A camel is a horse designed by committee.
The phrase “A camel is a horse designed by committee” highlights the pitfalls of design by consensus, where too many voices and conflicting opinions dilute the original vision. When multiple stakeholders attempt to contribute equally to a design without clear leadership or direction, the result can often be an overcomplicated, compromised product. Instead of achieving innovation and efficiency, the design process can become inefficient, producing something that meets everyone’s criteria superficially but lacks coherence and focus.
In design, clarity of purpose and a unified vision are essential for success. Committees often introduce competing priorities and conflicting interests, leading to compromises that may undermine the overall effectiveness of the solution. This can result in features that serve no real function or unnecessary complexities that diminish user experience. A strong design leader who balances collaboration with decisiveness is crucial to maintaining a clear direction and achieving the intended goals.
The proverb also underscores the importance of expertise and specialized knowledge in design. While input from various stakeholders is valuable, the design process should ultimately be guided by professionals who understand the balance between aesthetics, functionality, and user needs. Without this expertise, the final product risks becoming a muddled version of the original concept—functional, perhaps, but far from optimal.
