Less Is More. Why You Want To Design Simple

The design principle of “Less Is More” in product design advocates for simplicity and functionality, often leading to enhanced user experience and reduced production costs. By minimizing unnecessary features and focusing on core functionalities, designers create products that are easier to use and maintain. Streamlined designs tend to improve aesthetic appeal and can reduce the likelihood of manufacturing defects, as fewer components result in simpler assembly processes. This approach often aligns with sustainable practices, as it can lead to reduced material waste and energy consumption during production.

Key Takeaways

• Less is more in product design emphasizes simplicity over complexity.
• Minimalist design enhances user experience and satisfaction.
• Clear, uncluttered interfaces improve usability.
• Successful products often prioritize essential features, not excess.
• Simplicity often leads to greater brand recognition.

See the lithography on the right, from Pablo Picasso’s sketch of one of his famous bulls (from Les 11 états successifs de la lithographie Le Taureau, 1945). While most of us would have been more than proud of the first version, it took him 11 versions to get to the simplest version, where any line counts & makes his bull unforgettable. Design Simple was part of the goal and his genius here.

In just a few lines, the bull is recognizable and has all its visual identities (strong shoulders, tail, brave horns, male attributes) in order to pass a strong message while less-important details have disappeared completely.

“Picasso ended where we all would have started” F. Mourlot

This Picasso example is taken, from an excellent article taken from the book of the famous Fernand Mourlot lithograph printer “Gravés dans ma mémoire”, Ed. Robert Laffont (1979).

The same concept of simplicity is highlighted on the left by Leonardo da Vinci in his iconic Vitruvian Man, five centuries ago.

Less Is More

The “Less Is More” design philosophy favors a minimalistic approach in making products. It believes that too much complexity confuses users. This leads to a less enjoyable experience. Designers aim for simplicity, trying to keep ideas pure while keeping them useful.

Several design movements described below support this simple approach. They show how simplicity makes things easier to use as a minimalistic approach helps create a clear, engaging experience by removing what’s not needed.

Understanding Minimalist Design: minimalism in design is about keeping it simple and cutting out the excess. It’s about making sure every part of a design has a purpose. This makes the user’s experience better and keeps things looking good.

These ideas show how minimalist design can change technology and architecture. How many colors in the living room picture below?

Importance of Simplicity in Design

Simplicity in design makes everything clear, improving how people use products. Designers work hard to keep things simple. They remove what’s not needed so everyone can focus on what matters.

“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away“, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

• Creating clarity and focus for users: when designs are clear, people quickly get what a product does. Simple interfaces turn tough tasks into easy ones. This makes everyone’s life simpler. Intuitive designs help users move smoothly from one task to the next and cuts down on frustration by making everything faster.
• Usability and safety: simple designs are great for usability and improve how we experience products. By keeping things simple, products don’t overload our brains. This is something top brands know well.
• Enhancing User Experience (UX) through clean and intuitive design: prioritizing simplicity in design enhances user experience. Designers aim for interfaces that users can easily navigate, easy to use in order to appeal to a wider audience. A product’s success often hinges on efficiently solving users’ problems.

 

Design Element	Impact on User Experience
Simplicity	Reduces cognitive load, making it easier for users to understand and interact.
Navigation	Guides users smoothly through the product, enhancing overall satisfaction.
Feedback	Provides users with necessary information about their actions, confirming successful interactions.
Visual Hierarchy	Directs attention to important elements, improving usability and engagement.

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Form Follows Function

The concept of “form follows function” has its roots in the early 20th century in architecture., particularly associated with architects and designers like Louis Sullivan, who is often credited with coining the phrase, followed by Frank Lloyd Wright and other architects.

This principle suggests that the shape of a building or product should primarily relate to its intended function or purpose. In architectural design, it led to the development of structures that reflect their utility, such as skyscrapers that prioritize verticality to accommodate urban density. The movement gained momentum with the advent of modernism, which championed simplicity and functionality as key characteristics in the design of both buildings and objects.

In smaller mechanical design, this concept would be related to ergonomics and usability.

Some famous industrial designers have followed that with great success in the last 20 years. One of the iconic examples is the lean Juice Squizeer designed by Philippe Stack and produced by Alessi using the casting technique on the right:

All is about forms and functions in Stark’s lean design:

• • The form on the top to shred the pulp
  • The form in the middle to direct the juice to one central point, above the glass
  • The three legs with angles to stay out of the juice and avoiding hyperstatism

• Not to mention the original shapes and ideas (rocket, ant, tree, nature …). Some may argue about the volume taken in the kitchen for storage; good products are likely more frequently used, stay in focus, and therefore not be stored.

“Form Follows Function” can also be observed in various industries. Manufacturing practices more and more also align with this concept, as additive manufacturing allowing the creation of complex geometries without unnecessary material waste. In aerospace, components are now often designed using topology optimization, resulting in parts that possess intricate shapes while achieving structural integrity and weight reduction.

See our detailed Forms Follows Function article and image library:

 

The K.I.S.S. Principle in Product Design

“Keep It Simple, Stupid.“

The KISS principle reminders designers in a memorable way to make better products focusing on simplicity, and effectiveness. Simple, intuitive products come from cutting out unnecessary parts.

“Complexity is your enemy. Any fool can make something complicated. It is hard to make something simple.” Sir Richard Branson

• simple to design; which means in less time on the market
• simplicity to build, assemble & control; frequently means cheaper
• simpler for your users to learn and use
• means also reliable & easy to maintain with standards parts and not too many specific tools or training

When more is just too much! Do not add additional spares. Remember these DIY assemble shelves: when you finished to assembled them, you are left with one or two additional screws or nuts? Were they provided as spares, or did you just forget them? Just don’t put them in the package, or be very clear on their purpose in the assembly instructions. As always, use with brain; fragile rare bulbs or easy-to-loose tiny screws can be an exception.

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Jugaad to Design Simple

From the famous eponym book from Navi RADjou, Jaideep  PRABHU, and Simone AHUJA, the Jugaad methodology, rooted in Indian innovation culture, is based on the idea of finding low-cost, resourceful solutions to problems by working with what is readily available. This approach values simplicity, adaptability, and quick thinking, often relying on creative improvisation instead of formal processes. By utilizing local resources and existing materials, Jugaad allows individuals and organizations to overcome constraints that may otherwise limit innovation.

The Jugaad approach is one of the root of the frugal innovation concept.

In product design, Jugaad encourages teams to create functional prototypes and solutions without waiting for perfect conditions or elaborate funding. Designers often repurpose everyday items or modify basic components to meet immediate user needs. This results in products that are accessible, affordable, and tailored to specific challenges. Through its practical and flexible methods, Jugaad often leads to unexpected innovations well-suited for environments with limited means.

This promotes not only simplicity in the design, but also (re)usage of already existing technologies or already developed products. A great book and a must-have in an innovation context.

Although not our preferred example of a successful Design Simple product, it is said that:

“One can repair a Kalashnikov with just a rubber band and a paper clip”

 

Why Complex Products Fail

Markets failures: many complex products in the market fail because they have too many features. This often overwhelms users. The failure of these products usually comes from not meeting customer expectations. Simplifying design to focus on user experience is essential.

Examples of overly complicated products: some consumer electronics have user interfaces that are hard to use. Remember the washing machines in the 80s with 50+ washing programs? While you were just using “White” or “Color” and dry or not at the end. Now arguments are simplicity first, offset time start, energy consumption, and sometimes noise level.

Technical failures: complex products often consist of numerous interconnected components and systems, each with specific functionalities and tolerances. This intricate design increases the likelihood of defects or failures due to various factors, including material variability, manufacturing inconsistencies, and assembly errors.

The interaction between these components can create unforeseen stress points, also leading to performance issues that may not be identified during the testing phase.

Rigorous market and V&V testing so as quality control measures are essential to mitigate these risks, yet the multifaceted nature of complex products inherently increases the potential for failure.

How many times was your latest hip-full-of-gadgets product out of service because of a secondary function that you don’t even use?

Do we really need cars with glasses opening some millimeters, just before closing the door to avoid the slight discomfort of over pressure? Just calculate the  percentage time of usage in the product lifetime, versus potential failures inducted by the additional wearing of motor and sealings.

Iconic Simple Designs

Looking at successful simple designs shows how minimalism can improve product design. Many brands show that simplicity can make the user experience better and strengthen brand identity. Apple is a key example in this area.

Apple’s Approach to Minimalist Product Design

Apple’s simple design philosophy plays a big part in its products’ success. Its devices are known for being easy to use with a sleek look, “Apple’s clean style”. Apple even uses this minimalist design in its marketing and packaging. This made the brand easy to recognize and remember.

Other big brands have also succeeded with simple designs. For example, Google and Spotify offer easy-to-use interfaces that make for a smooth user experience. Pringles stands out with its unique can design.

Balancing aesthetics and functionality in design: in the world of product design, there’s a big talk about looks vs. how things work. Making a product that’s both pretty and practical can make users happy and loyal. A good-looking product can grab attention, but it needs to work well, or people will lose interest. Designers have to focus on this balance. They need to make sure colors, shapes, and textures also help the product do its job.

The main goal is to make products that wow people with their looks and work like a charm, ie putting looks and function on equal footing

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Brand	Design Feature	Impact
Apple	Sleek interfaces with minimal distraction	Enhanced user experience and clarity
Google	Simple search interface	Fast access to information
Spotify	User-friendly music navigation	Increased user engagement
Pringles	Unique cylindrical packaging	Memorable branding and easy recognition

 

Outro

Complementary to the Richard Branson intro quote, artists alike:

“Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.” Charles Mingus

How many notes do you need to recognize Mile Davis ?

 

FAQ

What does “Less Is More” mean in product design?

“Less Is More” means focusing on simplicity in product design. It’s about removing what’s not needed to improve functionality and the user experience. It advocates for simplicity and functionality, asserting that a minimalist approach can enhance user experience and product efficiency. This principle encourages designers and engineers to eliminate unnecessary elements, focusing instead on core features that meet user needs without overwhelming with complexity.

How does minimalist design improve user experience?

Minimalist design makes things easier for users by offering clean, simple interfaces. This makes it easier to understand and use, without extra, confusing features. Minimalist design enhances user experience by prioritizing simplicity and functionality, which streamlines interactions and reduces cognitive load. Key principles include the elimination of unnecessary elements, the use of a limited color palette, and the focus on essential features directly addressing user needs.

Why do complex products often fail to meet user needs?

Complex products frequently fail to meet user needs due to various factors related to design and development processes. High levels of complexity can lead to misunderstandings of user requirements, as intricate features may distract from the primary functions that users expect. Inadequate user testing during the development phase can result in a product that does not align with actual user behavior or preferences. Furthermore, communication gaps between cross-functional teams -such as design, engineering, and marketing- can hinder the integration of user feedback into the final product.

How does user feedback play a role in simplifying product design?

User feedback helps designers know what works and what doesn’t, letting them improve usability. It serves as a critical input for refining product design by identifying pain points and areas for improvement. Through systematic collection of feedback, designers and engineers can pinpoint specific features that may complicate user interactions, leading to iterative modifications that streamline functionality. 

What is the KISS principle, and why is it important?

The KISS principle means “Keep It Simple, Stupid.” It’s vital because it pushes for simplicity, making products easier to understand and use. It posits that systems and designs should be as simple as possible to minimize complexity while maximizing functionality and usability. This principle is important in product design and manufacturing as it reduces potential errors, lowers production costs, and enhances user experience.

How Product Designers balance between simplicity and functionality?

Companies find balance by carefully choosing features that really matter. They focus on meeting user needs and making sure everything added is truly valuable. This involves iterative prototyping and user testing to ensure that essential features are retained while minimizing unnecessary complexities. Designers utilize principles such as minimalism and intuitive interface design to streamline interactions, effectively reducing cognitive load for users.

 

Complementary Readings

• User-Centered Design (UCD): focus on the needs and preferences of end-users to create intuitive products.
• Minimum Viable Product (MVP): develop a product with just enough features to satisfy early adopters and gather feedback for future iterations.
• Modular design: create products with interchangeable components that simplify assembly, maintenance, and upgrades.
• Ergonomics: design products with human factors in mind to enhance comfort and usability, contributing to a simpler user experience.
• Systems thinking: understand how different components of a product interact within a larger system to simplify complexity
• A/B testing: evaluate different design iterations to identify the simplest and most effective solutions based on user feedback.
• Design thinking: a problem-solving approach that emphasizes empathy, ideation, and prototyping to simplify complex challenges.
• Function analysis: assess a product’s functions to identify and eliminate unnecessary features, ensuring a focus on core utility.
• Visual hierarchy: utilize design principles that prioritize information presentation, making products easier to navigate and use.