- I know that I've spent the last several lessons
talking about simplicity and focus in layout.
In many instances, more is definitely not more,
and the message is lost in chaos of stuff.
But there are times when too much of something
is a good thing.
Yes, this is contradictory.
If this were a course on Math,
we would have definite right and wrong rules.
Design though, is less black and white.
For every hard and fast rule,
there is a time to break it.
Let's start with the bad excess.
Obviously the more elements I add to a layout,
the more chance there is for misunderstanding.
I'm hired to design a campaign, to raise funds,
to prevent child abuse.
The client supplies the text,
and lets me know every line is important.
Now things go wrong very quickly with too much content
and visual emphasis.
The core of the problem here is,
first, the fact that it may read as a campaign
to end children.
And second, it lacks confidence.
When everything is screaming for attention,
nothing stands out,
and the layout seems confused and desperate.
This is a case of the client insisting that
everything is important.
And unfortunately, the result is a failure.
Any communication in all media,
needs to get the viewers attention
and introduce the subject.
Once the viewer is interested,
he or she will look for more information
either with smaller text or on the website.
Telling them everything at once,
is like meeting someone
who immediately tells you their life story,
current emotional problems,
and typical breakfast habits.
This is not a good introduction.
Cut to the chase,
be direct and confident.
So, how can excess be good?
The answer is, again, about the message.
If I want to convey a sense of depth,
richness, and quantity,
multiple elements may work.
On the contents page of this book on color theory,
I wanted to communicate the information
and include the dominant colors of each chapter.
I also want to share my excitement about color
with the viewer.
Let's look at this a little closer.
It isn't just a mess of random color.
It is a simple square grid structure.
There is a limited color palette for the large boxes
and there is one typeface in two sizes.
The same techniques
of creating a sense of richness and multiplicity
with a controlled system,
is used on some of the best examples of maximalism.
Angad Singh's poster
that pokes fun at classic graphic design rules,
such as no comic sense,
is energetic and bold
with a consistent palette and similar forms.
Debra Sussman's poster for the graphic system
of the 1984 Olympics,
is as vibrant as the event itself,
but follows a clear grid structure.
And the design for a wall in a parking garage,
appears complex.
However, like others stay focused with a simple grid
and few geometric shapes,
such as circles, half circles and rectangles.
Think of using excess in design,
as cooking with 20 ingredients.
This can make something spectacular,
but it's best to try this,
after you've mastered the simple omelet with only four,
eggs, cheese, butter, and pepper.