Laws of Simplicity

I mentioned the phrase "simple" a couple of times in the previous post (Egrets). Simplicity is a concept I've been thinking about recently, specifically the Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda. I saw a show on the Documentary Channel a few months ago, where he talked about simplicity as it pertains to design.

In a nutshell, "Simplicity is knowing when less is too little and more is too much.
Simplicity = Sanity."

Very recently I acquired an Ipod Nano from a generous friend. The Ipod's design is a great example of simplicity. Basically, it has one circular button which does many functions, giving the Ipod a clean, uncluttered look.

I can't say that I apply simplicity to my life in general, or that I want to do so. The more irons I have in the fire, the happier I am. Rather than having a sign in my living room that says Simplify, a more appropriate one for me would say Complicate. But as simplicity relates to quilting design, I am intrigued. In future quilts I would like to step back and decide if my quilt needs more, needs something taken away, or if it is just right as it is.

I hope to notice other Ipod-types of simplicity in everyday items. I'm sure I just need to pay attention.

For more about The Laws of Simplicity, please see John Maeda's website: http://lawsofsimplicity.com/