Blog 3- Maeda

Law 2: Organization -- Of all the laws, this is one I can most see in my day to day life. In order for me to really remember anything, I must write it down, especially in a place that I will see it. My student planner is like my best friend; it seems as though I have it with me at all times. I also have an enlarged calender that hangs above my desk with major dates and appointments marked on it. In much of the same way, I make lists for everything: to-do, shopping, packing, etc. Even though I may not adhere to the list at all times, it is comforting to now that it is all written down and I have it in case I need to consult it. I feel as though I have everything in order once it's written down and in its place. In design, organization is key; without it chaos seeps through, and that isn't always the best thing.

Law 3: Time -- Like most people today, I can get very frustrated and impatient when things don't happen when they're supposed to. Maeda brought up a good point when he stated that the average American can spend an hour each day waiting in line in addition to the time spent waiting for activities that have no line at all. I think we've become such a time-conscious society that today, more than any other time in recent history, time plays such an important role in our day-to-day lives. He also stated that savings in time feels like simplicity. This too is very true. When everything is on time, life feels simpler; there is no chaos like when time is out of order.

Law 4: Learn -- When Maeda states that 'knowledge makes everything simpler,' it couldn't have been said any better. When you don't know how to do something properly, it adds stress and frustration to the whole situation. No matter how simple or complex the situation may be, having knowledge prior to the situation makes everything so much more easy. I think it is imperative for people to continue to learn throughout their lifetime, and to certainly learn from the mistakes they as well as others have made. I make it a point to learn something new everyday, whether it be a fact or new skill.

Like many have stated before me, although I don't plan to become a designer these Laws of Simplicity can be applied in my day-to-day life. He made many valid points with all 10 laws, in that taking bits and pieces from each law and applying them to the situation at hand, whether it be a design project or life in general, will make it much more tolerable and easier to handle.