Thursday
Dec102009
Simplicity Vs. Clarity
Occasionally, I try to explain the benefits of clarity over simplicity to designers and writers. I mostly get blank stares. So, to better illustrate, imagine you need to know what time it is.
This is simplicity:
And this is clarity:
And this is what most web designers and writers would offer as a solution:
Dec 10, 2009 
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Reader Comments (10)
Great observation.
i've had a skagen watch for 7 years... i love them. i actually think the mesh arm band is too busy and prefer the larger links... also my current skagen only displays 12 and 6, the rest of the numbers are just ticks... simple... but clear.
you nailed it.
i love it.
Well, in my opinion, the second watch is simpler than the first one.
Great way to illustrate your point.
So often I don't feel like I'm doing my job when I turn in a simple or clear solution. I get nervous when I create something elegant for a client because I've gotten shot down in the past. I feel like I'm hired to make something super detailed over the top and often times bad.
Someone will probably come along and point out that I need to communicate better or something *shrug* but it's an observation I thought I would share, great post :)
lol, what an exceptional point of view... this is the very true.
Roger Mugs,
Then you miss the point. You may find the second watch simpler to READ, but in its design, the first one is simplest by the fact that it has no numbers. The 2nd watch has many more elements in its makeup and design.
The author's point is that clarity has to do with function and simplicity has to do with design. They are not the same thing, but when the simplest design is also the most functional, then you usually have a beautiful thing.
K
Kevin: You're absolutely right. The simplest and clearest example to use probably would've been a digital watch, but how much more fun is it to look at analogue watches?
Brad: Save logic for your own websites, it has no place in most businesses.Actually, there's some great resources out there to point to for hard data that simple and clear brings in more paying customers. ContentBiz.com is a good place to start.
I take issue with the notion that most web designers and writers would turn in the third watch. In my experience, most web designers and writers are forced to produce the third watch by the client (internal or external).
Great images for your concept! This post is simple and clear :)
Would someone make sure Adobe gets this?