Ockham’s Razor
The key point of Ockham’s razor is that simplicity is preferred over complexity. The idea is to avoid unnecessary information and elements that decrease the design’s efficiency and cause problems. There is a pleasing aesthetic with simpler, cleaner and purer results by removing the unnecessary elements from a design. If there are multiple possible selections with the same functionality, Ockham’s razor indicates that it would be better to choose the simplest one. Minimize the elements as much as possible and make the design as simple as possible; however, the design and function should still be clear and effective.
Example 1 (Cited by Original Source)
Google keeps its design simple. This minimalist design helps it be the most popular search service, as it is efficient and easy to use and performs best among other search services.
Example 2 (Found Online)
A strong and impactful message can be created by minimal elements. This Heinz ad is visually simple, but the main point is still clear and effective.
The Print Ad titled BOTTLE BOTTOM was done by McCann London advertising agency for product: Heinz Tomato Ketchup (brand: Heinz) in United Kingdom. (Apr 2007)
Example 3 (Found in Real Life)
IKEA’s products and furniture have a minimal look compared to other furniture, but its functionality is still efficient and enjoyable.
References:
Lidwell, William, Kritina Holden, and Jill Butler. Universal principles of design, revised and updated: 125 ways to enhance usability, influence perception, increase appeal, make better design decisions, and teach through design. Rockport Pub, 2010.
Coloribus. Heinz Print, Outdoor BOTTLE BOTTOM by McCann London, 2007, Retrieved from https://www.coloribus.com/adsarchive/prints-outdoor/heinz-tomato-ketchup-bottle-bottom-9628905/ .
I love simplicity in design. On the contrary to what people may think, simplicity in design is hard to master. Your example of the Print Ad titled BOTTLE BOTTOM is a good example. Based on my experience in design, I can assume the campaign took months to execute from concept to the final print Ad. I also liked your IKEA furniture examples. I agree that they are simple in design, however, not as simple when putting it together.
Yeah right, Robin! IKEA furniture looks simple but it is not easy to assemble.. and sometimes it requires high effort and long time to put it together. Same as the campaign ad design. The final design looks so simple and easy, but it might take a long time and much effort to create this simple design and clever idea.
Your description of Ockham’s razor summarizes the theory well. Simplicity is so important in design to avoid confusion. So often designs provide too many options that confuse users and make the product less effective. I think that by simplifying a design without compromising its effectiveness, we enable users to focus on the product or concept rather than on deciphering options.
I love New Zealand’s breast cancer awareness website because of its aesthetic simplicity. The subject of health may seem daunting to many people, and cause confusion around the importance and necessity of getting regular mammograms. This website makes a simple and direct argument for immediately scheduling a mammogram and clearly offers a call to action for its users, avoiding any confusion. It is also a great example of stickiness because of its powerful and memorable use of emotion and story.
https://timeforamammogram.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/
Wow. Lisa, thanks for sharing your example. This example is SO impactful. The use of brand color and simple design is sufficient enough to convey a key message to people and touch their emotions.
I love the principle of simplicity. Except that it would have been great if they had called it “simplicity” instead of calling it Ockham’s Razor. Tesla Motor’s Model 3 dashboard and steering column are another example of simplicity.
Hi Saurabh, thanks for sharing your example! I love your example of Tesla’s dashboard and steering column as it is minimalistic, modern, and chic.
Hi Team 10,
I’m speaking on behalf of Team 8! I find your examples of Ockham’s Razor very compelling. In addition to some of your more serious examples, I would like to add a sillier one– the Yo app.
This was an iOS and Android app that got huge publicity back in 2014 for being “the simplest communication tool in the world”. When it was first released, the app’s only feature was to send the word “Yo” to any friends on the app or through SMS. Later this was expanded to send Yo’s with pictures or one’s location.
While one may think this app is pointless, it’s simplicity made it a truly fun way to communicate. While it started off as a novelty, my friends and I ended up actually using it when we wanted to send pictures or share our location when we were meeting somewhere.
The simplicity of the app made it unique at the time. However, now some of this functionality has rolled into apps that I spend more time using (Instagram, iOS iMessage app). This might just be my bias for wanting Yo to become a bigger thing, but I do think if people got past its silly veneer, it’s actually a preferred user experience due to it’s immense simplicity.
Hi, your example “YO” is fun, even though it’s just one feature! This app is simple but captures the most important concepts of quick “communication” with friends. This is what people like to use and want to focus on the app. Most products today, mostly social apps, have too many features. They have photos, videos, chats, feeds, live streams and more. The functionality is effective, but it gets complicated and confuses the users on what to concentrate on.