Kanso is a design philosophy.

It's the process of achieving simplicity through the thoughtful elimination of clutter. Within Japanese culture, Kanso is often viewed through the lens of the home, where possessions should have an intended purpose rather than be used for decoration.

However, Kanso has a place outside the home. It's a philosophy that can be applied to both our lives and our work. The American Impressionist painter and teacher, Robert Henri, would often urge his students to strive for simplicity.

"You as students should devote yourselves to the power of simple expressions, to do all that can be done and learn how much can be said with the simpler and more fundamental terms."

Simplicity happens in one of two ways. Neither is unintentional.

Firstly, simplicity can happen by constraining inputs. In other words, limiting the number of colors you're painting with. Secondly, simplicity can happen by editing the output once the work is complete. Essentially, sifting through the work with a fine-tooth comb and removing all that is unnecessary.