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Why does minimalist design impact user psychology?

Relationship between minimalist design and human psychology.

Elvis Hsiao
UX Collective
Published in
8 min readAug 26, 2023

Image saying less is more.
Source: https://creativemarket.com/blog/minimalist-design-trend

Why do we often find ourselves drawn to simplicity? Inundated with information, noise, and visual clutter, the allure of minimalism seems to grow stronger each day. But what is it about minimalist design that resonates so deeply with us?

Is it merely a visual preference, or does it tap into something more profound within our psyche?

The concept of minimalism, with its emphasis on reducing elements to their bare essentials, has transcended art, architecture, and design to become a cultural phenomenon. It reflects a yearning for clarity, order, and a return to fundamentals in an increasingly complex world.

In the current state of digital products, where the competition for user attention is fierce, minimalism has emerged as a powerful tool to guide user behavior and create impactful experiences. The simplicity that once was seen as merely aesthetic has evolved into a language of its own, a conversation between the creator and the user that transcends the boundaries of traditional design thinking.

What is Minimalism?

Minimalism, at its core, is a philosophy that embraces simplicity. But what does this simplicity entail, and why has it become a prevailing ethos in various aspects of our lives, from art to design to lifestyle? Let’s take a deep look into the essence of minimalism and its multifaceted dimensions.

Image portraying a minimalistic interior design.
Source: https://journal.projectnord.com/blog/about-minimalism

Definition & Core Principles

Minimalism is not just the absence of excess but a conscious decision to focus on what’s essential. In design, this translates to stripping away unnecessary elements that don’t serve a purpose, leaving only what’s fundamental to the user’s experience.

  • Simplicity: Emphasizing function over decoration.
  • Clarity: Ensuring that the design communicates its purpose effectively.
  • Harmony: Creating a balanced and cohesive visual and functional composition.

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Written by Elvis Hsiao

Product Designer | 3X Top Writer | Vancouver, BC | Creating Positive Impact Through Design.

Responses (2)

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Poor old Windows 8 was ahead of its time. When we now have iPads pretending to be laptops a touch interface with a proper desktop would be most welcome in 2023. The problem was less minimalism and more muscle memory; people were just confused about…

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