I think it's important to make a distinction between simplicity and 'less features'. John Maeda's statement regarding 'thoughtful reduction' should not be translated as 'less features' or even 'less capability'. Removing functionality and capability is one way to achieve simplicity, but it is not the only one; the challenge of the designer is to achieve simplicity through other means.
Steve 2008/10/31 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > I recently read John Maeda`s book `The Laws of Simplicity` and also visit > his website http://lawsofsimplicity.com/ > The Laws of Simplicity is a book written in the same style Don Norman > wrote `The Design of Future Things`. > Few days back I came across the following link > http://www.jnd.org/dn.mss/simplicity_is_not_th.html wherein my Guru states > that Simplicity is NOT The answer. > My Guru states that `I conclude that the entire argument between features > and simplicity is misguided. People might very well desire more capability > and ease of use, but do not equate this to more features or to simplicity. > What people want is usable devices, which translates into understandable > ones.` > John Maeda states in his book `The simplest way to achieve simplicity is > through thoughtful reduction`. > > I was looking at my several remote controls and VHS and DVD players... > Even though these devises had understandable buttons and features, my mind > would still regard fewer buttons as a more userfriendly and easy to use > product. > For me Maeda`s statement makes sense hence I am with John on this one. > > If you disagree please comment. > > ________________________________________________________________ > Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! > To post to this list ....... [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe > List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines > List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help > -- Steve 'Doc' Baty | Principal Consultant | Meld Consulting | P: +61 417 061 292 | E: [EMAIL PROTECTED] | Twitter: docbaty Blog: http://docholdsfourth.blogspot.com Contributor - UXMatters - www.uxmatters.com ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help
