The Laws of Simplicity
by John Maeda · first published 2006
55% recommend36% neutral9% critical
Why HN recommends it
A short, idea-focused book on simplicity in design, with ten laws for making things easier to use. Suggested for designers, product people, and anyone wanting to think clearly about simplicity versus minimalism.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
10 laws and 3 keys to achieving the goal of simplicity in everything
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Thinking about how to achieve simplicity is actually quite complex. It doesn't happen easily. I liked John Maeda's book, Laws of Simplicity http://weblogs.media.mit.edu/SIMPLICITY/
on “Simple Living Manifesto: 72 Ideas to Simplify Your Life” ↗…much easier to talk about. Simple is one of those words that means radically different things to different people. Minimal. Easy. Monotone. Etc. Folk who liked the OP would probably find the book The Laws Of Simplicity by John Maeda of interest http://mitpress.mit.edu/books/laws-simplicity. It's more a series of extended blog-post style essays around simplicity than it is a unifying framework of laws - but I still…
on “Simplicity” ↗In Design minimalism should not be confused with simplicity. Which is actually more about being super functional and direct about what you are trying to achieve. John Maeda’s book 10 laws of simplicity define it well. In striving for simplicity you run the risk of oversimplification. So an important element in such a process is always identifying the complexity that you can’t ignore. Simplicity requires…
on “Minimalism conceals the messy realities of society” ↗the laws of simplicity - john maeda on liberty - john stuart mill meditation for dummies - stephan bodian on the duty of civil disobedience - henry david thoreau the bible - (no, I'm kidding :)
on “Ask HN: What books dramatically changed your viewpoint of the world?” ↗Some of you might also be interested in The Laws Of Simplicity by John Maeda http://lawsofsimplicity.com/
on “Laws of UX” ↗…personal project with the rest of the group in monthly seminars. We do need some academia in the workplace, just look at Google for a good example. 8. Like to read books like... Coders at Work, The Laws of Simplicity, Web Form Design: Filling in the Blanks, and The Universal Principles of Design. Loves to read Hacker News! Who love sites like Reddit, Hulu (The Office), YouTube, GitHub, StackOverflow, and a myriad…
on “Looking for Dream Job” ↗Thanks for this link. The following "laws" of simplicity by John Maeda may be of interest too: 10 Laws of Simplicity 1. Reduce: the simplest way to achieve simplicity is through thoughtful reduction. 2. Organize: Organization makes a system of many appear…
on “Do The Simplest Thing That Could Possibly Work” ↗…Us -- Dan Pink (http://www.amazon.com/Drive-Surprising-Truth-About-Motivates...) Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? -- Seth Godin (http://www.amazon.com/Linchpin-Are-Indispensable-Seth-Godin/...) The Laws of Simplicity -- John Maeda (http://www.amazon.com/Laws-Simplicity-Design-Technology-Busi...) Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance -- Robert M. Persig (http://www.amazon.com/Zen-Art-Motorcycle-Maintenance-Inquiry...)…
on “Ask HN: What are you reading right now?” ↗…Coming from an engineering background, I had no idea where to start. This helps a lot, thanks! Would also appreciate any other pointers/links/books/courses you'd recommend, just finished reading the Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda.
on “A Crash Course in Information and Visual Design” ↗…it helps to have a sense of aesthetics. That usually comes when you admit something is ugly, and grows from there. There are a ridiculous number of design books out there. You could probably finish "Laws of Simplicity" in an hour. http://www.amazon.com/Laws-Simplicity-Design-Technology-Busi... Note that I'm no designer.
on “Nah Seriously! Who designs the YC startups websites? Loving it.” ↗…bit skeptical; I think he's a great designer but don't really buy the "it's like design but for X" sort of analogies. Sort of wish he stuck with art & design. His first book in that vein was 2006's The Laws of Simplicity, which applied some of his design thinking to life in general. I didn't find it very interesting, but a lot of people did, so maybe it's a matter of taste. His upcoming book is on applying design ideas…
on “John Maeda, Former MIT Media Lab Director, At Odds With RISD Faculty” ↗Just read about "The Laws of Simplicity" and "The design of everyday things". They seem to be frequently recommended. Anybody any experience with these? Big thanks in advance!
on “Ask HN: What is the best book on design you've read?” ↗