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Writer's pictureChia Yi Xin .

Critical context (draft)

Brilliance Audio. (n.d.). The Laws of Simplicity: Design; Technology; Business; Life. S.l.

(289 words)


The law of simplicity is a book that talks about ten laws of simplicity and three keys. From the ten laws, it breaks into three simple flavors: basic simplicity, intermediate simplicity, and deep simplicity. There are ten laws in total that will enlighten the simple way to achieve simplicity through thoughtful reduction and organize the clutter of objects/concepts/functions to make them simpler and more manageable. Also, to learn the knowledge that makes everything more straightforward, and need to know the simplicity and complexity they need each other, which means the more complexity in the market, the more something simpler stands out. Furthermore, context, emotion, trust, failure, and simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful these are also a part of laws that can be found in this book. Besides, three keys are relevant to the subject of simplicity; the first key is away, which says more appears like less by only moving it far, far away. The second key is open, which represents openness to simplify complexity. For the third key is power, useless, gain more. This book will streamline both your life and the things you may work on or design.


This book provides more information and a better understanding of simplicity in design, technology, business, and life, which is beneficial to all the designers or the consumers. Based on the statement of intent, minimalism topic, not only talk about design but also did mention lifestyle. For example, live with valuable things and remove the excess because it will change life and release suppressed emotions. Furthermore, the laws of simplicity books have further enlightened designers or readers understanding the definition of simplicity, the simplest way to achieve simplicity, and have a good design, and more.


Slade, C. (2016). Creating a brand identity: a guide for designers. London: Laurence King Publishing.

(240 words)


Creating a brand identity is a book which guides each designer to develop a successful brand. The content of the book includes branding basics which talks about the understanding and the reason why consumers buy a product. Besides, the explanation of a brand which had mentioned a brand is more than the name, logo, symbol or trademark; it is also to connect with the customers, to ensure the customers are always the first and only choice. Furthermore, the key reason why we brand, how branding works, how things are changing, the future for brands, and more, those are all the questions designers should consider and think conscientiously before developing a brand. Brand anatomy is the main component and structure of a brand which the design of a logo must be functional, remain legible and consistent; also, the use of typography should extra focus on when designing a logo. Moreover, to develop a brand strategy, the design process, research methods, market sector analysis, the concept development, and lastly develop a final design these are the contents which show the critical keys of the brand identity design.


It’s imperative to know the brand identity requirements before a designer creates a band, in which this book explains all the critical points accordingly and simultaneously provides some examples of design which lead to a better understanding. Furthermore, it is related to the statement of intent which has mentioned on interest in brand identity design.


15 Minimalist Graphic Design Examples to Inspire You. (2020, April 7). Retrieved from https://www.shillingtoneducation.com/blog/minimalist-graphic-design/

(211 words)


There are some elements of Minimalist elements for designers to accomplish their goals. For example, typography the standard of using a typeface in minimalist design is Arial, Verdana, Trebuchet, and Lucida Sans. Also, bold fonts, bold colors and white space are the elements we should focus on in minimal design. Besides, to create a balanced image is required in which the image has to exist on a grid, keeps information and elements organized to enhance the minimal design impact. Moreover, color and the use of negative white space are also an important component when designing or producing a product. The use of imagery is also one of the elements that should focus on not only high-quality images but using the right images for the project. The most important thing is to keep it simple and reduce the excess to achieve the aims of minimalist design.


This article is essential to all the designers who are interested in minimalist design because it includes some explanation and examples on how to use the elements and what should concentrate before creating a layout or product. It's general knowledge of design in which each designer knows the basics of designing. Still, it is something a designer should extra focus on when developing a minimalist design.


Muji - The Global Strategy Behind The Japanese No-Brand Brand. (2019, October 26). Retrieved from https://martinroll.com/resources/articles/strategy/muji-the-global-strategy-behind-the-japanese-no-brand-brand/

(194 words)


This article has introduced MUJI, the story behind the brand, philosophy, the brand strategy, brand architecture, brand communication, sustainability approach, and Muji's future brand and business challenges. Muji is a brand that embodies the philosophy of "Less is More, " related to the minimalist concept. However, the brand's philosophy consists of three pillars: quest value, positive spiral, and best partnership. Muji's critical brand success factors include minimalist design, personalization through the universality, and leverage on digital. Besides, Muji continuously delivers useful and simple products simultaneously to provide affordable products for the customers; for example, the packaging of the food products and home items.


It's an excellent opportunity for the designers and customers to understand the philosophy and the aims of the brand company. Also, it is worth learning about the brand values in which to act sincerely and honestly, respect associates, build a relationship of trust, and think and act globally. These are the values which lead the brand to achieve the goals. The art director of Muji, Kenya Hara, is one of the examples mentioned in the statement of intent, which the philosophy and concept of the brand relate to the professional projects.


Press, C. (2019, January 6). Dieter Rams: Principled Design At The Philadelphia Museum Of Art. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/claytonpress/2019/01/04/dieter-rams-principled-design-at-the-philadelphia-museum-of-art/#63b9f5c05cce

(202 words)


Principled design at the Philadelphia Museum of art talks about the German designer, Dieter Rams principles design. The exhibition focuses on the icons objects that Rams designed, which related to ten principles of good design, the objects are radios, clocks, kitchen appliances and furniture. Besides, the article has mentioned the design philosophy of Ram's "Less, but better" which has influenced contemporary design culture.


This article has shown some of Dieter Rams products and did mention the exhibition circumstances which permit the readers a better understanding of the exhibition. Principled design at the Philadelphia Museum of art is not only the exhibition but also some shows like in Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein which is about Ram's furniture. The designs produced by Ram's are similar, which emphasise the design philosophy, and the ten principles of good design that continuously focus on which preserve the concept of the brand. It is a beneficial article for all the designers and readers in which the section provides the story of Dieter Rams product. The philosophy and the design of the product related to the minimalism topic where the product design has shown aesthetic quality, the ornamentation which always maintains a minimal design, and more.


(1136 words)





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