Simplicity?

Complexity and simplicity are completely intertwined. We often surround ourselves with more and more items that we find engaging, cram more moving gadgets onto a web page, or add layer upon layer of graphics into a page design. “Stuff” is engaging, and it sometimes looks cool—but then what a relief to see something that is pared down to its basic elements. A hotel room is a beautiful respite from home precisely because it lacks all the clutter of overdone décor. Space between items on a page lets us really process a clear, crisp message. The question, raised by John Maeda in his Laws of Simplicity, is how much can you remove before something no longer functions—or engages? And that is what makes simplicity so complex. Paring down requires careful revision; every included element must ooze purpose. Working with less has the potential to expose flaws, but when done well, it creates captivating design.

Check out John Maeda, Head of the Rhode Island School of Design, on TED:



And check out his blog for a simplified version of his book, The Laws of Simplicity:
http://lawsofsimplicity.com/

The bottom line, creating simplicity in design requires vision, thought, and sometimes genius. And that, in itself, is complex.