Stellar introduction:

The Kiss Principle (“Keep it simple stupid”) is an old design idea from the Navy. But how do you make things simple if they’re already complex?

The easiest way is to reduce functionality — to have them do less. But now you have something that’s less effective.

You need to cut, but you want to keep the value.

What guideline does Maeda say you should follow?

“Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious, and adding the meaningful.”

Read more: http://www.bakadesuyo.com/2013/07/keep-it-simple-stupid/

I like the part about "more blank space." When I started studying sumi-e I noticed this. Your mind completes the picture. It can conceptualize so much more in the presence of blank space than it can when the artists assumes you can only see his vision.

Sumi-e?

I love sumi-e. I never thought I could learn to paint or draw until I started studying shodo (Japanese calligraphy) and sumi-e (Japanese ink painting). Sumi-e relies a great deal on shading and technique, and to the Western artist, the pieces seem unfinished. There is a lot of blank space. That's the genius and beauty of Japanese art. This is a style I love...There are a few traditional brush strokes and things to learn, and a true master will practice them for hundreds of hours each. It's very meditative, as are most Japanese cultural arts.  http://learni.st/users/dawncasey/boards/3002-sumi-e

I think the "blank space" technique is used very often in aspirational advertising... where the photos are meant to be of you enjoying yourself with the product or service. Your mind fills in many blanks.

I concur -- here are some great examples of use of negative space:

http://pandawhale.com/post/28995/best-logo-ever-spartan-golf-club