The Laws of Simplicity
Design, Technology, Business, Life
by John Maeda
MIT Press, 2006
Comments: I've had an interest in design philosophy for many years, so this little book from one of my favorite academic presses recently grabbed my attention. It focuses on the benefits of using simplicity as a guiding principle in design. The author is a graphic designer, computer scientist, and professor at the MIT Media Lab, who has solid experience with both the concepts and realities of design practice. He makes a compelling case for the importance of simplicity as a key parameter for the success of any design project. The book is fairly brief and the topic is not handled on a particularly deep level -- most the ideas will come as no surprise to any serious designer-- but by using personal anecdotes and familiar examples the author does make the subject lively and interesting.
I doubt this little book will end up in the pantheon of great works that every designer must read, but it's a fun and easily readable exploration of an important idea that every designer should periodically be reminded of: keep it simple.
Copy Notes: Hardback, fourth printing, illustrations
Design, Technology, Business, Life
by John Maeda
MIT Press, 2006
Comments: I've had an interest in design philosophy for many years, so this little book from one of my favorite academic presses recently grabbed my attention. It focuses on the benefits of using simplicity as a guiding principle in design. The author is a graphic designer, computer scientist, and professor at the MIT Media Lab, who has solid experience with both the concepts and realities of design practice. He makes a compelling case for the importance of simplicity as a key parameter for the success of any design project. The book is fairly brief and the topic is not handled on a particularly deep level -- most the ideas will come as no surprise to any serious designer-- but by using personal anecdotes and familiar examples the author does make the subject lively and interesting.
I doubt this little book will end up in the pantheon of great works that every designer must read, but it's a fun and easily readable exploration of an important idea that every designer should periodically be reminded of: keep it simple.
Copy Notes: Hardback, fourth printing, illustrations
