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October 01, 2007
Review of Maeda S.H.E by Thomas
Maeda offers some simple principles on simplifying an interface. He makes some good supporting points, such as smaller objects generating lower expectations. He also gives good examples of elegant simplicity in technology such as in cell phones and computers. However balancing ease of use with simplicity is exceedingly difficult, especially with complex functionality built into products today. There can be potentially hundreds of functions in today's cell phones, PDA's and digital cameras. Moreover, the complexity gets compounded when these technologies converge into an all-in-one device. Within this setting it is easy to remove a function which is seldom used, but is critical when it is needed. Also, hiding a function too deeply would require the user to know exactly where to find it, i.e. reading the manual. This was only the first chapter of Maeda's book, but I would have liked him to speak more about when and how to apply these principles of simplification. When is it appropriate to reduce, or to hide?
Posted by Thomas at October 1, 2007 11:45 AM