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Laws of Simplicity: Ch. 1 + 2 Reading Response
Brian:
Simplicity = Sanity. In this chapter John Maeda explains the importance of simplicity as a “thoughtful reduction”, rather than simply removing features because there are just too many. It’s interesting to think about the idea that we’ve gone past the point of no return, where large objects were complex and small objects were simple – it’s just the opposite now. With nanotechnology and the evolving inventions of computer hardware, things are getting more complex but smaller as well. This just proves that simplicity isn’t a brainless act of trimming the fat but rather an involved process that requires much attention.
In the second chapter Maeda talks about the organization of a system. By organizing information into different categories, by default, it creates more content and ways of perceiving a certain group. The more ways we can view a set of items gives us that much more data, however too many groups are bad because they counteract the goal of grouping in the first place. Like simplicity, grouping must be a thoughtful and meaningful process since it is crucial to the amount information displayed.
Tom:
Technology, business and design can all benefit from becoming more simple. John Maeda believes in a three step process that provides the best solution to turning a complex situation into a simple one. Lessen what you can, hide what has no importance - without taking away any value, and embody what cannot be seen through messages or using higher quality materials. “See more by seeing less”
Organization is the key to simplicity; grouping is good in small amounts otherwise it begins to negate itself all together.
Martin:
First chapter talks about how usually anything that is simple is better and more appealing. A good way to make thins simple is to hide all unnecessary parts. If you think about it much of what Maeda talks is common sense. While reading the mental image that appeared in my head was that of an I phone. All it does is hide unnecessary information to the point where there is only a on and off button. In contrast with cell phones of the past where technology was a lot bigger and design appeared less slick and more “clunky”
The Idea of organizing is what we have been taught to do since freshman year. The core of our major. Using L.A.T.C.H we can take complicated information and make it easy to understand. Finally the idea of organizing information is useless with out some type of hierarchy to be able to understand information using some type of contrast is the foundation for any good design.
Will:
In the first chapter, Maeda begins with comparing a DVD remote and the visual complexity it portrays due to all of the options the buttons give you. He introduces the SHE methods: shrink, hide, and embody. The SHE methods are key when designing any type of work that would pertain to human interaction or something that is used every day. A great example of the SHE methods would be products made by apple. The Apple remote appears to only have 6 buttons, but if the hold-down state is included it gives the user 12 functions with a tiny remote.
The second law refers to organization. Organization is a key factor is any type of design whether its graphic design or architecture. I have always been known to have a good sense or organizing and categorization, it could almost be considered OCD. Establishing an organizational method at the beginning of projects should be the first step. In this case the focus of organization would be geared towards on ways to hide complexity.
