Simplify, Then Add Lightness: Why Less Really Is More in Design

It sounds obvious, doesn't it? But obvious doesn't mean easy. In fact, it's the opposite. Cutting away the unnecessary, whether in a car, a website, or a digital product, takes real skill. It's not about removing things at random. It's about knowing exactly what to keep and what to let go.

And that? That comes from experience.

The Hard Work of Making Things Simple

We've all been there. A project starts with good intentions, but slowly, things creep in. "What if we add this?" "Wouldn't it be cool if we included that?" Before you know it, what was meant to be clean and efficient becomes bloated and slow.

The problem isn't the ideas. The problem is that we forget to ask the most important question: Why?

• Why does this feature exist?

• Why would a user actually care about this?

• Why would someone share this?

• Why would they come back to it?

Every time you ask why, you force yourself to justify what you're building. And often, you'll realise some things don't need to be there at all.

The Confidence to Say No

The best designers, engineers, and creators don't just know what to add. They know what to leave out. That's the hard part. It's easy to keep piling on features, options, and "just in case" elements. But real mastery? That's in the subtraction.

Chapman's racing cars weren't just fast because they had powerful engines. They were fast because they had nothing extra. Every gram mattered. Every component had a purpose.

The same should be true for what we build.

Lightness in Digital Design

So what does "adding lightness" look like in the digital world?

• Interfaces that feel effortless: No unnecessary clicks, no confusing navigation.

• Content that cuts to the chase: No fluff, no filler, just what people need.

• Code that runs lean: Fast load times, smooth interactions, no bloat.

• Experiences that respect people's time: Because in a world full of noise, the simplest solutions stand out.

This isn't about minimalism for the sake of it. It's about purpose. If something doesn't serve a clear need, it doesn't belong.

The Question That Changes Everything

The next time you're working on a project, try this: Before adding anything, ask why. And keep asking it. Because the more you question, the clearer the answer becomes.

And often, the answer is: You don't need it.

So here's my challenge to you:
Look at something you're working on right now. What's one thing you could remove to make it lighter, faster, or simpler? Try it. See what happens.

Because in design, just as in racing, the lightest solution is usually the fastest.