If there’s one quality shared by famous logos and brands like Nike, Google, CNN, and MTV it is the simplicity of their designs. In the words of the great abstract expressionist painter, Hans Hofmann: “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.”

While designing a logo, it would be a mistake to give too much emphasis on visual effects and play with different logo design colors in a desperate attempt to stand out. On the contrary, a simple and minimalist logo design that is a compelling logo design can create a difference. In a bigger context, it can be a strong competitive advantage for any business in any industry.

But what should you look for in a logo design any way?

Over the years, we are bombarded with different messages from various media, making it hard for most of us to absorb and retain the info in our minds. This is where simplicity comes in. It has the power to cut through the clutter and send your message direct to your customers. A strong antidote against visual chaos indeed. Additionally, you can easily spice up a simple logo to fit different seasons and reasons. Google is the prime proponent of this initiative as it alters its logo every month.

The same concept holds true in designing your website. Aside from readability and ease of navigation, a simple yet eye-catching web design won’t encounter any compatibility issue with different browsers like Internet Explorer to Mozilla Firefox. Complex designs eat up too much bandwidth and slow down page load time. It costs more money to you for bandwidth and frustration to your online visitors who have slow internet connection.

Remember the paradox: less is more. Remove all the excessive designs and ornaments. Strive for clarity in business and in design.