Less Is More or Less?

In today's fast-paced world, innovation and rapid production are crucial, it's easy to overlook the importance of preserving a product's character. Sometimes, it's the unique details that truly make it special.

Recently, we celebrated Kaala Vela, a festival in my hometown that brought back childhood memories. One memory was buying kulfi from the local ice cream vendor, who used to roam the streets with his bicycle. What made this experience special was the distinctive long horn attached to his bicycle, announcing his arrival in a delightful way.

Ice cream uncle from Aelay movie

Today, things have changed. The bicycle has been replaced by motorbikes, but the ice cream vendor still uses the old-school air horn. Why? Despite the convenience of modern electric horns, he continues to use the old-school air horn. it's not just a sound; it's a signal that delights children and announces his presence.

This got me thinking about the importance of such details in products. In my time in Bengaluru, I noticed a similar attention to detail in Mallu teashops. The sight of a copper samovar and Nendra banana outside a shop signaled to passersby that they could stop and say “Chetta oru chaya”. It's these small details that add charm and identity to a product.

In design, there's a trend towards minimalism, aiming to reduce visual clutter. While minimalism has its merits, too much of it can strip a product of its character.

Chayakkada scene from Ponmutta Idunna Thaaravu

Take, for example, the modern trashcan in shopping malls. While functional, it lacks the character of the old-style dustbins, which were symbols of cleanliness and order.

Similarly, modern gates and grills lack the ornate decorative elements of old cast iron gates. While these modern designs are just hollow pipes welded. They are cheaper and easier to manufacture, they lack the character and charm of their predecessors.

New gate and Old cast iron gate

When everything looking the same. it can be incredibly disheartening. It's like being trapped in a monotonous cycle, where every day blends into the next without any distinction. The world loses its vibrancy, and even the most unique and beautiful things start to blur into a dull, uniform landscape. Traditional architectural elements, such as the pitched roof in tropical architecture, often carry cultural and contextual significance. They can convey a sense of place, climate adaptation, and cultural identity. In contrast, modern skyscrapers, with their sleek and minimalist facades, may seem devoid of such symbolism. They can appear as neutral, abstract forms that prioritize efficiency and economy of space.

Traditional architecture and High rise building

In conclusion, we mustn't forget the importance of preserving a product's character. It's the unique details that give a product its identity and purpose. So, the next time you're designing a product, think about how you can preserve its character and make it stand out.

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