Prinicples of Simplicity

11-01-2007

Some principles of simplicity by dear John Maeda

1. REDUCE - The simplest way to achieve simplicity is through thoughtful reduction
2. ORGANIZE - Organization makes a system of many appear fewer
3. TIME - Savings in time feel like simplicity
4. LEARN - Knowledge makes everything simpler
5. DIFFERENCES - Simplicity and complexity need each other
6. CONTEXT - What lies in the periphery of simplicity is definitely not peripheral
7. EMOTION - More emotions are better than less
8. TRUST - In simplicity we trust
9. FAILURE - Some things can never be made simple
10. THE ONE - Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious, and adding the meaningful

I can't agree with almost all, for example: Simplicity and complexity need each other. No. Simplicity has aggressive character in its nature. Complexity is warm, in chaos, Yin, black, misty. The Simple eats Complexity for its breakfast. Simplicity is the output, quintessence, exhaltation, the attractor. Simplicity and complexity doesn't need each other.

More on Wabi-Sabi.

sim·plic·i·ties
1. The property, condition, or quality of being simple or uncombined.
2. Absence of luxury or showiness; plainness.
3. Absence of affectation or pretense.
4.
a. Lack of sophistication or subtlety; naiveté.
b. Lack of good sense or intelligence; foolishness.
5.
a. Clarity of expression.
b. Austerity in embellishment.