Nov
23
Laws of Simplicity
Filed Under Authors
Tuesday, I was fortunate to listen to John Maeda speak about “Simplicity.” John is a world-renowned graphic designer, visual artist and computer scientist at the MIT Media Lab.
Maeda discussed a few of his ten laws of simplicity at the Microsoft Lecture Series.
Law 1: Reduce
The Apple Ipod is successful because of its simple navigation. However, it is becoming complicated with all of the applications, games, and video integration. The Ipod shuffle is an popular alternative; it’s smaller and has all the essentials. Maeda states, “The fundamental question remains where is the balance between simplicity and complexity?”
I am looking forward to the day when I don’t have to separately carry a digital camera, my pocket pc, and my mp3 player. I want one device that will give me everything I need without compromising quality.
Law 2: Organize
Organization makes a system of many appear fewer. Maeda used an analogy of the Motorola flip phone. This Star Trek/Captain Kirk style flip phone hides its essential buttons and screen under a clam like protective shell. The flip phone combines a sleek design and essential functionality.
Law 3: Time
No one likes waiting. The graphical progress bar on websites as the application is loading helps users. Less time is felt to elapse. See Maeda’s article “Speed is in the eye of the beholder.”
I wish all restaurants would adopt this “simple” philosophy. There is a gyro shop near my office and the food is good. The shop looks like a fast food restaurant, however, the wait is as long as a sit down restaurant. If the restaurant only provided some munchies or entertainment before the order comes out, the wait would seem shorter. It would attract more repeat customers.
The ten laws are posted on John Maeda’s website. I look forward to reading John Maeda’s new book, The Laws of Simplicity.
Have a happy holiday weekend!
Bernard