The Laws of Simplicity

by John Maeda
The Laws of Simplicity cover
Good Books rating 3.17
Technology and Innovation
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  • ID: 3282
  • Added: 2025-10-17
  • Updated: 2025-10-17
  • ISBN: 9780262539470
  • Publisher: MIT Press
  • Published: 2020-09-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In 'The Laws of Simplicity,' John Maeda explores the delicate balance between simplicity and complexity in our modern world. He presents ten laws that guide us in redefining 'improved' to mean less clutter and more meaningful experiences. Maeda, a renowned designer and MIT professor, argues that simplicity is not just about reducing features but about organizing them sensibly and adding what's truly meaningful. The book delves into the paradox of wanting simplicity while craving functionality, offering practical advice on how to achieve this balance. From the 'Reduce' law to the 'One' law, Maeda's insights provide a roadmap for businesses and individuals to simplify without sacrificing comfort and meaning.

Reviews
Blinkist · 2025-06-11
valuable 4.00

The reviewer praises the book as a valuable guide to understanding the power of simplicity in a complex world. They highlight its relevance and practical advice.

Blinkist's review of 'The Laws of Simplicity' emphasizes its role as a practical guide to navigating complexity through simplicity. They appreciate the book's relevance in today's fast-paced world and its ability to offer actionable advice. The reviewer finds the principles outlined in the book to be both insightful and applicable, making it a worthwhile read for anyone looking to simplify their approach to design, technology, and business.

Quick quotes

    The Laws of Simplicity (2006) by John Maeda is a guide that explores the power of simplicity in our complex world.

    Here's why this book is worth reading.

    It offers ten guiding principles for designing simpler systems.

Josh Wayne · Josh Wayne · 2015-08-01
disappointing 2.00

The reviewer finds the book's big ideas poorly executed, noting the irony of its complexity despite its subject matter. They criticize the author for not adhering to his own principles of simplicity.

Josh Wayne dives into 'The Laws of Simplicity' with a critical eye, highlighting the book's ambitious ideas but expressing disappointment in their execution. They point out the irony that a book about simplicity is overly complex and fails to follow its own advice. Wayne feels the principles could have been more effectively communicated with less clutter. Overall, they find the book's message valuable but believe it could have been much stronger with a more streamlined approach.

Quick quotes

    Big ideas, covered poorly.

    The irony of this book is the author forgot one of his own 'laws' and didn't strip out all the ...

    Simplicity is not as straightforward as it might sound.

Marc Abraham · Marc Abraham · 2015-08-01
insightful 3.50

The reviewer appreciates the book's key principles on simplicity but finds the concept more complex than it initially appears. They value the insights provided, despite the complexity.

Marc Abraham's review of 'The Laws of Simplicity' acknowledges that the book offers some key principles on simplicity, but he finds that the concept is more nuanced and complex than it first seems. He appreciates the insights and thoughtful approach Maeda takes, even if the topic itself is not as straightforward as one might expect. Abraham finds the book thought-provoking and useful for understanding the intricacies of simplicity in various fields.

Quick quotes

    If anything, for me the book makes it clear that 'simplicity' is not as straightforward as it might sound.

    Maeda provides some key principles ...

    The book is a good starting point for anyone looking to understand the concept of simplicity better.

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