Mirificam Press

When Less Isn't More: Web Design Simplicity Gone Awry

February 20th, 2008 in Design Inspiration

by: Matthew Griffin

Less is more. The popular aphorism adopted by modern designers has been spouted off at some point in just about every client meeting I've been in. It's been used ad nauseam at conferences and in design magazines since its debut in the mid-twentieth century. Yet somehow it seems immune to the buzz-word death label. There's a timeless truth that finds such a suitable home in the saying that anything else feels like an ill-fitting glove. Even web designers who avoid common use of the phrase agree with the principle. But where is the edge of the "less is more" universe? When does less cease to be more? It would sound like a silly question out of context but it's one worth considering. Let's look at some instances where less is just less.

1. When You're Just Being Lazy
You shouldn't use less-is-more to hide your own laziness. It's hard work reducing ideas to their lowest common denominator. Don't throw something simple together because it's easy—do it right. Design is a high calling and this kind of sloppiness gives it a black eye.

2. When a Client Requests More
Sometimes our wonderfully simplistic ideas get shot down. When a client makes a specific request for more, it's the duty of the designer to oblige the request or gracefully bow out (I've had to do both). Understand, you always have the right to charge more when you're asked to do more. And don't be afraid the respectfully disagree; but, in the end, the client is the one paying the bills.

3. When Concepts Are Reduced to Indistinguishable Blobs
The "less is more" principle starts breaking down as ideas are reduced past the point of simplicity and in the realm of kindergarten finger-painting. Overuse of acronyms and unrecognizable geometric blobs in logos are some common culprits.

4. When Color Palettes Suffer
Websites with twenty colors in their color palette can be confusing and overwhelming. On the other hand, color palettes containing only one color are usually a snoozefest. I'm not saying it can't be done but the cases where it can are limited. Color is important, so use it appropriately.

5. When Visitors Feel Patronized
This is probably the most difficult one to manage but it can kill a website fast. Visitors want a hassle-free non-condescending environment. A web design balancing act ensues. Remember, not everything has to be broken down into "3 easy steps!" But some stuff does—decide carefully.

There, you see, less isn't always more. Moderation is necessary even when applying the most basic principles of web design. I'd love to hear any other stories or examples so please comment.

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