Why is minimal design timeless?
As someone who strives for minimalism, theres been many times when I’ve sat at my desk, reflected on my work, and asked myself:
“How do I know this minimal design will last?”
These thoughts have urged me to discover why as a creative, I believe minimal design is timeless but yet effective when solving problems.
The 3 main reasons to why minimal design is timeless are:
We all know shapes - Similar to the alphabet and numbers, each and every one of us are familiar with geomtric shapes such as circles, squares and triangles. By default, we typically associate shapes with objects and elements in the world.
Simplicity can be understood - Graphic design/ logo design is visual communication. Simple messages can be understood more by a wider audience, than complicated messages.
Our world want’s to simplify - Look at all the latest products around us. Brands are always simplifying and heading towards a ‘futuristic’ and sleek design for their products, yet maintaining efficiency.
Definition for Timeless
Shapes last, trends don’t.
Trend is fashion, and fashion is always changing.
Designs that are typically created and inspired by a particular moment in time, generally don’t last long.
They may be effective when triggering nostalgia, but in-terms of longevity, this maybe a problem. As mentioned, all of us are familiar with geometric shapes. We all at some point in our lives (typically at a young age) have understood the foundation of the shapes we see on a daily basis.
Geometric shapes are everywhere, just like numbers and letters.
Can you imagine the world without shapes… You can’t, can you.
We subconsciously associate the shapes we have learnt, with objects we use.
The point i’m trying to make is, like numbers, shapes themselves are timeless and relevant despite the scenario.
The top leading brads all generally use simple shapes for their logos. Nothing too complicated. Brands with slightly complicated logos eventually make a decision for a redesign.
Less is truly more.
Simplicity goes a long way and has a more effective message.
There is less distraction in minimalism, which enables the message to be effectively communicated to the audience. For example, a logo shouldn’t be a whole story, but rather a full stop.
Visual design can be used effectively to communicate a message.
Due to the world being heavily bombarded with so much ‘visual noise’, the audience will only have several seconds to understand and digest the message.
As a result, it is important that design shouldn’t be over complicated, crowded or confusing.
Statistically, the average American living in New York is expected to see up to 10,000 logos a day. Which is insane!
How can they remember at least one…?
A clear-cut and memorable logo design. Nothing over complicated, but rather simplified enough to remember the mark and draw it out.
Look at all the top brands around us. How many times have you seen a brand announcing their new logo design, and realising simplification…? Renault is a great example.
They had introduced their new logo design as a symbol for innovation. The logo design consists of a diamond shape that hasn’t changed since 1985.
The new logo design highlights Renaults heritage, but also projection into the future:
We are in the future
Renault is only one example of a global brand seeking new ways to make things efficient and effective as well as removing anything arbitrary.
Not just logo design, but minimal design in general has longevity and is the future.
Take Apple for example. A company that aims too ‘Think Different’ and always remains innovative. Apple are constantly evolving their products, and incorporating a minimal aspect of design.
Throughout the years, there is no denying that you can see Apple’s evolution of simplicity.
On September 7th, 2016, Apple made a huge jump into the future. They had removed the head phone jack on their devices making it thinner and minimal. Also introducing ‘AirPods’ which seemed to be another step into a ‘minimalistic future’.
Apple announcing headphone jack being removed
This is a brilliant example of the link between minimal design and the future.
Apple haven’t stopped minimalising their product since. They had also later decided to remove chargers from their boxes when you purchase their products.
It wouldn’t be a surprise when they remove charger ports from their mobile devices, resulting in only wireless charging.
You saw it here first :)
Lastly, Tesla are another company that think ahead interns of design. Tesla’s products are always sophisticated and minimal, typically making you aware that we are living in the future (or very near to it).
Teslas’ Cybertruk
Conclusion
Overall, it is quite evident that minimal design is timeless due to the fact, the perception society has on the future is typically minimalism.
This is also evident by the progress through the products in our world today, showing a clear process of simplicflication. This can be seen through generally electronic products getting minimal (eg TV, Mobiles, Cars and more).
Further evidence is also highlighted through the top leading companies such as Apple and Renault, making choices for their brands and products. Choices that are typically a notion of minimalism.