Does anyone have an example of a design team concluding that the right move is not to change anything?

I really think a big chunk of the problem is that it’s very hard for anyone to say to their employer that they shouldn’t be doing work. People like having a job and finding work not to do feels scary.

Selection bias dictates that if this happens you won’t notice it.

I can think of a few times people have been waiting for a refresh of something only to be slightly disappointed that not much or nothing changed: even when there was really nothing wrong.

Hardware-wise: The Volvo X60 and X90 series of cars.

Software wise: Chrome, perhaps, only one major visual change in 15 years.

OS X Snow Leopard

FWIW they can design more controls like tiles, widgets, wallpapers, user icons, toasters, calculator in the same style.

Rolex.