Nathan Shedroff — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 19:06:41 GMT

The problem here is mistaking Simplicity for Clarity, something Richard Saul Wurman has been distinguishing for, what, 20 years? Simplicity is about limiting data, information, and choices. This is, usually, counter-productive for true understanding, especially for experts. Simplicity is probably only relevant for absolute novices. Most of the time, we need more clear information and choices and it is only because most people lack the necessary organizational, verbal, (and often) visual skills to make things clear that cutting out choices is usually the direction taken. For designers of all stripes, simplicity is a mistaken approach, and often one that leads to poorer solutions and offerings, not better ones. For example, practically no one today would be happy living a simple life. However, almost everyone is striving toward a more clear one.

Also, if there is a “simplicity party” at all, it certainly didn’t start last year.

Boxes and Arrows: Comments by Nathan Shedroff