Product Design

The Wisdom of Zen Informs Design

  • Posted by Dienamics
  • June 28, 2013

As the late Steve Jobs was well known to be a practicing Buddhist, his knowledge and understanding of Zen philosophy and design is evident through the ‘less-is-more’ inspiration that characterises so many Apple products.

Although many people have some understanding of the concept of Zen, the aesthetic principles that together constitute the ‘Zen of design’ are less well known.

The concept of shibumi is a useful starting point when attempting to understand Zen principles. Shibumi implies a paradox of embodying the best of everything and nothing, though it has no precise definition.

According to author Matthew May, it also represents ‘Elegant simplicity; Effortless effectiveness; Understated excellence; Beautiful imperfection.’

In architect Sarah Susanka’s book, ‘The Not So Big House’, she said, “When something has been designed really well, it has an understated, effortless beauty, and it really works. That’s shibumi.”

The seven shibumi principles can all be used in designs. These are austerity, simplicity, naturalness, subtlety, imperfection or asymmetry, a departure from routine, together with stillness and tranquillity.

Although it is not easy to achieve shibumi, the seven design principles can set a person on the right path. Not every principle needs to be incorporated in a design, but a selection of those that are relevant to the project goals can effectively shape a design.

Source:  http://www.fastcodesign.com/1671947/7-design-principles-inspired-by-zen-wisdom