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Why Removing Visual Noise is Important in modern Design

  • Writer: Amrit kumar
    Amrit kumar
  • Feb 19
  • 4 min read

Updated: Apr 22


The Law of Prägnanz, a cornerstone of Gestalt psychology, states that people perceive and interpret ambiguous or complex images in the simplest way possible. In design, this translates to creating interfaces that are intuitive and easy to navigate.


  • Visual noise arises when excessive or non-functional elements compete for attention, diluting the effectiveness of a design. According to the Nielsen Norman Group, this clutter creates cognitive overload, making interfaces harder to navigate and less enjoyable to use.


  • A striking example of the benefits of reducing visual noise is Apple’s 2013 iOS 7 redesign. By stripping away skeuomorphic textures and minimizing the color palette, Apple simplified user interactions and improved usability.


Here's how iOS 7 (right) compared to iOS 6.
Here's how iOS 7 (right) compared to iOS 6.

Images: Apple

The impact was significant: user engagement increased by 29%, as reported by TechCrunch.


Apple’s iOS Redesign (2020)
Apple’s iOS Redesign (2020)

Apple’s shift to a more minimalist design in iOS 14 and later versions focused on reducing visual noise by:

  • Simplifying Icons: Flatter, more consistent icons replaced skeuomorphic designs, reducing cognitive load.

  • Widget Customization: Users could organize widgets to prioritize essential information, decluttering home screens.

  • App Library: Introduced to automatically categorize apps, reducing the need for multiple home screens.This redesign led to a 30% increase in user engagement, as users found the interface more intuitive and less overwhelming



Airbnb Simplified

Airbnb faced a challenge in 2014: as its platform grew, its interface became cluttered, making it harder for users to find what they needed. The solution? A radical simplification. The company eliminated 80% of unnecessary interface graphics, instead prioritizing high-quality imagery, white space, and intuitive navigation. The outcome was a 30% increase in conversions, as documented by Growth.Design.

Their guiding principle: “Clarity is conversion.” This redesign underscored the power of minimalism—not just as an aesthetic choice, but as a strategic business decision.


Google's Font Visual Hierarchy

Google’s Material Design team discovered that limiting typography to just two fonts improved readability by 18%. Instead of relying on decorative fonts or excessive text styles, designers can use variations in size and weight to establish visual hierarchy. This method guides the user’s focus naturally without adding unnecessary complexity.

Baymard Institute analyzed : Color with Purpose

Color is a powerful tool, but when used without intention, it becomes a source of visual noise. A study by the Baymard Institute, which analyzed over 100 e-commerce websites, found that brands using three or fewer primary colors enabled users to make purchase decisions 22% faster. The best approach? Reserve bold colors for calls-to-action (CTAs) rather than decorative elements, ensuring they stand out and drive engagement.

Dropbox’s Motion with Meaning

Animation can enhance an interface, but excessive motion can be distracting. Dropbox’s 2020 rebrand is a prime example of motion used effectively: animations were incorporated solely to demonstrate functionality, such as file upload progress. The impact was measurable—user-reported confusion dropped by 14%, as highlighted by Design Week. The lesson? Motion should always serve a functional purpose, not merely aesthetic appeal.



Steps to achieve clear design


Embrace White Space

White space (or negative space) is not wasted space—it’s a powerful tool that improves readability, creates balance, and directs focus. Giving elements room to breathe makes a design feel more structured and user-friendly.


Prioritise a Clear Visual Hierarchy

Guide the user’s eye by establishing a strong hierarchy using:

  • Larger, bold typography for key headings.

  • Contrasting colors to differentiate sections.

  • Strategic placement of elements to create a natural reading flow.


Limit Colors and Fonts

Stick to a well-defined color palette and font system. A general rule is to use no more than:

  • 3 primary colors (with shades for variation).

  • 2–3 font styles (one for headings, one for body text, and possibly an accent font).

Remove Unnecessary Elements

Every design element should serve a purpose. If something doesn’t enhance usability or add meaning, consider removing it. Avoid:

  • Extra icons or images that don’t add value.

  • Overloaded menus with too many choices.

  • Long paragraphs that could be broken into concise sections.


Optimize Contrast and Readability

Ensure text stands out from the background with sufficient contrast. Use tools like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to check color contrast ratios for accessibility.


Simplify Navigation

A well-structured navigation system prevents users from feeling lost. Keep it simple with:

  • Clear labels and minimal menu items.

  • Logical grouping of information.

  • A search function for quick access.


Intentional with Motions and Effects

Subtle animations can enhance the user experience, but too many can become distracting. Use motion purposefully—such as smooth transitions or microinteractions—to guide users rather than overwhelm them.


The takeaway?

Every visual element should have a clear purpose—if it doesn’t, it should be removed.

Why Less is More in design

Legendary designer Dieter Rams famously stated, “Good design is as little design as possible.” In an era of information overload, simplicity is not just a design principle—it’s a competitive advantage. When attention spans are fleeting, removing unnecessary elements helps users stay engaged and focused.

A practical way to ensure minimalism in design is to conduct regular audits. If an element does not align, reconsider its necessity. Cutting the clutter not only improves user experience but also enhances key performance metrics. In the end, less isn’t just more—it’s smarter.

By prioritizing clarity and function over decoration, businesses can create interfaces that are intuitive, efficient, and visually harmonious. Your users—and your conversion rates—will thank you.

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