Deceptive simplicity
“Physical clutter is tantamount to visual noise, and sustained noise is crazy-making—it leads to tension, stress, and despair.” – The Minimalists
Deceptive simplicity
All design should be simple for users to understand. However, simplicity in design is one of the most difficult things to do well—to find a balance between intuitive functionality and aesthetics. And yet ironically, design that appears effortless often takes far more work than something that appears complicated—more so in design thinking, than design doing.
“Simplicity is the key to excellence.” – Dieter Rams
We naturally overcomplicate things we don’t understand. This is typically the root of over-engineered design. If it can’t be explained simply, it can’t be made simply. We often think adding things makes a thing better, but more often than not, it’s quite the opposite. Continually adding gives the impression of development, and in many cases that is accurate, but design that focuses on a product’s essence—without distraction—is always going to be better.
Yet, simplicity has a stigma attached to it. Often commented upon with “that looks like it was made in five minutes” or “I could have done that” — and maybe that’s true, but it’s easy to observe a finished product and overlook the skill involved in making it. Skill that has been learned, development, and shaped over many years of experience.
Words by Carl Barenbrug
01 – Journal
Read entries from the archive of the Minimalism Life® community journal
In pursuit of space: Finding balance with mental and physical room (by Dara Zycherman)
Don’t stuff the bag: Some thoughts about unpacking a busy life (by Andrew Rocha)
The joy of a curated life: Curating my days provides much needed space for solitude (by Jen Ditchik)
Share your story
Do you have an interesting story you would like to share on minimalism.com? We want to read about it. You have the opportunity write about your experience of how minimalism has impacted your life and get your words published in our community journal.
02 – Minimal art
From our curated gallery
03 – Minimal design
Explore our list of curated design resources
Daily font by Robin Hedinger (tool/software)
Three book about Sony design (article/book)
Matcha computing device (tool/hardware)
04 – Minimal lifestyle
Explore our list of curated lifestyle resources for simple living
Daily writing habit: emergency kit by iA Writer (blog/article)
05 – Shop
Discover our hand-picked minimalist products in the Minimalism Life® shop
06 – Brands anchored by simplicity and sustainability
Minimalism can be about frugality and owning less, but it can also be about supporting ethical brands with sustainability at their core. Here’s several that you might be interested learning more about:
Cubo: Simple adaptive bags
Stiksen: Premium caps from Sweden
Luca Faloni: Luxury Italian men's clothing
Collars&Co: Minimalist polo shirts
ODA: The modular everyday bag and essentials
Dalgado: Timeless accessories made to last
Crown Northampton: High quality minimal footwear
North-89: Shoemakers designing for Scandinavian weather conditions
The Resort Co: Eco-conscious and artisan vacation wear
Nordic Knots: Rugs inspired by the beauty of the Nordic light
CDLP: Luxury essentials
Mismo: Bags and accessories from natural materials
Meller: Minimal shades
Selfmade: Handmade eyewear
Oliver Cabell: Minimalist Italian footwear and accessories
JAK: Portuguese leather sneakers
Steele & Borough: Vegan, lightweight and water repellant bags
Floyd: Unique and distinctive travel cases
Wahts: Minimal monochromatic menswear
Discover more minimal brands on minimalism.com
The truth we seek is often the most simple solution to our problems. Yet often in this world of productivity we feel that cannot possibly be true because we have to "earn" it. If it's too simple we feel like it hasn't been well thought out, double-checked, peer-reviewed, etc.
The reality is that if it works, it works. You do not need to understand why it works to be able to use it, or appreciate it.