Why Beauty and Simplicity Matter in Enterprise and Healthcare
When it comes to enterprise and healthcare user experiences, the standard has been disappointingly low for far too long. For years, these sectors have focused on utility—getting the job done. But utility alone isn't enough anymore. The world we live in demands more. To address these demands, we need to consider the role of beauty and simplicity as core design principles. Beauty—how things look, how they behave, and how they make us feel—must now be a central pillar of design. But let's be clear: beauty isn’t about frivolous aesthetics or slick interfaces. It’s about creating an experience that resonates with us emotionally, enriches our well-being, and empowers us to navigate the complexities of our work and lives.
In most design fields, simplicity is seen as the highest ideal: reduce the clutter, eliminate the noise, and make the experience as intuitive as possible. However, in the context of enterprise software or healthcare tools, this approach often falls short. These systems are inherently complex—ranging from intricate workflows to specialized data sets. The answer isn’t to simplify this complexity into something unrecognizable, but rather to embrace it. Good design can make complexity understandable, meaningful, and even beautiful. A complex system, when crafted with care, can be just as intuitive and delightful to use as a simple one—if it’s designed properly.
Simplicity vs. Complexity: A Paradigm Shift
The idea of complexity can feel daunting, especially when it’s tied to software that handles sensitive data like healthcare records or business operations. But we need to change our perspective. Complexity in itself isn’t bad—complicated is. Donald A. Norman, in his book Living with Complexity, makes an important distinction: complexity is a reflection of the world around us, full of interrelated parts and intricate systems. Complicated, on the other hand, is the confusion that arises when a user is unable to make sense of these complexities. When we view complexity as an inherent part of our reality, we can design systems that are not only functional but also empowering.
Imagine a nurse in an ER, using an EHR (electronic health record) system that’s been thoughtfully designed to work with their mental models and workflows. While the task at hand might still be complex—managing a patient’s medications, lab results, and history—the software doesn’t add unnecessary confusion. Instead, it organizes information intelligently, allowing the user to move through their tasks seamlessly. This is the beauty of complex design done right. It's not about reducing the complexity but making it navigable and even enjoyable to interact with.
Beauty: A Holistic Human Experience
Beauty in design goes beyond what the eye can see. The most meaningful beauty arises when products make us feel a certain way—empowered, calm, confident, or joyful. In The Beauty of Everyday Things, Soetsu Yanagi argues that the everyday objects in our lives should be treated with care and respect. They should serve us not just functionally but emotionally, elevating our daily experiences. This philosophy should extend to enterprise and healthcare systems, which too often treat users as mere cogs in a machine rather than human beings deserving of beauty in their tools.
In Yanagi’s view, beauty is not a luxury or an afterthought, but an essential part of life that everyone deserves to experience. Unfortunately, many enterprise and healthcare applications fall into the trap of treating their users as an afterthought—designing for utility rather than delight. This is where we, as designers, have a responsibility to change the narrative. Just as everyday tools like a well-crafted chair or a beautifully made knife can elevate the human experience, so too can well-designed software. It’s about creating experiences that feel right—that enhance our emotional well-being, even in stressful environments like hospitals or corporate offices.
Designers as Modern-Day Artisans
To push this point further, we can borrow from the concept of "folk crafts," as described by Yanagi. Folk crafts are simple, functional, and built to last, yet they carry a deep sense of beauty because they are created with care, respect, and an understanding of their purpose. In the world of enterprise and healthcare software, this kind of approach is rare, but it shouldn’t be. Designers must think of themselves as artisans, shaping products not just for the user, but with the user in mind. It’s about achieving a balance between functionality and emotional resonance, ensuring that every interaction, no matter how complex, is designed to enrich the user’s experience.
This mindset challenges us to think of design as a craft, not a commodity. It’s not about making something flashy or trendy; it’s about understanding the user’s needs, their emotional and physiological state, and creating an experience that empowers them. We should approach our designs with care, patience, and dedication—knowing that the software we create has the potential to shape people's lives in profound ways.
The Role of Beauty in Well-Being
It’s time we reconsider how we approach design in enterprise and healthcare settings. Beauty isn’t a superficial addition; it’s a fundamental part of the user experience that affects our emotional and even physical well-being. The best designs are those that make us feel good. They support our productivity, reduce stress, and enhance our sense of purpose. When users feel good about the tools they use, they are more likely to be engaged, efficient, and even joyful in their work.
In a healthcare setting, for example, software that is both intuitive and aesthetically pleasing can reduce cognitive load, allowing doctors and nurses to focus on what matters most—caring for patients. In enterprise environments, beautifully designed software can make complex tasks feel manageable, allowing workers to feel empowered and in control. This is the true power of design: it enables people to do their best work and, in turn, enhances their overall well-being.
Redefining the Future of Design
Designing for enterprise and healthcare isn’t about stripping away complexity or relegating beauty to an afterthought. It’s about finding a balance between complexity and simplicity, between function and beauty. It’s about crafting experiences that empower, uplift, and delight. As designers, we have the responsibility to elevate the tools that people use every day—not just to meet their needs but to meet them in a way that’s meaningful and enriching.
If we want to create products that resonate with people on a deep level, we must embrace both complexity and beauty. It’s no longer enough to just “get the job done.” The job should be done with care, with respect for the user, and with an understanding that beauty, in all its forms, is essential to the human experience. So, let’s start designing with intention, with empathy, and above all, with a commitment to making the world a more beautiful and functional place—one interaction at a time.