Today we will talk about simplicity. This article is not just about using simplicity in designs, no this is about the full meaning of the word and how to use it everywhere. So what is this all about ? Let’s take a look shall we.
Simplicity is not the same as laziness.
A lot of people don’t understand why it can be so important. If you need to study an object before you know what it does, then it’s not properly build. This is also true with graphic designs. When you look at a flyer and you can’t see in the first 3 seconds what it is about, then that is a bad design. The problem with simplicity is that it’s easy to miss the thoughts that has been put in it. A big white poster with a picture of the product and the name on it, is that cheap? I don’t think so, every time you go past it you will see the product and the name of it. I admit it’s not difficult to make, but is that really important? Last time I checked promotion is about promoting the product not promoting the artist that made it.
Occam’s razor
Now how do I practice simplicity in my everyday life ? Quite simple (no pun intended): when you are presented two choices, take the simplest one. This is called Occam’s razor (one should not increase, beyond what is necessary, the number of entities required to explain anything). The problem with this life style is that you will learn less than you would if you took the hard road. It really depends on what you want. But if you face a difficult problem you know what to do.
Don’t over think it
I have seen a lot of people in my life that over think and over plan things in their life. I must admit that I’m sometimes one of those people. You keep on planning and planning till you realise the situation is already over. What is the right move to do here? Just go with the flow, see what happens and you have nothing to blame. Just try to keep it simpel
2 comments so far
Nice post, I also believe that a design has to be simple. For example, you give a party with some friends and you make a poster. Don’t overdesign it but just keep it simple so people will know, when and where your party is the minute they see your poster!
grtz
December 21st, 2008Mickey C
Thousands of people have said it thousands of times, but less really is more. In my own experience, I know that some posters I make that were produced in a matter of minutes (find a nice vector, put some text on the poster, publish) look way prettier than some of the hour-long works. It all depends on what the main goal is of the poster, bragging with your Photoshop skills or showing the people what they want to see. The answer, of course, is the latter.
December 21st, 2008Add a comment