Subtractive Design

Design is subtractive. Absence creates hierarchy, calm, and focus. Adding feels productive; removing is usually the harder and better move.

Defaults

1. Require a demonstrable purpose for every element, token, and interaction.
2. Prefer fewer decisions for the user at each step.
3. Use space, silence, and restraint as active design materials.
4. Hide necessary complexity rather than celebrating it.
5. Cut anything that exists only because it was easy to generate.

Prefer / Reject