On Simplicity in Design

There's something powerful about simplicity¹.

When you strip away the unnecessary, what remains has room to breathe. This is especially true in web design, where every element competes for attention.

The Problem with Complexity

Modern websites have become increasingly complex:

• Heavy JavaScript frameworks
• Elaborate animations
• Countless tracking scripts
• Complex navigation hierarchies

All of this comes at a cost: slower load times, higher cognitive load, and reduced accessibility.

The Benefits of Simplicity

A simple design:

1. Loads faster
2. Is easier to navigate
3. Works better on all devices
4. Is more accessible
5. Ages better

Examples

Look at some of the most enduring websites:

• Craigslist: Still using a design from the 90s, still functional
• Hacker News: Minimal orange and black, focused on content
• Paul Graham's essays: Simple HTML, no distractions

These sites prioritize function over form, content over chrome.

Implementation

Here's how to embrace simplicity:

body {
  max-width: 650px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 2rem;
  font-family: Georgia, serif;
  line-height: 1.6;
}

Conclusion

Simplicity isn't about being boring or lazy. It's about respecting your readers' time and attention.

Start with the minimum. Add only what's necessary. Remove anything that doesn't serve the content.

Related: This essay relates to the ideas in "Thinking, Fast and Slow" about cognitive load and decision fatigue.