Make More vs Make Less is a fundamental design philosophy that addresses the tension between maximalist and minimalist approaches in design creation and production. This dichotomy represents two contrasting methodologies in design thinking, where Make More emphasizes abundance, variety, and multiplicative design solutions, while Make Less advocates for reduction, simplification, and essential elements only. The concept emerged from the ongoing discourse about sustainable design practices and resource optimization, particularly relevant in contemporary design challenges where environmental impact and material efficiency are crucial considerations. In the Make More approach, designers focus on creating multiple iterations, variations, and possibilities, often leading to innovative solutions through extensive experimentation and diverse applications. This methodology aligns with design thinking processes that value ideation and prototyping, potentially resulting in more comprehensive design solutions. Conversely, the Make Less philosophy embodies principles of minimalism and efficiency, emphasizing quality over quantity and promoting thoughtful reduction in both process and outcome. This approach often resonates with sustainable design practices and can be particularly relevant for projects submitted to design competitions such as the A' Design Award, where innovative solutions that optimize resource usage while maintaining functionality are highly valued. The interplay between these two approaches has significant implications for various design disciplines, from product design to digital interfaces, influencing decisions about feature sets, material usage, and overall design complexity. The tension between these philosophies often leads to meaningful discussions about design ethics, sustainability, and the role of designers in shaping consumption patterns and user behavior.
Sustainability, Resource optimization, Design philosophy, Minimalism, Maximalism, Environmental impact
CITATION : "Lucas Reed. 'Make More Vs Make Less.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=471333 (Accessed on July 16, 2025)"
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