The Missing Piece…

...or stated otherwise, what isn’t there can often trump what is.  I’m about halfway through a very enlightening book titled In Pursuit of Elegance by Matthew May,… that gives example-after-example of this basic principal.  Try this.  Recall something you have labeled ‘elegant’ in the past,… and see if you can state why…?  I bet you use words like special, endearing, inspirational, unique.  But when pressed, you likely would say it evoked this reaction in good part because of its simplicity.  And it is this trait, simplicity, that has burned it into your memory.  I believe this not only applies to things but to services and especially experiences s well.  How can you remove all the clutter in your offering to make sure the essence of satisfaction remains…?

I think the answer is not in trying to design a solution that includes everything that anyone might want,… but instead, design a solution that removes all things except that which you believe is universally desired by all.  One example that I found fascinating was a description of the work of Hans Monderman, a Dutch traffic engineer.  He theorized, and evidence later proved,… that the removal of traffic signals actually made for a safer intersection.  This is seen in his design of Laweiplein, in the seventeenth-century town of Drachten in northern Holland.  A busy intersection made of red brick and no signals whatsoever.  Instead of focusing on the traffic lights/signs, everyone looked out for each other, which is what most everyone wants anyway - to feel connected to others.

As you work on creating memorable experiences keep in mind the goal, which is to achieve the greatest impact with the least amount of input,… in other words, be extremely thoughtful about what you do include.  The power of the missing piece is strengthened by one’s response to what is there.  It’s counterintuitive but so true,… you engage people’s imaginations by leaving out the right things.  If done well, your design invites them to join you in the experience.  In or out…?