People seem to have very different opinions about what simplicity is. Is simplicity just the opposite of complexity or how do you define it? Does it really matter?
Simplicity is doing what I do faster and easier. For example, a faster internet connection.
View B
Simplicity is eliminating the unnecessary to focus on the essentials. For example, getting rid of all the features of software and gadgets that I never use.
14 comment(s) so far
Catnipthinks: To me simplicity is yes both those things, but also to not to be a slave to consumerism or to technology. I am proud of the fact that my children for instance did not have tvs in their bedrooms. (Admittedly it was a few years ago; they are now 25 and 23). This encouraged them to read and use their own imaginations I feel.
JBonninthinks: Simplicity involves choices that turn my life fuller and more agreeable.
Functionality spares a lot of time and stress. Therefore, it makes my life simpler.
On the other hand, some meaningful simple pleasures like reading a book, having friends around, enjoying your children´s company don´t require any special feature to happen.
It is always about finding a balance. We need to keep in mind what really matters to us, and find the best means available to make our lives easier.
innov8thinks: Focusing on the essentails is what makes a good product. Focus on a particular function and you can better target a market that needs that product. I want something that works and works well, is easy to use, and makes things easier for me.
Geek1thinks: Simplicity is about creating intuitive, easy to use products that fulfill your expectations on what it can do and how it applies to you. It about eliminating excess and surrounding yourself with only the essentail things you need and use.
jkthinks: What is simplicity is the context of something new? If simplicity is achieved by "familiarity" developed from using another product, then this can create a negative spiral of uniformity, of limited imagination and a competitive nightmare for companies wanting to break into a market with already substantial leading vendor.(s) So, is the best form of simplicity one which challenges familiarity by offering the opportunity for each one of us to personalise our own way of using products rather than being presented with predetermined routes.
Aosthinks: Simplicity is about making things easier and faster, essentially making things more efficient, in order to give us more time to devote to more important matters. It's about minimizing the effort needed to perform a task. It's about creating product that are intuitive and perform the tasks we desire.
tomlanethinks: Pedestrianise all towns, ban car ownership, force every one to use 2 seater golf buggys for short journeys and public transport for long journeys.
Maventhinks: I think simplicity is a little of both view A and B. I want to be able to things faster and easier and, in order to accomplish this, I must get rid of the excess and focus on what is important. It's about living at a minimum exceptable level that you feel confortable with.
