Laws of Simplicity

Sun, Dec 3, 2006

Simplicity Rules

Over the next two weeks I will be reviewing John Maeda’s ten Laws of Simplicity. His book takes an academic approach to the topic. Maeda is a professor at MIT’s Media Lab. His writing is both philosophical and practical. True to keeping it simple, the book is short (100 pgs) and an easy read.

I love this definition:

“Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful.”

That quote is also the tenth law, which boils down he other nine into one. But I’ve got ahead of myself. I have more to say in the links below, as I relate Maeda’s laws to the Web.

Those on the edge of their seats can see the author’s site or buy the book at Amazon.

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  1. Simplicity Rules » What does “simplicity” mean to you? Says:
    January 2nd, 2007 at 5:44 pm

    [...] In December I wrote a series of posts based on this book. It’s a quick read full of great ideas. And it could be free if you enter by January 15. [...]

  2. Simplicity Rules » Simplicity sells, not features Says:
    May 10th, 2007 at 4:39 pm

    [...] That’s right out of the Laws of Simplicity. [...]

  3. Simplicity Rules » More enjoyment, less pain Says:
    September 20th, 2007 at 10:53 am

    [...] John Maeda wrote the Laws of Simplicity, a great little book that breaks down what it means to be simple. In March he gave this talk at the TED conference: [...]

  4. Simplicity Rules » Slides and links from Ignite Portland Says:
    October 29th, 2007 at 2:10 pm

    [...] Laws of Simplicity [...]

  5. Simplicity Rules » Simplexity Says:
    January 14th, 2008 at 5:16 pm

    [...] The Laws of Simplicity say that simplicity and complexity need each other. Without complexity, there can be no simple solution. Or, rather, there would be no complex solution to make better. [...]

  6. [term] Simlexity (Simple-Simplexity-Complexity) « Zatvornitskiy Posts Says:
    January 28th, 2008 at 3:52 am

    [...] Блог Simplicity Rules создает Adam DuVander, и всесторонне посвящен принципу Keep it Simple или как сам Адам говорит: Laws of Simplicity. Наглядным примером принципов Cimplicity является легендарное выражение создателя Kodak камеры George Eastman’а: “You press the button, we do the rest”. Про эту историю рассказывает полезная статья: The Experience Is The Product (читать всем кто создает эффективный UI). [...]

  7. things I read yesterday … 06/16/2008 « The Bankwatch Says:
    June 16th, 2008 at 7:32 am

    [...] Simplicity Rules » Laws of Simplicity [...]

  8. Motion Graphics Assignment * Purity is Simplicity « IAMHUGO Says:
    November 8th, 2010 at 6:24 am

    [...] were asked to develop an 11th Law which compliments John Maeda’s 10 laws of simplicity.  The law I came up with was Purity: is [...]

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