The simplest explanation is usually the right one
Sometimes you just have to K.I.S.S
Introduction
Imagine you walk into a room and see a wet umbrella and a pair of wet shoes. You immediately think it’s raining outside. You didn’t need to look out of the window or check a weather app. You deduced it from the simplest explanation available: the wet items indicated recent exposure to rain. This everyday reasoning is an informal application of a principle that has deep roots in scientific and philosophical thought: Occam’s Razor.
We are looking at Day 23 of the series “30-Day UX Laws and Principles”, If you are yet to read the Day 22 part of the series, I highly recommend you read it. Today we will be exploring :
- Understanding Occam’s Razor
- Breaking down Occam’s Razor and UX
- Real-life Brand Examples
- Difficulties and limitations
Understanding Occam’s Razor
To truly grasp the essence of Occam’s Razor, one must journey back to 14th-century Europe. It was in this era that William of Ockham, an English Franciscan friar, philosopher, and theologian, fervently championed a principle that has since shaped centuries of scientific and philosophical inquiry.
William of Ockham, in his many writings, never explicitly stated the principle as we know it today. However, his work consistently highlighted an essential theme: “Pluralitas non est ponenda sine necessitate,” which translates to “Plurality should not be posited without necessity.” In simpler terms, if you have multiple explanations for a phenomenon, the one that requires the least number of assumptions should be chosen. Or as it’s often colloquially paraphrased, —
“The simplest explanation is usually the right one.”
While the principle sounds relatively straightforward, its implications are profound. In the realm of science, it has acted as a compass guiding researchers away from convoluted theories and towards more parsimonious ones.
Similarly, in philosophy, Occam’s Razor acts as a beacon, cautioning thinkers against overcomplicating concepts or theories without adequate justification. It promotes clarity, conciseness, and precision.
But why is it still so influential?
One reason is its universal applicability. Whether we’re considering astronomical theories or pondering the nature of consciousness, the urge to gravitate toward complex explanations can be tempting. Yet, history has shown that the most revolutionary ideas — from Einstein’s theory of relativity to Darwin’s theory of evolution — shine in their simplicity. They offer comprehensive insights without an excess of unwarranted assumptions.
As we move from historical science and philosophy to the contemporary digital world, the question arises:
How does Occam’s Razor fit within the realm of User Experience (UX) design?
At its core, UX design revolves around users — understanding their needs, preferences, and behaviors. In this context, Occam’s Razor can be seen as a tool to eschew unnecessary complexities. Just as scientists are cautioned against superfluous assumptions, UX designers are reminded to avoid redundant features or designs. It’s a reminder that simplicity when done right, can lead to intuitive, efficient, and delightful user experiences.
Breaking Down Occam’s Razor and UX
“Among competing hypotheses, the one with the fewest assumptions should be selected.”
This principle, often attributed to William of Ockham, aptly known as Occam’s Razor, holds invaluable wisdom, especially in the realm of User Experience (UX) design.
Let’s delve deeper into this through a detailed example:
Imagine you’re trying out a new recipe app on your smartphone. Right off the bat, you’re greeted with a dozen icons sprinkled all over the screen. Some icons vaguely resemble a frying pan, others a spoon, and some are entirely cryptic. Additionally, there are multiple sliding menus, each filled with numerous options. Then, a pop-up springs out, asking if you’d like to rate the app or sign up for daily notifications. Feeling a little lost and overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Most users would feel bombarded, unsure where to begin or how to locate a simple recipe.
On the flip side, imagine opening the same recipe app, but this time, there’s one primary action button labeled “Start Cooking” placed prominently at the center. As you tap it, a neat list of popular recipes appears, each accompanied by a clear image of the dish. A subtle menu icon at the corner gives you additional options if you need them, but they aren’t in your face. Clear, concise labels guide you, and you know immediately how to find a recipe, set a timer, or explore culinary videos.
The difference between these two experiences is night and day. The latter app has employed Occam’s Razor, cutting out superfluous elements, and focusing on user needs, ensuring an intuitive, streamlined experience.
But why is this so effective?
UX design, at its core, is about creating a seamless interaction between a user and a product. The moment a design complicates this interaction, the user’s experience deteriorates. This is where Occam’s Razor swoops in as a savior. By suggesting that designers opt for the simplest solution among many, it ensures clarity and straightforwardness, directly enhancing user satisfaction.
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication,” said Leonardo da Vinci.
Indeed, in an age of information overload, delivering a clear, unambiguous user journey becomes paramount. The beauty of Occam’s Razor in UX design is its insistence on eliminating unnecessary fluff. Every element, every icon, and every pop-up should serve a purpose. If it doesn’t enhance the user’s experience or fulfill a specific need, it’s likely better left out.
So, the next time you interact with a digital product, be it a website, an app, or even a digital kiosk, and find the journey refreshingly clear and intuitive, remember that behind the scenes, a principle from the 14th century might have played a crucial role in crafting that experience.
Real-life Brand Examples
1. Google’s Home Page
When you visit Google, its homepage is a masterclass in simplicity. With a dominant search bar at the center, it’s evident what the user is there to do: search. Larry Page, the co-founder of Google, once said —
“The perfect search engine would understand exactly what you mean and give back exactly what you want.”
And that’s the ethos Google follows, unburdening users from unnecessary clutter.
2. Notion
At first glance, Notion’s promise of providing a note-taking tool, kanban board, task list, and database all in one might sound complex. But the beauty is in its execution. Notion uses a simple block system, where each element, whether it’s a paragraph, task, or image, is a block. This singular approach allows users to build complex pages while interacting with a single, unified system.
3. Dropbox
Dropbox emerged in a market populated with file storage services. Yet, its simplicity stood out. Instead of bombarding users with numerous features, it provided one: a folder that syncs with the cloud.
“Don’t distract your users. The best user experience is when it feels like there’s nothing in between the user and the product.” — Drew Houston, co-founder of Dropbox
Difficulties and Limitations of Occam’s Razor in UX
While Occam’s Razor has its merits, it’s important to acknowledge its limitations, especially in UX design:
- Over-simplification: Reducing elements or features can sometimes leave out essential functions, frustrating users.
- Assumption of Universality: What’s simple for one user might be complex for another. UX designers must strike a balance that caters to their target audience.
- Risk of Stagnation: Innovation sometimes demands complexity. By strictly adhering to simplicity, one might miss out on groundbreaking features or ideas.
- Misinterpretation: The principle doesn’t imply that the simplest solution is always correct, just that it should be considered first.
Conclusion
Occam’s Razor isn’t just a philosophical idea tucked away in dusty textbooks; it’s a living principle that finds relevance in our daily lives and in ever-evolving fields like UX design. While the quest for simplicity is noble, it’s essential to ensure that in the process, functionality and innovation aren’t sacrificed.
Written by: Inchara, kubo media team.
Check out: 30 Days of UX Laws and Principles
Check out Day 21: Parkinson’s law
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