Japanese culture and aesthetic is very closely tied to its religious roots in Buddism. One of the sects of Buddism called Zen has been very influential in defining some of the major characteristics of Japanese Aesthetic. Many of these principles are so well suited for digital design that one would think they were created here in the 21st century, not over hundreds of years and dynasties in ancient Japan. And now is it little wonder that Japan has been instrumental in taking the world into the digital age?
There are several principles that make up good Japanese aesthetic. I’ve chosen to expound upon three of them in this article that I think are very useful for Web Design. I first came across these principles on a wonderful blog called Design Principles FTW. They were passing on the wonderful things they enjoyed from famous blogger and Ted Talks master speaker named Garr Reynolds who lives and works in Japan. Its wonderful how the internet works to spread good ideas, right? So for further reading please check out Design Principles FTW or Garr Reynolds blog. Both of which have some pretty amazing stuff.
Source: Presentation Zen
Kanso- Simplicity
The first is Simplicity or elimination of clutter which is written as 簡素 or ‘Kanso'. The first of those confusing Japanese characters means simplicity or brevity. The second means ‘elementary’, ‘principle’, or ‘naked’. Together they mean ‘plain and simple’. (I add this because there is plenty of deeper meaning to be found in the analysis of Japanese characters.)
This principle emphasizes how we need to focus on clarity in displaying a subject instead of decoration. You can think of it like a baby. Baby's are cute even without super fancy outfits. Some of the best pictures I’ve ever seen of babies are when they are in simple clothes, sitting on a blanket, just being themselves. Kanso emphasizes the elimination and exclusion of non-essential things in your design. Real beauty needs no jewels, furs, or crazy colored eyeshadows to make it more beautiful. Would you put glittery eyeshadow on a baby? No! Exactly. Kanso gives a feeling that is new as a newborn, clean as a Japanese floor, and neat as a well tailored suit.
So how can you apply Kanso in your web design? Declutter. Use minimal design. Get rid of anything that is unnecessary, and in so doing emphasize the things that do matter.
Fukinsei- Asymmetry The next principle is using Asymmetry in your design. Asymmetry brings variety and intrigue to your website design. It is what the Japanese refer to as nature’s symmetry. If you break down the word 不均整 Fukinsei into its three characters, it means ‘ugly or clumsy’, ‘average’, and ‘similar'. It describes a beauty that comes from imperfection, perhaps because in nature there is imperfection, and those imperfections make it more interesting and beautifully unique.
The principle emphasizes creating visual asymmetry, and leaving blanks for the viewer to complete on their own allowing them to engage in the artistic process. A great example of this is the use of stick figures to represent different things in a quick drawing. In order to understand and utilize the full effect of stick figures, the viewer must have some sort of imagination. The viewer completes the fanciful story that the relatively simple stick figures act out.
How do we apply Fukinsei in a design? Combine it with Kanso above and declutter everything that is unnecessary, then perhaps take out one more thing that a viewer can easily mentally complete. Also have balance on each side of the piece, but make both sides different and unique. Don’t be afraid of ‘ugliness’. Use it to create intrigue.
I am reminded of one of my favorite blogs/web comics at this point. The artist Allie Brosh uses purposefully rough sketches to tell her super funny life stories. She can draw exceptionally well, but she keeps it rough to provide this imperfect natural feeling which totally fits the theme of her blog posts anyway. Check it out at Hyperbole and a Half. Yes, this is a shameless plug for a blog I like. :)
Shizen- Naturalness Japanese gardens have a unique conflict of balance; what is natural vs. man-made. Japanese landscapers shoot for a sort of planned nature. Plants are planted in natural arrangements to give a wild and free feel. Yet at the same time every detail is planned to create a manmade sense of security and control. Each stone in the garden is placed exactly where it is needed, each tree is well manicured to its pre-determined form, and each bamboo forrest is well contained in its proper spot.
渋味 Shizen means nature or spontaneity. The characters individually read as ‘oneself’ and ‘in that situation’. So Shizen is a depiction of the artists plan of nature.
The principle focuses on creating a balance between being one with nature, and yet aloof from it. Elements should be intentional but flow naturally from or into each other much like how in nature we have hills before mountains.
How can you apply Shizen in your design? Bring in the balance of nature into what is a completely digital man-made medium. Add natural color tones and patterns. Group things in threes and always add some sort of visual repetition. Choose patterns that are easy on the eye which will create a very calming aspect. Also, pay attention to transitions between elements to make sure they are fluid and smooth.
Shibui - Refinement
Okay, I lied, there is just one more principle I want to mention here at the end. Shibui is the art of refinement. Something being elegant just as it is. This is sometimes referred to as being very simple but efficient or by saying “Less is more” not “More is more.” There is no real strategy for putting this into a web design except for an application of the above principles and a focus on content. Does the design live up to the content? Or are you having to add random effects and decorations to make it look better? Does the content or tool need any fluff or can it stand on its own? What is the simplest you can get while still providing the elements needed for the high productivity? Its all up to you.
