Occam's razor: between two solutions, the simplest wins
Florent Dabernat
September 8, 2026
3 min read
In this article
Between two solutions that work equally well, the simplest is almost always the best. This is Occam's razor applied to design.
This principle of parsimony, inherited from the philosopher William of Ockham, says one should not multiply elements without necessity. In design, it becomes a discipline: every addition must prove it deserves its place.
The principle
Facing a problem, the temptation is to add: an option, a button, an explanation. Occam's razor flips the reflex: what if we removed instead? The simplest solution that solves the problem is the most robust, the most readable, the most durable.
What it implies in design
- Remove before adding. A screen often improves by taking away, not by completing.
- Every element justifies its presence. If it does not serve the user's goal, it distracts from it.
- Simplicity is not poverty. It is the result of demanding editing, not a lack of ideas.
The best design decision is often to remove, not to add.
The common mistake
Confusing richness with complexity. Stacking features, options and messages gives an impression of value, but weighs down the decision and dilutes the essential. The superfluous always has a cognitive cost.
In practice
At each step, ask: what can we remove without losing anything? It is my first reflex when auditing an interface or a brand: clarify by subtracting, until only what matters remains.
Frequently asked questions
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What is Occam's razor in design?
- The idea that between two equivalent solutions, you choose the simplest, the one that introduces the fewest unnecessary elements and assumptions.
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Does simple mean minimalist?
- Not necessarily. It means keeping only what the goal needs, which can still be rich, but without the superfluous or gratuitous complexity.
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How do I know what to remove?
- Test each element against the user's goal. If it does not serve it, or only reassures the designer, it is a candidate for removal.