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John Maeda

John Maeda Quotes

Graphic Designer

John Maeda, born in 1966, is an accomplished graphic designer. His work spans various fields from print design to digital media, known for its minimalist and modern style. Maeda has also made significant contributions to design education, serving as the president of the Rhode Island School of Design, where he has been committed to advancing the field of design education.

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Famous John Maeda Quotes

“When a small, unassuming object exceeds our expectations, we are not only surprised but pleased. Our usual reaction is something like, "That little thing did all that?" Simplicity is about the unexpected pleasure derived from what is likely to be insignificant and would otherwise go unnoticed. The smaller the object, the more forgiving we can be when it misbehaves.”

Design Simplicity User Experience

Book:The Laws of Simplicity

Source: The Laws of Simplicity

“If the forest were covered with ten times the number of blue markers I had seen on my hike, the probability of my getting lost would certainly be reduced. One could imagine the markers organized in a more symbolic shape—say a real arrow, instead of a cryptic linear marker. And if we wish to go that far, why not just paint the more explicit text, "This way," on the rocks in 100-point Helvetica so there's no ambiguity whatsoever? Yet at some point, with the successive addition of more sophisticated elements, the true value of the untainted forest suddenly vanishes.”

Teaching Design Simplicity User Experience Wayfinding

Book:The Laws of Simplicity

Source: The Laws of Simplicity

“Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful.”

Design Simplicity Obvious Meaningful Simplification Inspirational Design Simplicity In Design

Author:John Maeda

“The simplest way to achieve simplicity is through thoughtful reduction.”

Way Achieve Simplicity Thoughtful Simplest Reduction

Author:John Maeda

“Simplicity and complexity need each other.”

Needs Simplicity Complexity

Book:The Laws of Simplicity

Source: The Laws of Simplicity

“Apple products aren't simple technologies by any stretch, but there is a beautiful simplicity to them.”

Beautiful Simple Technology Products Simplicity Apples

Author:John Maeda

“I have a confession: I'm not a man of simplicity. I spent my entire early career making complex stuff. Lots of complex stuff.”

Men Stuff Careers Complexes Simplicity Confession

Author:John Maeda

About the Author

Born: 1966
Known for: Graphic Designer
Quotes: 63

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The Laws of SimplicityRelated source material

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