Summary
In design, Ockham’s Razor is the idea that simplicity is preferred to complexity. Unnecessary design elements decrease a design’s efficiency and can lead to various issues. Other variations of this principle exist, and I’m reminded of the famous Apple ad “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
Original Example
The Yamaha Compact Silent Electric Cello is a minimalist cello with only those portions touched by the player represented. Musicians can hear concert-quality cello sound through headphones while creating a little eternal sound, or through an amplifier and speakers for public performances. The cello can also be collapsed for easy transport and storage.
Online Example
This Dyson V7 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is the definition of simplicity as the ultimate sophistication. The vacuum is slim and light, yet powerful.
Real Example
My desk lamp from IKEA is just light bulb, neck, and base. Elegant design with minimalist qualities.
Source
Lidwell, William, et al. Universal Principles of Design: 125 Ways to Enhance Usability, Influence Perception, Increase Appeal, Make Better Design Decisions, and Teach through Design. Rockport Publishers, 2003.
http://www.dyson.com/vacuum-cleaners/cordless/dyson-v7/dyson-v7-motorhead.aspx
Like you said, Apple seems to adhere to this principle very strictly. It can be seen with their iPhone and iPad where there is only one single button for activating the phone and toggling between multiple tabs and getting to the home screen.
Here’s an example of a chair that uses this principle http://facweb.cs.depaul.edu/sgrais/images/Ockham/z1.jpg
Neat tape dispenser, Joyce.
Another favorite example of design adheres to Ockham’s Razor are those minimalist movie posters. Some of them are stunning in how clever they convey such significant detail about the plot in one frame/poster. Here’s a compilation video from artist Pete Majarich, who created a minimal movie poster every day for year.
https://vimeo.com/197401359
Years ago, I came across this tape dispenser that I really liked: simple and minimal: https://www.amazon.com/Alessi-Filo-Holder-Dispenser-MSC01/dp/B009EFFKPC
I thought about it again after reading your post, Joyce. I did a search to find my tape dispenser and saw that it’s even more simplified!
https://www.gearhungry.com/zyp-zyp-minimal-tape-dispenser/
I agree that the Dyson vacuum is much more simplified than previous vacuum designs. It’s effective because it doesn’t contain bags that users need to replace.
Example: Google Chrome.
When Google Chrome came out. A lot of pundits question why we needed another browser. I believe part of the reason it became popular was its feature that enabled users to search in the address bar. Users didn’t have to go to Google to search!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/wRYKjiquxdRyYJIF3