

In other words, Gall's Law implies the need for a gradual, step-by-step approach to system development, starting with a simple functional basis and gradually increasing complexity. This iterative process means continuous refinement, optimization and adaptation, ensuring the stability and efficiency of the final product or system.

One may get the impression that the law formulated in this way is a speculative conclusion related to the theory of complex systems. However, although Gall's law is primarily concerned with the development of complex systems, its principles can also be illustrated in a broader context. In fact, it is difficult to find an area where Gall's law does not apply.

Here are examples.

The universe around us has undergone a gradual evolution since its origins in the Big Bang, moving from a simple, hot, dense state to the complex, structured cosmos we see today. The development of the Universe reflects a repeating process in which simple building blocks came together and evolved over time, ultimately leading to the enormous cosmic structures we see today.

The emergence and evolution of life on Earth also follows the principles of Gall's law. Early life forms began as simple single-celled organisms that gradually evolved into more complex multicellular organisms over millions of years. This development was driven by natural selection and adaptation as life forms diversified and adapted to their environment through a series of repeated steps. The evolution of life on Earth reflects the principle of Gall's Law, as each stage of development builds on the previous one, resulting in the complex biodiversity we see today.

Human society and its development can also be understood through the prism of Gall's law. From the earliest hunter-gatherer societies to the complex, interconnected societies we live in today, human civilization has gone through a series of repeating stages. Early societies were simple in structure, with limited technology and rudimentary systems of government. Over time, these societies became more complex under the influence of factors such as technological progress, trade, and cultural exchange. Essentially, complex societies have emerged from simple ones that preceded them, demonstrating adaptability and resilience in the face of various challenges throughout history.

The evolution of cosmic structures, biological systems and human civilizations demonstrates a gradual transition from simplicity to complexity in accordance with the fundamental principles of Gall's law.

People's creative activities, from artistic expression to scientific breakthroughs, also often reflect the principles of Gall's Law. We typically start with basic ideas, refine them step by step, and adapt our creations to new challenges and contexts. Innovation and start-ups are no exception. That's why all entrepreneurship guides always talk about starting simple and gradually developing the enterprise. The question is always to understand what is this simple system to start with.

Gall's Law thus offers guidance for the development of complex systems, emphasizing simplicity, functionality, adaptability, iterative development, risk reduction, scalability, continuous learning, efficiency, and reliability. By incorporating these aspects into system design, designers and developers can create more efficient, resilient, and adaptable systems that meet the needs of their users and operate successfully in dynamic, ever-changing environments.

Let's get back to startups. Gall's Law underlies the main principles of creating successful businesses. The fast-paced and competitive nature of startups requires flexibility, adaptability, and efficient resource allocation. The following concepts illustrate how Gall's Law works in creating successful business organizations:

Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Gall's law emphasizes the importance of creating a simple, functional system. In a startup context, this means developing a minimum viable product. An MVP is a basic version of a product or service that contains only the core features needed to solve a specific problem or satisfy a customer need. By focusing on the MVP, startups can quickly test the market, gather valuable feedback, and validate their business idea before investing in further development.

Agile development: Gall's Law supports the concept of iterative development, which is embodied in agile methodologies commonly used by startups. Agile development involves a series of short iterative cycles that enable businesses to quickly respond to changes in customer needs, market conditions, and technological advances. This approach is consistent with Gall's Law because it promotes gradual development and adaptation.

Flexibility and adaptability. Startups must be flexible and adaptable to succeed in a dynamic, competitive environment. Gall's Law protects systems that can easily adapt to new requirements, user needs, or market conditions. By designing their products or services in accordance with Gall's Law, startups can ensure that their offerings remain relevant and effective even as the market landscape changes.

Risk reduction. Developing complex systems from scratch often involves significant risks, as unforeseen problems or complications may arise. Gall's Law reduces these risks by encouraging a step-by-step approach to system development, making problems easier to identify and solve. By applying Gall's Law, startups can maintain a functional system throughout the development process, reducing the likelihood of costly setbacks or setbacks.

Scalability: A successful startup must be able to scale its operations, products or services to accommodate growth. Gall's Law initially supports scalability by starting with a simple functional base and gradually increasing complexity. As new features, components, or capabilities are gradually integrated, the system can be scaled up or down based on demand or user requirements without compromising performance or stability.

Let me list a few examples of successful startups that demonstrate how Gall’s law works.

Dropbox: Dropbox is a cloud storage service that started out as a simple file syncing tool. Founders Drew Houston and Arash Ferdowsi initially created the basic version of Dropbox to meet their own needs for a secure, efficient way to store and access files across multiple devices. By focusing on this core functionality and developing a simple and user-friendly interface, they launched their MVP and attracted a growing user base. Over time, Dropbox has expanded its feature set by integrating with various platforms, offering collaboration tools, and improving security. The iterative development and adaptability that drive Dropbox's growth follow the principles of Gall's Law.

Airbnb: Airbnb started as a simple solution to help founders Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia pay their apartment rent. They offered air mattresses and breakfast to conference participants who were unable to find an available hotel in San Francisco. Their initial idea was simple but functional and answered a real market need. As demand for this type of accommodation grew, they consistently developed their platform, adding features such as booking management and user reviews. Today, Airbnb is a global platform offering millions of unique accommodations and experiences in more than 220 countries. The evolution of a company from a simple idea to a complex and successful business exemplifies Gall's Law.

Instagram: Instagram started out as a simple photo-sharing app called Burbn that allowed users to sign up, post photos, and share plans with friends. However, its founders, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, realized that the app's complexity was hindering user engagement. They decided to pivot by focusing on the app's most popular feature—photo sharing—and pared down the functionality to create a simple, user-friendly interface. Thus Instagram was born, and its rapid growth and subsequent acquisition by Facebook for $1 billion demonstrates how you can start with a simple, functional system and develop it over time according to Gall's Law.

These three successful startups—Dropbox, Airbnb, and Instagram—demonstrate the power of Gall's Law in action. By starting with a simple, functional idea to address a specific need, and iteratively improving and expanding their offerings, these companies were able to grow into global companies that changed the industries in which they operate. Their development serves as a testament to the importance of simplicity, adaptability and iterative development in the startup world and beyond.

In conclusion, Gall's Law is very relevant for startups as it provides valuable guidance on product and service development, risk management, and scaling operations. By applying the principles of Gall's Law, startups can optimize their chances of success and create a strong foundation for sustainable growth.