FuseFactFriday: Simplicity or Minimalisim?
Here at the Next Big Design blog, we're already looking forward to when we will once again be heading to the FUSE conference with our popular feature from 2011: #FUSEFactFriday
Fuse Fact Friday highlights some of the key takeaways from the 2011 conference, including inspirational quotes, main themes and more. Each week, we've been diving into our 2011 executive summary and remembering some of our favorite presentations and moments from last year. Now for Friday the 13th, the final Fuse Fact Friday Fact of 2012 is:
We are actually doing more with less.
In our 2011 executive summary, Ren??e Whitworth of Flood Design pointed out this trend with the following examples:
"Despite the reluctance of cutting back on everything from plastic bottles to available credit, we are actually
doing more with less:
' Karim Rashid confessed entrepreneurial projects are harder and less profitable but can be freer and have a radical impact on the world of design.
' Michio Kaku freaked us out by stating that our cell phones today have more computing power than the Space Shuttle in 1969.
' David Turner & Pio Schunker/Coca-Cola revealed how an
heritage brand can be pared down visually by using only what
is owned.
' Christine Mau/Kimberly Clark shared the tubeless toilet roll
and Replenish cleaning products.
' Andrew Pek left us believing that doing the best we can might
affect the state of others.
' Ian Schrager talked about things being undesigned moving
forward. He believed we can 'rise to the level' of less just as
we once rose to the level of more.
' Johcen Eisenbrand/VITRA created a brand color palette from
the chairs/pieces already produced."
And (my personal favorite):
"Jonathan Harris described minimalisim as aesthetics, but
simplicity as essentials."
While doing more with less may seem like a negative to some, evoking images of cutbacks or austerity; this trend can actually provide brands with a chance to embrace new technology, reconnect with consumers or rebuild a more authentic image. How are you doing more with less?
If you enjoyed the Fuse Fact Friday series, join us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn for facts live from the 2012 event, April 18th-21st.