The laws of simplicity

John Maeda

2006, 0262134721

I enjoyed this book although it seems that many others at the UX book club didn't. Maybe too whimsical?
I thought Maeda had some lovely turns of phrase and writes nicely on thought-provoking ideas.
In 100 pages, he outlines 10 laws to act as guide to design simplicity in the digital context.

1-3: Reduce, Organise, Time are the basics, focusing on designing
4-6: Learn, Differences, Context are intermediate, more subtle in meaning
7-9: Emotion, Trust, Failure are deeper and Maeda still feels he is thinking these concepts through and are broader in reach than just design
10: The One - brings everything together & distills - "Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful."

Balance is the aim, he says. A truism which resonates beyond design, even though it does sound a bit glib these days.

Interesting discussion at book club - we wondered if things can stay simple or whether cyclical human/historical patterns mean than a 'simple' tipping point is eventually reached and we then move into a cycle of complexity to move again into simpler zeitgeist. Issue of books is a good one at the moment with the lift-off in e-readers.