Discussing: Meaning-ful design (On simplicity #2)
You’re invited to the second online discussion about simplicity.
Next Thursday, 28th March 2024, we will discuss “Meaning-ful design” — both the concept and the article I wrote back in November 2023:
On simplicity #2 • Meaning-ful design
In the opening post for this series about simplicity I wrote: In the past, I wanted to make things simpler. Today, I want to make things easier to understand. “Simpler” isn’t all that helpful, because it’s like the word “better” — it’s not quite obvious what it actually means. And apparently it means different things to different people. “Easier to underst…
Again, there is no need to have read the whole series, or to have attended the previous online discussion. Each discussion stands on its own, and we will explore a specific aspect of simplicity each time. If that aspect sounds interesting to you, come and join us!
Sign up on the event page on Luma with more details.
So, how did the last one go then?
The first online discussion was great. Perhaps too broad a topic for about an hour of discussion, but it was great to hear some big picture (and some quite detailed) perspectives of where everybody stands on the topic. A pretty good starting point to dive into much more specific aspects now, which I’m very much looking forward to.
Just the introductions last time inspired my last article:
On feeling lost
Yesterday was the first live online discussion “On simplicity…” As far as I can tell, we all had a great time lively discussing many aspects of simplicity — perhaps too many for one session. This one was more broad than deep. As we work our way through the series, I promise future conversations will be more focused, as each article zooms in on a specifi…
There’s lots more for me to process and get inspired by, which I’m sure will surface here on this Substack in the coming weeks. Another thing I can already tell is that some nice visual design language emerges out of the discussion prep: I’m experimenting with square slides and a subtle play between a sans-serif and a serif font, combined with some (less subtle) play with contrast. Reminds me of that draft about function and ornament that has been sitting here for a while… one day…
If you have any questions or feedback about the events, the content, or this Substack, please get in touch! You can reply to this email, leave a comment on the web, or DM me through the Substack app. (Bonus points if you use any other way to reach out that I’m sure exists and which I’m not aware of. :)
Mirror of the Self is a fortnightly newsletter series investigating the connection between creators and their creations, trying to understand the process of crafting beautiful objects, products, and art.
Using recent works of cognitive scientist John Vervaeke and design theorist Christopher Alexander, we embark on a journey to find out what enables us to create meaningful things that inspire awe and wonder in the people that know, use, and love them.
If you are new to this series, start here: On simplicity…
The previous series starts here: 01 • A secular definition of sacredness.
Overview and synopsis of articles 01-13: Previously… — A Recap.
Overview and synopsis of articles 14-26: Previously… — recap #2.
Also check out my presentation Finding Meaning in The Nature of Order.
I also like John Vervaeke, he seems a very genuine guy! Looking forward to reading more.