Underestimating the Value of Less

We say it in our field: “Less is more.” There’s an elegance in simplicity that’s been winnowed down to what’s most essential, where form meets function. Yet, how many people actually live this way?

There is a study run by the University of Virginia where they asked participants about how they would improve a Lego structure’s roof stability by adding the least amount of blocks as possible?

How did people respond? 82% of the 99 participants within the US added blocks to structure. 74% within Japan and Germany did so too. While this wasn’t a wrong solution, it wouldn’t actually the least. The answer? It would be to remove a block. It doesn’t seem to occur to most people to think “less is more.” I wonder if designers would have performed differently.

Why is the default to add blocks?

Good intent at play

One hypothesis I have is that people want to be a team player. They come in with assumptions on what’s been done is “correct” and may not default to questioning what’s in place. The easier, low risk, and minimal friction answer is to add something to the conversation. It feels good to “yes and”.

Consumerism at play

It certainly doesn’t help that we have an economy that depends on the produce and selling of goods. These goods are heavily marketed so that we are encouraged always thinking buying and consume more.

Loss aversion at play

Finally, I surmise that there’s an element of loss aversion where people assume having less blocks than when we started would be the opposite of progress.

Social pressures at play

Then there’s the challenge that people don’t really have a good reference point. Everyone is buying things. Stores have things to buy. Having more money & things seems like the easiest way to fix things. Even budget tools such as Mint that are supposed to help people spend less have consistently failed over the years.

Finding a different reference point?

When trying to look for a different reference point for life, there’s the trend of minimalism. However, this tends to be filled with extremely expensive objects that utilize minimalism and becomes less accessible. Notably, major religions (that many people identify as being a part of) tout a simplistic life with few possessions. Jesus, Buddha, and the Dalai Lama did not have a huge collection of things.

No practical outlet?

How would you gift someone less or nothing? People are coming up with creative ways to do this. Who would want to earn less money? These are difficult concepts, but perhaps we’re thinking about it in the wrong way.

The following principles may be helpful to start shifting your mindset that more is the answer.

• Aspire for quality, not quantity – Fewer things that will last longer are better
• Balance stuff with experiences — Memberships, classes, and (travel/concert) tickets create important memories
• Cut back regularly — The idea of “spring cleaning” can be applied to other areas
• Emphasize re-usability — Move away from disposable items whenever possible
• Find opportunities for consolidation – Goods that have multiple uses vs. one are better
• Generously share — If someone is eyeing something they can borrow from you, let them do so or even have it

Hopefully, these principles will start directing you in ways that reduce the amount complexity in your life. Less stuff, less worries, and less stress!