Wabi-sabi Website Creation
March 2nd, 2009 - Web Design, Web DevelopmentComments (0)
Wabi-sabi is the Japanese concept of beauty based around simplicity, modesty, and the natural process. This concept works well with the building of websites to keep the creator in the proper mindset for the online world.
It’s easy to get caught up when creating a website ( either designing or developing ) and forget to look beyond the tree into the forest. The details of a site can easily drive the focus of a project into minute aspects, which may not be necessary in the initial stages. Keeping the concepts below in mind will help in realizing the big picture for your site. Create the function and the form will follow.
Nothing Lasts
The web is one of the fastest moving platforms to build upon. Often it is more important to get something out there, than for it to be perfect initially. Even your own projects are likely to have a finite relevance or impact, before the next best thing comes along. In these cases it is key to focus on what you are bringing to the table, and sprinkle in the details as you go along. Features and technologies will come, go and improve – but your message should be timeless.
“It [wabi-sabi] nurtures all that is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect.”
Richard R. Powell
Nothing is Finished
Every project is a work in progress, especially after it is released. In the real world you see the interactions of people and technologies that cannot be manufactured in testing. It is at this point that the most useful improvements can be realized and implemented.
Nothing is Perfect
Perfection is the goal, but good enough is the release date. Along the same vein as the above, with each project perfection should be the ultimate goal, but it is a moving target. Realize that it’s a process, and not a destination, and you’ll stay ahead of the game.