Phases of creation • Simplicity, Complexity and then simplicity.

My name is Ameer, and I’m the designer of Sigma. I’ve been involved with computers, art, and design since I was 13. I have always been fascinated by great design — things that work really well, look beautiful, and feel good. Like a Volkswagen Beetle 2013, Bukowski’s writings, the iPhone, and so many other masterpieces.

I’ve been deeply studying, trying to find the roots of great design. To see what the relationships are and how great artists define the greatness of a thing. At a certain point, it turns into a never-ending roller coaster ride of curiosity, and it’s beautiful.

I think, as creators, we go through three different phases. It starts with unintentional simplicity, then exploring complexity, and finally intentional simplicity.

Picasso once said: “It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.”

Simplicity (Unintentional)

We all start at something’s basic level someday, doing things really simply. Sometimes they turn out just like an experienced artist’s work. Imagine a child’s painting: the simplest lines, forms, and expression to the fullest. We’re all born with simplicity as a desire, so at this stage, we unintentionally and unconsciously try to be simple. As one gets curious to dig deeper, it leads to the next phase.

Complexity

In this phase, we start to explore. Getting deeper and deeper, realizing that the system is complex, thinking: that’s how to use this technique, there’s that method that makes you more money if done in these steps. Flashy labels, pop culture noise, how the vocal cords of a cat work — looking at others, not realizing all the complexity, and thinking they know nothing about the real world. At this point, complexity becomes more attractive, trying to create something that’s really packed with complications, deep down in the finest details. Creating something great. As one evolves and keeps exploring, one starts to take more control over techniques and methods. Now, one can be intentional about their decisions and executions. If one does not fall into the trap of the Dunning-Kruger effect and keeps on exploring, the next step follows.

Simplicity (Intentional)

As mentioned earlier, deep down, simplicity is a human desire. People unconsciously do things simply; they perceive complicated things in the simplest forms. They see things simply, they feel things simply. Though humans might be one of the most complex machines we’ve ever known, yet they somehow manage to act really simply, as if this is their ultimate goal.

It’s really hard not to become obsessed with complexity and its hallucinations, but at a certain point, you realize it’s all about humans. You find yourself pushing relentlessly, harder than all the times you were building complex things, trying to turn all the complications into something really simple, and that’s where Da Vinci says:

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

I think compared to the first simplicity phase, the beauty of it is the building block of human civilization, and that’s intentionality — in other words, that’s what design is all about. It’s about bringing intent, and it’s beautiful to be able to create something intentionally simple.

If you look at common sense, simply the word “cool” can tell you all about aesthetics, behavior, or culture better than any other full-packed sentence. A well-framed image can tell you a movie-long story, a hug from a loved one can take all your pains away — something a 2-hour therapy session can’t do.