Simplicity
is the discipline of minimizing, refining or editing back a design.
The ultimate goal of any piece of graphic design is to make an impression. If a design achieves this goal, it will be fulfilling its purpose of communicating and insisting upon a particular message.
More often than not in graphic design, keeping it simple works
really well. In design there is a general consensus that less is more i.e. less
is more striking. We consider simplicity to ensure that a piece of
communication has maximum clarity. We consider simplicity to create balance and
impact. Simple design is easier to understand and is more likely to make a
lasting impression.
For beginners it is easily assumed that simplistic design might
not be good or interesting design. However, simplicity is recognized as adding
a level of function, elegance, consideration, premium and luxury to a design.
In graphic design it’s harder to take away than it is to add.
This is what separates amateur designers from professionals and takes
experience, confidence and discipline. One of the hardest and most skillful
disciplines in design is knowing how to edit a piece of design.
When applying simplicity in design we should
avoid an overwhelming amount of visual elements. We should try and get across
one strong idea instead of incorporating many.
When considering simplicity, we should remove or edit down
information and details that are not needed. The more simplistic your design
the more striking and easier to understand it will be. Too many things going on
in a composition will make for a very confusing and bad experience.
Simplicity is not about stripping a design down to the point
it’s soulless. It’s also about harmony and balance between visual elements. In
design you want to avoid visual competition and achieve visual harmony.
Complex visual elements can indeed work to communicate a simple
message. For example, an image texture or a pattern texture maybe seen as
complex but these work to suggest a mood, a feeling, a notion. Coupled with a
simple logo placement or bold message this can be striking. When you think of
some of the most prestigious brands, it’s common to see: simplicity set on a
backdrop of complex beauty. It’s a striking dynamic which can also be seen in
advertisements. Often an advert will only have a few seconds to communicate a
message so must be as striking and as easy to understand as possible.
Advertisements typically seek to charm you with some sort of
dazzling visual art coupled with a simple bold tag line message. What is seen
to be simple can often be complex. This clever achievement in design is highly
sought after and is regarded as elegant, premium and luxurious. If this visual
harmony is not executed well it may lead to be busy and a confusing message
which will not fulfill its purpose.
Consideration of simplicity is often seen in good brand logos.
Poorly designed logos can be too complex and busy with too many colors. Some of
the best logos are also some of the most simple.
When you look at design ask yourself how is simplicity being
considered? Is there visual harmony or visual competition? How clear is the
design? And how clear is the message? Could it be more striking? Is there
anything you could change to simplify the design? And what impression does it
make on you?
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