The Laws of Simplicity
Chapter 5 - Differences
1. Describe the relationship between complexity and simplicity
Simplicity and complexity need each other – without one, we could not recognize the other when we see it. This relationship can either manifest in the same object/experience or in contrast to other offerings in the same category. Eg. iPod vs iRiver
2. What analogy does Maeda use to demonstrate this relationship?
Maeda uses the analogy of a child being allowed to eat ice cream for three meals a day – nobody wants to eat only desert as they would eventually tire of it. This demonstrates that simplicity and complexity need each other for contrast to help us identify qualities that we desire.
3. In what context does Maeda discuss rhythm / beat in relation to the fifth law
Contextualise this relationship and discuss how this can be used in relation to the
Student Exhibition - giving specific examples
Maeda talks about achieving the right balance between simplicity and complexity – achieving a situation where differences enhance instead of cancel out and he likens it to the concept of rhythm. In visual terms it is a line that curves up towards complexity and downwards again towards simplicity and this continues to occur over time.
Maeda’s reference to the beat is also a great example of how simplicity and complexity need each other. If a simplistic rhythm was created such as taa taa taa taa taa taa, the audience would get bored because it is such a monotonous beat. On the other hand if the sequence was complexity complexity complexity complexity complexity complexity …simplicity, simplicity becomes the salvation. In order to make a good and interesting rhythm and beat, it needs to be a mix of both simplicity and complexity to engage the listener.
In relation to the student exhibition, balance can only be achieved when all groups participate in the process. If the organization is left up to just a few willing groups, ideas, plans, implementation will be carried out from a more narrow viewpoint not necessarily from a more wholesome perspective. Each group will have different suggestions and ideas to contribute which make the whole process more balanced and give and take, much like the rhythm/beat analogy.
Visual examples of design and multimedia work that represents simplicity and complexity:
I think this logo demonstrates the relationship between simplicity and complexity in that the overall shape (letter) is minimalistic in its simple typeface, however, the detail within this logo is more complex and cleverly contrasts the overall idea of the logo. The variety in this logo keeps us engaged but doesn’t overwhelm us.
These speculative posters for the 2012 Olympics are simple in their bold, bright, flat colours and plain shapes, yet they are complex in the movement created with these shapes. The images are minimalistic and abstract representing one word (ie. Diving), and once we associate this word with the graphics, it is clear to us what it is (The ripples left from the diver entering the water). Perhaps it is because they are simple that our imagination kicks in and allows us to find more within their representation.
The “6 Thinking Hats” is a technique created by Edward de Bono in his book of the same name. It helps you make better decisions by encouraging you to think about the problem/task at hand from different perspectives. Each hat represents a different way of thinking as expressed in the following YouTube clip:
White Hat
Focuses on the data available and what you can learn from it. This comes from analysing past trends.
The White Hat calls for information known or needed. Neutral. Face value.
Based on the Logistics group, we focus on the information given to us by all the other groups, deadlines, etc.
Red Hat
Uses intuition, gut feelings and emotions. This perspective thinks about how others will react emotionally also.
The Red Hat signifies feelings, hunches and intuition.
Logistics: if some groups aren’t participating or sharing information as freely as others, we can help give them a nudge by encouraging the use of templates and posting information, regardless of how insignificant it might seem.
Black Hat
Pessimistic, cautious and defensive thinking. Why ideas and approaches might not work. Highlights the weak points for contingency plans and altered approaches to lessen the risk of failure and see problems in advance.
The Black Hat is judgment -- the "devil's advocate" or why something may not work.
Logistics: making a call on deadlines, etc, when things aren’t running to schedule to be completed by the due date, we need to address this with the other relevant groups.
Yellow Hat
Positive, optimistic thinking. This perspective sees the benefits, value and opportunities.
The Yellow Hat symbolizes brightness and optimism.
Logistics: giving positive feedback on progress, encouragement when people can see the advancements
Creativity. Developing creative solutions with very little criticism.
The Green Hat focuses on creativity: the possibilities, alternatives and new ideas.
Logistics: we can contribute to the ideas of other teams such as Theme and Branding and Print.
Blue Hat
Process Control – depending on where the over all decision making process needs to head, the person with the blue hat will direct the activity to the appropriate hat.
The Blue Hat is used to manage the thinking process.
Logistics: this is what the logistics group has to do in a nutshell. Manage the whole process.
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