A SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVE ON MINIMAL DESIGN

Summary from the TLDR Design newsletter

Minimal design aligns with cognitive limitations identified by scientific research, including restricted short-term memory, inattentional blindness to excessive stimuli, and the Gestalt principle. The brain processes information primarily through automated, subconscious mechanisms that respond better to simplified, immediate visual communication rather than complex interfaces. While minimal design proves highly effective for novice users by reducing cognitive load and enabling instant comprehension, it may fall short for expert users who require richer information density and can process complexity within their domains.