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Tuesday, January 30, 2007

E.F. Schumacher - Design Meditations

Every once in a while I come across an interesting quotation that relates in some sense to the design process, and I thought I would begin to share them here with you all.

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius -- and a lot of courage -- to move in the opposite direction."
- E.F. Schumacher

His quotation was in regards to economics and industry. However, taken as a lens for looking at the design process, it holds true as well. I believe that it is far easier to make something interesting with 500 lines than with only 5 lines. To make something beautiful with only 5 lines is a much more difficult exercise and is far more rewarding. As a designer's moves become more pointed and purposeful, their design intent becomes more clear and legible. So strip down your excess, streamline your ideas, and your ideas will be sharp as razors.

What do you think?

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