Clarity Over Cleverness: Why I Always Prioritize Simplicity First

There’s a temptation in design to make things clever. To add flourishes, smart metaphors, or unexpected interactions. But over time, I’ve learned that the best compliment a design can get is, "I didn’t even notice it. It just worked."

Simplicity doesn’t mean boring, it means clarity. It means respecting the user’s time and mental energy. Especially in moments when they’re stressed, tired, or distracted. A clean layout, a clear call to action, intuitive navigation, these aren’t flashy, but they build trust.

I try to design with the idea that if something can be simpler, it should be. Not because users aren’t smart, but because they’re human. And clarity is always kinder than cleverness.