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By John Maeda

By John Maeda

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Part of Simplicity: Design, Technology, Business, Life

Part of Simplicity: Design, Technology, Business, Life

Category: Design |

Category: Design | Business |

Paperback $17.95

Sep 01, 2020 | ISBN 9780262539470

Ebook $13.99

Jul 07, 2006 | ISBN 9780262260954

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    About The Laws of Simplicity

    Ten laws of simplicity for business, technology, and design that teach us how to need less but get more.

    Finally, we are learning that simplicity equals sanity. We’re rebelling against technology that’s too complicated, DVD players with too many menus, and software accompanied by 75-megabyte “read me” manuals. The iPod’s clean gadgetry has made simplicity hip. But sometimes we find ourselves caught up in the simplicity paradox: we want something that’s simple and easy to use, but also does all the complex things we might ever want it to do. In The Laws of Simplicity, John Maeda offers ten laws for balancing simplicity and complexity in business, technology, and design—guidelines for needing less and actually getting more.

    Maeda—a professor in MIT’s Media Lab and a world-renowned graphic designer—explores the question of how we can redefine the notion of “improved” so that it doesn’t always mean something more, something added on.

    Maeda’s first law of simplicity is “Reduce.” It’s not necessarily beneficial to add technology features just because we can. And the features that we do have must be organized (Law 2) in a sensible hierarchy so users aren’t distracted by features and functions they don’t need. But simplicity is not less just for the sake of less. Skip ahead to Law 9: “Failure: Accept the fact that some things can never be made simple.” Maeda’s concise guide to simplicity in the digital age shows us how this idea can be a cornerstone of organizations and their products—how it can drive both business and technology. We can learn to simplify without sacrificing comfort and meaning, and we can achieve the balance described in Law 10. This law, which Maeda calls “The One,” tells us: “Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious, and adding the meaningful.”

    About The Laws of Simplicity

    Ten laws of simplicity for business, technology, and design that teach us how to need less but get more.

    Finally, we are learning that simplicity equals sanity. We’re rebelling against technology that’s too complicated, DVD players with too many menus, and software accompanied by 75-megabyte “read me” manuals. The iPod’s clean gadgetry has made simplicity hip. But sometimes we find ourselves caught up in the simplicity paradox: we want something that’s simple and easy to use, but also does all the complex things we might ever want it to do. In The Laws of Simplicity, John Maeda offers ten laws for balancing simplicity and complexity in business, technology, and design—guidelines for needing less and actually getting more.

    Maeda—a professor in MIT’s Media Lab and a world-renowned graphic designer—explores the question of how we can redefine the notion of “improved” so that it doesn’t always mean something more, something added on.

    Maeda’s first law of simplicity is “Reduce.” It’s not necessarily beneficial to add technology features just because we can. And the features that we do have must be organized (Law 2) in a sensible hierarchy so users aren’t distracted by features and functions they don’t need. But simplicity is not less just for the sake of less. Skip ahead to Law 9: “Failure: Accept the fact that some things can never be made simple.” Maeda’s concise guide to simplicity in the digital age shows us how this idea can be a cornerstone of organizations and their products—how it can drive both business and technology. We can learn to simplify without sacrificing comfort and meaning, and we can achieve the balance described in Law 10. This law, which Maeda calls “The One,” tells us: “Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious, and adding the meaningful.”

    Also in Simplicity: Design, Technology, Business, Life

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    Also in Simplicity: Design, Technology, Business, Life

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    Also by John Maeda

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    Also by John Maeda

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    Product Details

    Category: Design |

    Paperback | $17.95
    Published by The MIT Press
    Sep 01, 2020 | 128 Pages | 5-3/8 x 8 | ISBN 9780262539470

    Category: Design | Business |

    Ebook | $13.99
    Published by The MIT Press
    Jul 07, 2006 | 128 Pages | 5-3/8 x 8 | ISBN 9780262260954

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    Praise

    “If brevity is the soul of wit, simplicity is the soul of design. John Maeda uses the concept of simplicity to get at the nature of human thought and perception while drawing out tangible applications for business, technology, and life in general. The Laws of Simplicity is thoroughly optimistic, entertaining, and erudite, just as you would expect from Maeda. It is also the most compelling one hundred pages of design writing I have read this year.” – Rob Forbes, Founder, Design Within Reach

    “Our lives and our businesses are faster and broader than ever. As such, they are also more complex and difficult to manage, for both customers and managers. Therefore, achieving simplicity in both our products and our organizations will be crucial for securing market share. No one has seen this more clearly than John Maeda, the Master of Simplicity. The Laws of Simplicity is a clear and incisive guide for making simplicity the paramount feature of our products; it’s also a road map for constructing a more meaningful world.” – Andrea Ragnetti, Board of Management, Royal Philips Electronics

    “I planned to skim/sample John Maeda’s book, then decide to endorse it — or not. I quickly found myself mesmerized — and thence the only issue was deciding what were the strongest words I could muster in support of The Laws of Simplicity. The book is important; and Maeda has made an absurdly complex subject — simplicity — approachable and usable. Bravo! I hope the people who design the products I’ll acquire in the next ten years take this book to heart.” – Tom Peters

    Table Of Contents

    simplicity = sanity i
    Law 1 reduce 1
    Law 2 organize 11
    Law 3 time 23
    Law 4 learn 33
    Law 5 differences 45
    Law 6 context 53
    Law 7 emotion 63
    Law 8 trust 73
    Law 9 failure 83
    Law 10 the one 89
    Key 1 away 90
    Key 2 open 92
    Key 3 power 95
    life 99

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    FAQs

    What are the four laws of simplicity? ›

    1 REDUCE The simplest way to achieve simplicity is through thoughtful reduction. 2 ORGANIZE Organization makes a system of many appear fewer. 3 TIME Savings in time feel like simplicity. 4 LEARN Knowledge makes everything simpler.

    What is an example of the law of simplicity? ›

    The law of simplicity indicates that our mind perceives everything in its simplest form. The image below, for example, when studied in depth is made up of individual components that have no meaning when viewed separately, yet our mind automatically perceives them in combination to spell out the word 'logo'.

    What lies in the periphery of simplicity is definitely not peripheral.? ›

    Law 6: CONTEXT - What lies in the periphery of simplicity is definitely not peripheral. The sixth Law emphasizes the importance of what might become lost during the design process. That which appears to be of immediate relevance may not be nearly as important compared to everything else around.

    Who is the publisher of the Laws of Simplicity? ›

    About the Author

    He is the author of Design by Numbers, The Laws of Simplicity, and Redesigning Leadership, all published by The MIT Press.

    What are the 4 laws of thinking? ›

    The Law of Identity; 2. The Law of Contradiction; 3. The Law of Exclusion or of Excluded Middle; and, 4. The Law of Reason and Consequent, or of Sufficient Reason."

    What are the 7 principle laws? ›

    THE PRINCIPLES THAT GOVERN EVERYONE & EVERYTHING. There are seven Universal Laws or Principles by which everyone and everything in the Universe is governed. To name these Laws, they are the Laws of Mentalism, Correspondence, Vibration, Polarity, Rhythm, Cause and Effect and Gender.

    What lies in simplicity? ›

    However, true happiness lies in the simplicity of life—the ability to find contentment in the small, everyday moments, and to prioritize what genuinely matters. Embracing simplicity requires a conscious shift in mindset and a deliberate effort to let go of unnecessary complexities.

    What is the paradox of simplicity? ›

    The paradox of simplicity, as revealed through the superformula, offers a profound lesson for both designers and individuals alike. It teaches us that the path to simplicity winds through the complexities of life and that embracing this journey can lead to breakthroughs in creativity, design, and understanding.

    What is an example of simplicity in daily life? ›

    For example, when your space is neat and minimal, you no longer need to spend hours cleaning and tidying up. Of course, you still need to do these tasks, but they will take significantly less time. Creating a minimalist wardrobe is another way that simple living can give you more time and thus make your life easier.

    What is the law of simplicity review? ›

    The Laws of Simplicity Review

    Offers real-life examples and case studies that demonstrate the benefits of simplicity in various aspects of life. With its clear and concise approach, the book presents complex ideas in an accessible manner, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.

    Do simplicity and complexity need each other? ›

    Simplicity and complexity need each other.

    Without the counterpoint of complexity, we could not recognize simplicity when we see it. Our eyes and senses thrive, and sometimes recoil, whenever we experience differences. Acknowledging contrast helps to identify qualities that we desire—which are often subject to change.

    What are the keys to simplicity? ›

    The simplest way to achieve simplicity is through thoughtful reduction. Organization makes a system of many appear fewer. Savings in time feel like simplicity. Knowledge makes everything simpler.

    Who is the author of the simplicity? ›

    About the Author

    Edward de Bono invented the concept of lateral thinking. A world-renowned writer and philosopher, he is the leading authority in the field of creative thinking and the direct teaching of thinking as a skill.

    Who is the publisher of Business Law I Essentials? ›

    About the Author

    OpenStax publishes high-quality, peer-reviewed, openly-licensed textbooks for college and high school that are absolutely free online and low cost in print with most available in either full-color hardcover and B&W paperback print formats.

    What are the 4 laws of nature? ›

    All interactions in the Universe are governed by four fundamental forces. On the large scale, the forces of Gravitation and Electromagetism rule, while the Strong and Weak Forces dominate the microscopic realm of the atomic nucleus.

    What is Law 4 in the laws of human nature? ›

    4. Law of Compulsive Behavior: Know people's character. When choosing who to work/associate with, learn to look beyond appearances. Learn to assess your own character (so you can address the negative patterns in your life) and becoming skilled at reading others' character.

    What is law 4 of 48 laws? ›

    The less you say, the more intimidating and powerful you are. Always say less than necessary. When you do speak, make it vague and ambiguous, leaving the meaning to others to interpret. They'll be frustrated and obsessed with trying to figure you out.

    What is simplicity principles? ›

    The principle of simplicity or parsimony—broadly, the idea that simpler explanations of observations should be preferred to more complex ones—is conventionally attributed to William of Occam, after whom it is traditionally referred to as Occam's razor. 1.

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