This is best described as "minimize extras."
This often requires a great deal of work.
(quote moved to TimeToMakeItShort)

Making components of a larger system stupid
limits the state space that needs to be considered
when building the system. This requires immense
creativity at times, but usually yields a system that
is easier to manage.

-- DavidCymbala

(Full pattern form in the works.)

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How is this different from DoTheSimplestThingThatCouldPossiblyWork?

It has a nicer name -- SammyTheSnake

It starts with something large and makes it smaller, rather than with nothing and making something that works. That is a great difference.

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CategoryCreativity, CategoryStupid