Presentation Zen Design: Simple Design Principles and Techniques to Enhance Your Presentations (Voices That Matter)

by Garr Reynolds

Think communication—not decoration. Design, even graphic design, is not about aesthetics, although aesthetics are important. As a general principle, create visuals and other designs that express what is necessary. Minimize or eliminate that which is excess. As Issac Newton said, “...more is in vain, when less will serve.” Every design has a central concept or message; anything that leads to confusion or distracts from your intended message is considered noise. Nonessential elements may not always be noise—this is for you to decide on a case-by-case basis. Just be sure to always keep in mind the need to eliminate clutter to make your message clear. Design is about making things clear with as much economy and simplicity as possible.