We live in a world where everyone wants to be different, and when it comes to designers, we tend to push it to the extreme in pursuit of uniqueness, where only a few can understand the design, something that affects the user experience. And yet in most cases, the best way to be unique is to be simple.

Designers need to learn this lesson. Unlike in the past, when design was more based on complexity and visually stunning, some designs today are just as good and effective in the simplest way. For example, a service/product website intended for communication is best designed in the simplest way to understand, so that users find no difficulties navigating through it.

Here are a few reasons why. First, simple designs are easier to understand. When there’s too much going on in the design, as a result of chasing uniqueness, people get confused and frustrated, and so move away from the design. They don’t know where to look or what they should do.

Secondly, simple designs are more accessible to everyone. As a designer, keeping in mind that not everyone is a tech whiz user can help solve the problem of bad user interfaces. Simple designs make it easier for everyone to use, regardless of their skills or abilities.

Thirdly, simply made designs are more memorable than complex designs. People are more likely to return to a design that is easy to understand and use.

Lastly, for designers, simple designs are easier to create, and maintain, and more likely to be successful. When there’s less going on in the design, it’s easier for the designer to come up with a cohesive and effective design. This can save a lot of time and effort. It’s also easier to make changes or updates to a simple design, which can save the designer time and money in the long run.

So, designers, while it’s nice to be unique and prove to clients, don’t forget that the main job of a design is to help people communicate in the simplest way possible. Making things too complicated just frustrates users. Sometimes, it’s better to go with what people already know and find easy to use. In the end, a design that is simple and helpful will always be better than one that’s needlessly complicated. So, focus on the user experience, and let simplicity be your guide.

Blog Post by Isaac Odwako (On Behalf of Nymy Media)