UX is

In the 1930s, Albert Einstein said that the supreme goal of all theories is to make the irreducible basic elements as simple as possible, without having to surrender the adequate representation of a single datum of experience.

How can we, as user experience designers, simplify irreducible complexities?

BRING CLARITY

In his article Joshua Brewer quotes his co-author, Josh Porter, who said:

Simplicity is much more than the trite “less is more” we so often hear. Simplicity is… about clarity. And clarity comes from constant refinement.

Sharpen your UX process and final design, so you can give your users just enough for unconscious understanding of a product.

STAY FOCUSED

One of the reasons we create complicated designs is because we don’t stay focused. Seth Godin has said that we get what we focus on. By focusing on one thing at a time through a prism that is focused on long term results, we will be able to create compelling and qualitative experiences. Divide your goals. Try to take one step at a time, and after every step ask yourself if you have achieved your goal. But make sure to ship the fruits of your labor when your goals are achieved.

MAKE THE NECESSARY SPEAK

Hans Hofmann once said,

The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.

Never get lazy when asking yourself about the importance of every single element in your design. Is it necessary? What do I want to achieve with it? Is it the only way I can do it? Is it the best way to do it?

DON’T MIX

The word “simple” in Latin means “one” - having a single layer; one fold. It also means something unmixed, uncompounded. Rich Hickey, in his talk “Simple made easy”, explains very well a concept of having one braid, one role, one task, etc.

IN CONCLUSION

What do Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, and Leonardo da Vinci have in common? They all brought significant impact into the World of development. They are all innovators, scientists, and artists. They have all seen tremendous value in simplifying complexities. It proves that this idea is timeless, and we all can bring a fresh eye to what we do by following Albert Einstein’s advice and make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.