Less, but better: the work behind simplicity

Minimalism does not mean removing every decoration. A page can be entirely black and white and still leave readers unsure where to begin. Real simplicity reduces the number of decisions they need to make.

Establish a reading order

Large, high-contrast elements tend to catch our attention first. Instead of making every section compete, establish a path: headline, summary, body, next step.

I start by writing down the single most important thing a page should do. If that remains unclear, shadows, rounded corners, and animation rarely solve the problem.

Space carries information

Nearby elements are understood as a group. A larger gap suggests a new subject. Spacing communicates structure before someone reads a word.

These numbers are starting points, not laws. The density of Chinese text, the proportions of an English typeface, and the width of the screen all affect the result.

Give every detail a reason

.reading-column {
  max-width: 70ch;
  margin-inline: auto;
  line-height: 1.9;
}
 
.reading-column h2 {
  margin-block: 2.5rem 1rem;
}

A limited line length makes it easier to find the next line. Paragraph spacing creates a natural pause. When decisions have reasons, consistency becomes much easier to maintain.

Understand before removing

Do not hide essential states, explanations, or navigation in pursuit of simplicity. An unlabeled icon may look clean while forcing people to guess.

Restraint does not mean doing less work. It means keeping the work behind the scenes and leaving clarity for the reader.