simplifiying things

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Simplicity is about meaning.

While thinking about contemporary design, I had assumed that the seek of simplicity causes sameness. Then, I realized simplification has always been a leitmotif in the history of design. The sameness is caused by a misunderstanding of simplicity. As Robert Morris said, “The simplicity of form does not translate into an equal simplicity in experience”. Simplification is not just searching for aesthetics. It aims to reduce the design to the essence.

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Simplicity is about function.

Simplicity not only has an aesthetic value, but it also has a deeper perception. The principles of Vitruvius* (1st century, BC) can be regarded as the foundation of simplification in design. A continuation of this approach is “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” statement of Leonardo da Vinci. The point is to enhance the experience by reducing the design to its meaning.

A more recent example of the simplicity is Bauhaus movement. It defines the meaning as function. As Walter Gropius stated functionality and aesthetics are codependent. In other words, aesthetic simplification elevates the potential in function. 

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Simplicity is about the experience.

"Good design is as little design as possible." Dieter Rams

In all of the approaches that appreciate the absence of unnecessary features, the inner qualities of things are the main focus. This idea is similar to the motivation of Zen Buddhism. 'Material poverty, spiritual richness' associates the elimination of everything unnecessary in the surroundings and in the mind. In short, the idea is to simplify to enrich. It pawed the way to the Japanese minimal design style. Also, this refined aesthetic taste had a significant impact on designers all around the world and inspired a minimalist movement. A deeper understanding of Zen practices might give meaning to the perception of simplicity.

Comments

  1. GoncaNovember 24, 2021 at 5:08 AM

    The principles of Vitruvius

    1. firmitas: strength; the durability of the design

    2. utilitas: utility; a design’s usefulness and suitability for the needs of its intended users

    3. venustas: beauty; is it pleasing to the eye?

    Original Text
    Haec autem ita fieri debent ut habeatur ratio firmitatis utilitatis venustatis. firmitatis erit habita ratio, cum fuerit fundamentorum ad solidum depressio et quaque e materia copiaram sine avaritia diligens electio, utilitatis autem, cum emendata et sine inpeditione usus locorum dispositio et ad regiones sui cuiusque generis apta et commoda distributio, venustatis vero cum fuerit operis species grata et elegans membrorumque commensus iustas habeat symmetriarum ratiocinationes.

    In the translation of M. H. Morgan, it becomes:
    All these must be built with due reference to durability, convenience, and beauty. Durability will be assured when foundations are carried down to the solid ground and materials wisely and liberally selected; convenience, when the arrangement of the apartments is faultless and presents no hindrance to use, and when each class of building is assigned to its suitable and appropriate exposure; and beauty, when the appearance of the work is pleasing and in good taste, and when its members are in due proportion according to correct principles of symmetry.

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