When is more less? Nearly all of the time. Minimalism means focusing on exactly what the user of the information needs to know to reach a business goal. Not more, not less.

The basic principles of Minimalism:

• Take an action-oriented approach—most people have a goal to reach and a job to do; for them, less reading is better
• Focus on the user's real goals—most people don't want to know how the product was designed or how the interface works; for them, their own job is most important
• Help users recognize mistakes and recover quickly—surprise, real people make mistakes; minimalism tells us to anticipate them and provides hints and tips for getting unstuck
• Recognize that people have different information needs and support them—most people only want to do, at least at first; others want to study; still others want to find the tidbit they need and get out

Minimalism is a way of life in communication. It means first and foremost knowing what your customers need from you. It means to stop writing technical manuals and start working for the user.

Consider our popular seminar, Downsizing Your Documentation: Taking a Minimalist Approach as a first step to changing the way you think about writing.

Review the Stages of Use model in JoAnn Hackos's Standards for Online Communication.

Read JoAnn's chapter on minimalism for expert users in Minimalism Beyond the Nurnberg Funnel, ed. John M. Carroll.

Read our case studies.

If you would like to learn more about any of our consulting services or you would like to talk to a representative about scheduling an activity, please email or call 303-232-7586.