How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Complicated

Techniques > Resisting persuasion > Complicated

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Method

Dismiss the proposal as being too complicated or difficult to understand.

It may be too complex for you to understand (and you will not accept anything you do not fully understand). It may alternatively be too complex for other people who will have to approve it or would be using it. You can even voice doubts about the ability of the other person to fully understand or be able to deliver such a complicated proposal.

Talk about being not ready for the newer technology. Say it is too complex for your current needs. Point out how complicated things, especially when they are new, are more likely to fail.

Example

If I don't get it, I don't get it. Sorry, it just doesn't make sense to me so I'm not going to buy it

I see what you mean, but that's because I work in this subject. However my users are not ready for this kind of thing. They'd just get confused and we'd have something of a revolt on our hands.

That's just over-complex. I think you're trying to solve the world's problems there, and in doing so have missed the point.

Discussion

If something is difficult to understand, then its value disappears. If you can't appreciate it, then how can you be expected to make use of it? This is not just an accusation that can be made of modern technology. Many products, plans and other systems can be seen as overly complex. This is particularly true if the proposal is seeking to be all things to all people.

Complexity is often linked also with unreliability and there can be an unspoken assumption that if a thing is complicated, then it is more likely to fail, particularly if it is new.