Clean design may seem like the easiest thing to conjure, but there is a lot more to it than you could possibly know. It is a challenge of utmost proportion to create designs that appeal to the eye when they’re stripped completely off their frou-frou accoutrements. There is a fine line between ‘minimal’ and ‘stark.’ One is by design, the other is a by-product of failed efforts.
‘Less is More’ seems to be the running theme of the twenty-first century contemporary designs. Introduced by the veteran architect Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe, this adage has become somewhat of a revelation for those who design products, interiors and buildings that are the epitome of sleek and sophisticated. Further, we’ll look at 10 important steps to follow for a cleaner, more sophisticate design.
For Clean Design Go Neutral
Neutral tones are always an appreciated color palate for clean designs. They have this understated, subtle elegance than automatically extends to the design when it is finished in those tones.
Display The Intent
The intent of your design should be adequately clear. The customer should not have to look for ways to operate the design, or that becomes bad publicity.
The Less, The Better
A nicely done clean design will always be stripped off all crazy kitsch that is so inherent in traditional designs. This will make the product focused on the essentials rather than the unimportant aspects.
Zero ‘Add-On’
Any frou-frou accoutrements are a big NO when it comes to creating clean designs. Add-on’s like wainscoting, entablatures and other traditional interventions are a thing of the past – clean design is all about layering on the minimalism.
Focus On The Details
Another famous adage by Mies Van Der Rohe dictates, ‘God is in the details.’ Considering that he was the creator of some of the greatest clean designs – case in point; Barcelona Chair and Pavilion – this should be taken to heart. Though your design may be simple, but the detailing should be hardcore.
Be Illusory
The cleanest designs are the best optical illusions. They may seem like the most straightforward objects in the world, but hidden behind each simple line is a story of how it was crafted and how its functionality has become such an inherent part of the design.
Be Understated
Understated is the new elegant. Simplicity is the core of clean designs – the more simplified the overall design, the better it would be received by the general audience.
Introduce The ‘Classic’
An inherent timelessness should always be introduced in any clean design. Trends are fleeting – it’s best to steer clear of those. Try to emulate the bookish, understated quality that will always be appreciated by the mindful.
To Get The Clean Design, Make It Simple To Use
User friendliness is one of the key factors in making a clean design successful. The targeted audience needs to know that what they’re buying is the easiest thing in the world to use. Complexity is the bane of clean design.
Cater To Form And Function
Do not ever give precedence to one over the other. A successfully clean design is all about creating the form out of the function. Both these aspects need to be carefully administered in the design in order to be appropriately attractive.
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Cover Photo: Floating Frames by Kiki Van Eijk – 2010