The Nature of Simplicity

“Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”
— Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Introduction

Simplicity is not a matter of minimalism for its own sake. It’s about clarity, intentionality, and reducing friction.

Simplicity often reveals complexity beneath.¹

Section One: Definitions

Simplicity can be described as:

• Fewer moving parts
• Easily understandable structure
• Clear visual hierarchy

Section Two: Examples

In software:

• UNIX philosophy encourages composable, simple tools.
• Kernighan’s law: “Debugging is twice as hard as writing the code in the first place…”

In design:

• Negative space in design directs attention.
• Color choices can simplify or confuse.

Conclusion

What we leave out is as important as what we keep.

Less is more.²