Everyone wants simple. But simple isn't simple.
To achieve true simplicity, one must delve into the complex.
I remember when I first wanted to learn frontend development. The idea at the time was that I would develop my own portfolio website and maybe land a job coding somewhere.
What I didn't realize was just how complex web development was, even to build a simple portfolio website.
Having very little in the way of design knowledge, I emulated what I thought simple design was--having nothing to measure it against.
I wasn't aware of the fundamentals of design. The idea that form should follow function. Parts unseen are just as beautiful as the parts seen and taken for granted.
What I had to learn was that minimalism was not something easily achieved.
It can appear on the nose if one doesn't take the time and concerted effort to design with purpose. This also goes for the simplicity that we seek in life.
In our mind, it may appear stripped and singular.
In reality, it is far more complex in context than ever fathomed.
In the same way that you can plan for something to go a certain way, and the universe has other plans, often better than you imagined.
Trying to look simple isn't the same as being simple. Good design is the result of a process, not imitation. Products that endure are pared-down marvels like the Nest thermostat or the original iPhone. The thing is, feature creep complicates everything.
It can often undo the simplicity we worked so hard to acquire. So it's essential to pare things away when everyone else is adding.
But what are we supposed to look for in the illusion of effortlessness? How do we accomplish true simplicity in the things we create and the lives that we live?
The Illusion of Effortlessness
When we're creating, it can be easy to compare ourselves or our work to someone's finished product.
A labor that probably took years and then some.
However, when a company or individual releases something that exudes simplicity, it can appear effortless. They didn't even have to try because to us the finish product feels right and well throughout.
While behind the scenes, they opted for explanations or designs with the fewest necessary components. It's about shaving off the unnecessary while preserving function.
People who make simplicity look easy practice the KISS principle ("Keep It Simple, Stupid"). Where the emphasis is on designing systems that a mechanic can fix with basic tools.
Simplicity isn't dumb, it's intentional.
But it can be invisible if you're not paying attention.
The Crushers of Complexity
First things first, you have to start with a deep understanding.
Understand the user's need thoroughly. Don't just remove features arbitrarily. Know what truly matters.
Regularly ask, "Does this add value or just bulk?"
Consider performing simplicity audits every 3 to 6 months, both professionally and personally. Design by subtraction, no addition. The ability to remove is a creative act. Less clutter is not laziness, it's clarity.
You might also want to watch for displacement complexity. Avoid solving one complexity only to create another elsewhere. Check for emergence in other areas. This is where "false simplicity" can be most deceptive.
Also, lean on principle, not just aesthetics.
Minor aesthetics tricks won't save clutter. Build on frameworks previously discussed and apply them consistently.
Finally, prioritize experiences over features.
Simplify the path users take. If a user has to overthink to use something, you've failed the simplicity test.
Simplicity isn't luck--it's disciplined subtraction, user insight, and ruthless honesty.
Complexity creeps in when we’re not paying attention.
Simplicity, on the other hand, is won through deliberate subtraction.
Your challenge: Perform a simplicity audit this week. Remove one thing that adds bulk, not value--and watch how much more room you create for what actually matters.
Your words about subtraction made me rethink my approach to songwriting. I often pile on layers of sound but after reading this I’m inspired to try a stripped-down version of my song to see if the emotion comes through more clearly. Real artistry is in knowing what to take away and not complicate the art itself. I’ll use this perspective in future songwriting sessions and see how it goes. Thank you for this inspiration today Idris Elijah!
Reading today’s newsletter reminded me of how great albums are made. The best records aren’t the ones crammed with endless production tricks but the ones where the artist knew what not to include. Think of something like Thriller…Each track feels so clean because the excess was stripped away. People still love that Michael Jackson album today even though it only has 9 songs and it’s still the best selling album of all time! Simplicity in music is an art form, just like in design and in life. You always manage to take a concept we think we all know and reveal a deeper layer of truth in it so we can apply it our own personal development. Brilliantly done Idris!