Every time I set up my video equipment, I have to untangle the power cord from the AV Out and In cords. They nest together in the carrying case, and find maddening excuses not to straighten out and get to work.
To clarify this complexity, I have to step back, calm down, and ask myself a question, such as, “What seems to be the problem?” Then I have to look at the rat’s nest of black wires, and begin the delicate surgery of extricating one wire from the clutches of the other, although sometimes a cord gets hung up on itself.
It would help if I put them away apart from one another, neatly coiled and secured with a twisty or a rubber band. But that would require memory and forethought, both of which are dwindling assets in my personal portfolio.
But let’s stick with that thought. Are the cords poorly designed, or am I too lazy to take action to prevent the problem from recurring?
Both. But since I can change and the cords can’t, I should take steps to prevent their further misbehavior.
So, to clarify complexity, once you see it happen, recognize it as a problem, be patient, think, and separate the elements of it, one from another, keeping them apart with mental twisties or rubber bands, until you assemble them as they were meant to be assembled, plugged into all the logical receptacles.
And don’t forget that if the receptacles happen to be on the surface of the human brain, analogies and metaphors can help you get your message into the gray matter.