（翻译）极简（Minimalist）的意义

  "极简"一词在设计界中用的颇多，如果你也准备使用这个词，你应该理解它的意义及正确用法[1]。
  首先要明白的是，简单并不等于极简，这两者意义相似，就像2和2.5的关系一样，但它们并不相同。极简处在所属范围的尽头，而简单却没有与其处于相同位置。[2]

比较信噪比

  真正的极简设计拥有尽可能高的信噪比，信号是指要传递的信息，而噪声指是任何能稀释信号的无关信息。
  极简设计的关键是追求信号最大及噪声最小，当这样做时，能够减少用户处理负荷，让用户专注于信息的主要内容。
  极简设计时，移除不必要的元素，强调重要信息，从而强化信号，消除噪声[3]。
  相对于非重要信息，更强调重点信息，这样也能提高信号强度。为了追求极简设计，需要在设计中有尽可能高的信噪比。[4]

过于极简反而不美

  过于极简的设计存在一定风险。下图展示了导航栏的样式，从美学设计到极简设计的都有。从图中可以看出，导航栏样式越简约，其中的按钮看起来越不像按钮，更像是页面文本，这可能导致用户搞混按钮名称和页面文本。

  极简设计的理想数量应与美学设计相平衡。用户要能从文本中识别出按钮和链接。美学设计太多会产生太多噪音，但当在两者之间找到合适的平衡时，就可以创造完美的设计。[5]

原文地址：https://uxmovement.com/thinking/what-the-word-minimalist-means/

[1]原文：The term “minimalist” is thrown around a lot in the design world. If you’re going to use this word you should understand what it means and use it correctly.
[2]原文：The first thing you should understand is that simple does not equal minimalist. They are similar like the number 2 and 2.5 are similar, but they’re not the same. Minimalist lives at the end of the spectrum, where simple does not.
[3]原文：In minimalist design, removing unnecessary elements places an emphasis on essential information, thus making the signal strong and the noise non-existent.
[4]原文：The signal strength also increases when you highlight essential information, giving it even more emphasis and contrast relative to less essential information. In order to call a design minimalist, it needs to have the highest possible signal-to-noise ratio.
[5]原文：The ideal amount of minimalism is one that’s balanced with aesthetics. Users need to be able to identify buttons and links from text. Too much aesthetic and you could create too much noise. But when you find the right balance, you could create the perfect design.