Do not let edge cases complicate the core of a design

One can make much simpler more effective systems by not letting edge cases complicate the design.

What do I mean by edge cases?

I mean exceptions to the common problem. Another way of describing this is the 80-20 rule. 80% of the value is in twenty percent of the core of a design.

It’s easier to understand with a few concrete examples in different domains to see the pattern.

Have a look at RISC chip design, CRM data model design and HL7 Delimiters for some specific examples to explain the pattern.