Simplicity

Simplicity is important in artificial creativity because the most important characteristic of a model or a subsystem, is that the computer understand it. Simplicity helps the computer to understand. Models need to be optimally simple, and they need to be mostly correct. When you have a model that fits both criteria, you have a model that is elegant.

As an example by analogy, I have long had and interest in developing a layout for LEDs that is minimal in number, simple in configuration and which shows the letters and numbers easy to read. My layout is shown in the Artificial Creativity Blog logo: . This is minimal in number with only nine LEDs per character. It is simple in configuration. It is rectilinear. It shows 25 of the 26 letters fairly well, and the letter V is manageable. And it does not distinguish between upper and lower case. So it is mostly correct. It shows an elegant tradeoff between simplicity and correctness.

If a model is easier for a computer it is easier for a programmer. Easy for a computer means it can grab onto it through something like a parameter list. That gets me to thinking. Perhaps I could develop a generalized interface so that the program can manipulate the models as objects. The interface might include 1) what it's for, 2) what its parameters mean in terms a computer can understand . We then need a model for parameter lists. Perhaps something like the English language. Does a computer need to be able to write simple code? Will the Rule of 20 profile system work for the parameters?

The key reason for simplicity is the need to integrate artificially creative subsystems. Integration necessity defines what simplicity is.

What I right now have is a bunch of little programs, and models and proofs of concept and they need to be drawn together by the computer and used as needed. Maybe scheme would work. But does it have graphics? Maybe Forth would work. But it does not have objects. Maybe the profile system would work. I need to work on a profile for parameters. I need to start cranking out profiles and then design a higher level profile or model. In order to find this higher level model for integration, I need lots of simple models for various things and then see what integration scheme will work to integrate them. hmmm.

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