Dissertation
Question How can the aesthetics of simplicity be used to communicate complexity?
Chapter: Introduction
This essay aims to explore the idea of simplicity as a tool for better understanding and communication of complex ideas- with a specific focus on design aesthetics. Studies in readability have shown that simple verbal language is critical for effective communication. The same can be said for visual language (Bergström, 2008, p. 137). According to Colin Ware- in his text ‘Information Visualization: Perception for Design’- 'Visualization provides an ability to comprehend huge amounts of data.’ (Ware, 1999, p. 9). The aim of this essay is to explore how the organisation and aesthetics of this ‘data’- through a process of simplification- can offer clarity as well as visual satisfaction. With regards to design, and in accordance with the idea that visuals provide easier understanding, the use of signs and symbols has increased substantially as a means of communicating information (Munari, 1966, p. 41) and has since been increasing. The purpose of these graphic signs is to communicate in a concise and effective way to ensure that the wrong interpretation or idea is not received (Krampen, 1965, p. 4). This therefore suggests a need for concise and effective design- which lends itself to the aesthetics of simplicity. In his book ‘The Laws of Simplicity’ (2006) designer and technologist John Maeda states the many ‘laws’ of the idea. These ‘laws’ show the importance of simplicity and how it can be achieved in daily life- but more importantly for this essay, in terms of design. His ideas will be explored in detail throughout this text and applied to existing examples of art and design as a means of evaluation and analysis. Furthermore, the exploration of the writing of Steven Heller and Annie Fink in ‘Less is More’ (1999) outlines and celebrates simplicity in all its forms but also provides 1 Shelly Kaur