What is minimalisim, why is it hard to achieve?
Less is more. – ludwig van der rohe
More often or not we tend to complicate things. We often assume sophistication as complex structures, equality, brilliance, performances, but it’s the opposite of it.
As design becomes an evolved state and not a constant, more consumption of resources likely leads to the problem becoming complex. In order, to solve the problem it should be broken down to simpler elements.
That’s when minimal design becomes an approach to solve complex problems it makes it look like an accident that looks simple for the users.
For many parts, minimalism is seen in arts, design, architecture, graphics, interiors, performances, music, film, science, software etc. You name it.
Defining minimalism
- Minimalism is a form of navigation without being distracted.
2. Minimalism sometimes becomes universal. Easily understandable by various social groups. Example Apple’s brand values.
3. It’s a practice of freedom. Freedom from fear, guilt, overwhelming, fear from trapping. The real freedom.
4. It leads you to focus on only a specific section of the canvas.
5. The character of it is to use minimal resources and create something beautiful out of it.
6. A habit of practicing the present. Being in the moment.
7. Gives the purpose of control.
8. A practice of decluttering. This helps in re-forming energies and to get them organized.
9. Breaking of things to their bare minimum.
10. Simplicity is harmonious. Yet with an expressive spirit.
From primitive living to 21st-century minimal styles/living were observed. Becoming more evident, often started in the early 20–50s by many pioneers, by defining it for many generations to come. With innovation and the core principles intact the expression stands for itself
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the American German architect with his built designs we could foresee Farnsworth house, Seagram building showcasing elegant simplicity, rectilinear shapes, and sophisticated expressions. He was also the one who coined the term less is more, which meant which is less complicated is often better understood and more appreciated than what is more complicated.
A messy room equals a messy mind.
Marie Kondo explains the Japanese art of decluttering. It’s the practice of asking your heart what to keep and what to throw away. Tidying and organizing give a way to happiness and prosperity. When done in one shot the difference for the physiological mind hits instantly.
Focusing on clean lines, simple shapes, minimal colors contained no form of self-expression but mostly was an abstract form of art. The artist focused on appearances, structure, and texture. Famous figures like Donald Judd, a postwar artist was known for minimal art, having rectilinear volumes of paintings and sculptures.
In the retail world, The wide display of products led to a paralysis of choices. Many customers resulted in not choosing any brands due to the high volume of a selection of certain items that resulted in customers walking away. Too much information can lead to confusion and misinformation, leading the user to miss the point entirely.
Apple sets out to stand from others.“It takes a lot of hard work,” Jobs said, “to make something simple, to truly understand the underlying challenges and come up with elegant solutions.” With complex engineering, distinctive design, simple-clean-friendly interfaces it truly made a hallmark on Apple. “with high-tech devices, marketing, industrial designs, advertising” Jobs repeatedly comes down to making it simple. The user knows what exactly to use & feel.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication- Leonardo da Vinci
Simply breathing in & out, becoming aware of it makes us calm. In the practice of zen living, monks are often extremely happy, focused, mindful, and aware. It’s an everyday practice of functioning from the center, focusing on single tasks, creating more space & structure, simple living, discipline, all of them leading to joy and upliftment.
Minimal practices has an’N’ number of applications in reality. it yields great results. Practice simple living for 7 days. The personal journey can start with you.
Hope you like the it. Postive crtique is appreciated
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