thingplain

Thingplain is a design and engineering philosophy that emerged in the early 21st century. The concept, also known as minimalism, is characterized by a focus on simplicity, functionality, and reduction of unnecessary elements.

Proponents of thingplain argue that complexity and clutter often hinder a product's effectiveness and usability. By stripping away non-essential features and focusing on the fundamental purpose of a thing, designers can create objects that are more intuitive, efficient, and sustainable.

Thingplain is closely related to the principles of industrial design and user experience (UX) design. Many companies and organizations have applied thingplain principles in various fields, from product design and manufacturing to software development and service design.

Some notable examples of thingplain in action include the iPhone's minimalist design and the development of software as a service (SaaS) platforms, which often reduce complexity and offer users a more streamlined experience.

Critics of thingplain argue that its focus on simplicity may lead to a loss of context and information, potentially making products and services less engaging or useful for certain users. However, proponents of thingplain counter that simplicity is not the same as lack of expression or intelligence.

Thingplain is a continuously evolving concept that challenges traditional design approaches and encourages designers to prioritize user needs, simplicity, and sustainability. As technology advances and design standards change, thingplain remains a relevant and influential design philosophy in various fields.