Blog 3-Laws of Simplicity

#1 REDUCE: This particular law caught my eye because it's easy for me to relate. This day in time, we all look for techniques and/or objects that make things easier for our day-to-day lifestyle, but we need to be aware of the line in between; when simple becomes complex. The example that Maeda used--a DVD player--is a great way to explain simplicity becoming complexity. The transformations from VHS to DVD should necessitate less demand, but surprisingly, they continue to be more complex. We enjoy these up-to-date, smaller gadgets, but unfortunately, many of these are a packaged deal, giving us more than what we bargained for. Our goal is to reduce the amount of time and effort, but in some situations, we find ourselves more engaged, requiring more time. Linking to design, programs such as Adobe Suite are extremely helpful with the skillful applications, but it is so compound that it's contradicting.

#3 TIME: The opening sentence, "the average person spends at least an hour a day waiting in line", pulled me into this chapter. To me these statistics are astonishing. Similar to the first law Reduce, we thrive on finding the quickest way to do activities. As Maeda states, we'll do anything to save ourselves time whether it's ordering from McDonald's or shipping items through FedEx; it's up to us how we choose to spend it. His example of the iPod shuffle is another great way to explain how an electronic is able to save us time by completing tasks for us. This reminded me of Kim Kardashian's Shoe Club Website--following a survey on your shoe taste, you are sent an email of a few choices linked to those styles, and you are then able to purchase a pair. These kind of processes save you time, but are we becoming too dependent? When a task takes less time, it feels simpler, which is exactly what we want.

#7 EMOTION: This law was interesting to me because I always seem to analyze message, whether it's through an email, text message, or social networking. Not only do we show emotion through text but by accessories as well. Dressing a simple, "naked", electronic in a case is a way of expressing the consumers feelings as well as the feelings for their electronic. A key aspect to this chapter is Maeda's statement- "while great art makes you wonder, great design makes things clear". Maeda is explaining that all art has some sort of emotion, whether it's questioning or answering; there is something behind it for everyone. Analyzing texts or art in general is a way of expressing emotion and as he states in the end- "it's no longer considered a weakness". This may seem to be more complex, but in the end, emotions are what enable us to react and simplify meanings.

John Maeda's ten laws of simplicity will help me to be a better designer by becoming aware of what's simple and complex and knowing the perfect balance in between. Although this helped me to view and hopefully create designs that are more enhanced in the future, I feel like it's easier for me to connect them to my every day life. This book has made me realize the importance of time, and the things around me that occupy my time.