Simplicity: A Matter of Design

As the world becomes increasingly complex and complicated, simplicity becomes increasingly in demand. We all seek simplicity in small or large measure. We strive to create simplicity at work and at home.

While the lives of our early ancestors may appear simple to us, it would not be simple for us to live those lives. This takes us to the root of simplicity: Simplicity is not an absolute quality. It depends on our experience, knowledge, understanding, and skills.

Simplicity: A Matter of Design offers a set of terms that will allow us to discuss simplicity in design with precision. It looks into the basics of simplicity and researches more in depth three aspects of design: functionality (simplicity for comfort), aesthetics (simplicity for pleasure) and ethics (simplicity for conscience). There is an extra chapter on simplicity in communication.

If there is one quality all designers are seeking it is simplicity. Nevertheless, very little is written on the subject. Simplicity: A matter of design is a very clearly written and illustrated must read for students and practitioners who are intrigued by the concept of simplicity.

“"Simplification is an ideal we think we aspire to, whether we are talking about the simple life, a clean uncluttered aesthetic, truth to materials, or just efficiency and economy. Per Mollerup uses these different motives - functionality, aesthetics and ethics - as an organising principle for the book, and introduces a wide range of sources and examples." - Eye magazine I sat down in the living room. I read, turned the pages, read, skimmed, and read again. A long period passed. Then I stood up and announced to the room, "this is a brilliant book!" What more need I say? I loved everything about it: the cover, the typesetting, the book design, the illustrations, and most of all, the commentary. I loved the analysis of the levels of simplicity and the distinction between quantity-simple and quality-simple. This is a deep and thoughtful book about a topic that sounds simple but is in fact deep and complex topic. How do I know? I wrote "Living with Complexity" I wish I had been able to read this book first. - Don Norman. Author of "Living with Complexity."”

Simplification is an ideal we think we aspire to, whether we are talking about the simple life, a clean uncluttered aesthetic, truth to materials, or just efficiency and economy. Per Mollerup uses these different motives - functionality, aesthetics and ethics - as an organising principle for the book, and introduces a wide range of sources and examples.
- Eye magazine

I sat down in the living room. I read, turned the pages, read, skimmed, and read again. A long period passed. Then I stood up and announced to the room, this is a brilliant book! What more need I say? I loved everything about it: the cover, the typesetting, the book design, the illustrations, and most of all, the commentary. I loved the analysis of the levels of simplicity and the distinction between quantity-simple and quality-simple. This is a deep and thoughtful book about a topic that sounds simple but is in fact deep and complex topic. How do I know? I wrote Living with Complexity I wish I had been able to read this book first.
- Don Norman. Author of Living with Complexity.

Per Mollerup is the Director of Mollerup Designlab, a leadingScandinavian design firm specializing in corporate identity andenvironmental signage, for which it has won the Danish Design Prizenine times. Mollerup has also written the bestselling design booksDesign for Life and Good Enough is Not Enough.

To present complexity in simple ways is the designer's noblest aspiration.

As the world becomes increasingly complex and complicated, simplicity becomes increasingly in demand. We all seek simplicity in small or large measure. We strive to create simplicity at work and at home.While the lives of our early ancestors may appear simple to us, it would not be simple for us to live those lives. This takes us to the root of simplicity: Simplicity is not an absolute quality. It depends on our experience, knowledge, understanding, and skills.Simplicity: A Matter of Design offers a set of terms that will allow us to discuss simplicity in design with precision. It looks into the basics of simplicity and researches more in depth three aspects of design: functionality (simplicity for comfort), aesthetics (simplicity for pleasure) and ethics (simplicity for conscience). There is an extra chapter on simplicity in communication.If there is one quality all designers are seeking it is simplicity. Nevertheless, very little is written on the subject. Simplicity: A matter of design is a very clearly written and illustrated must read for students and practitioners who are intrigued by the concept of simplicity.

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