June 10, 2024

The Art of Simplistic Design

Simplicity in design isn't just about minimalism—it's about clarity, purpose, and intentionality. In this article, I'll share my thoughts on how to approach design with simplicity at its core.

Start with the problem, not the solution

The most elegant designs begin with a clear understanding of what problem you're solving. Before opening your design tool or writing a line of code:

Define the core problem in one sentence
Identify who is affected by the problem
Understand what success looks like to them

This initial clarity will guide every decision that follows.

Subtract until you can't subtract more

As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry famously said, "Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away."

For each element in your design, ask yourself:

What purpose does this serve?
What happens if I remove it?
Can this be combined with something else?

The best designs feel inevitable—as if they couldn't possibly be any other way.

Create a visual hierarchy

Simplistic design doesn't mean everything gets equal weight. Instead:

Emphasize what's most important
De-emphasize or hide what's less important
Group related items together

Using whitespace, size, and contrast thoughtfully creates breathing room and directs attention where it belongs.

Consistency is your friend

Maintain consistent patterns throughout your design:

Reuse components and styles
Establish a clear design system
Don't reinvent solutions for similar problems

This reduces cognitive load for your users and simplifies future development.

Test with real users, then simplify again

No design survives contact with real users unchanged. After testing:

Watch for moments of confusion
Identify features that go unused
Look for opportunities to streamline further

Remember, simplicity is an ongoing process, not a final state.