As the year winds down, it’s a good moment to clear space — in our products and in ourselves.
Concept of the week - Subtractive Design
Subtractive design is the discipline of removing elements to make what remains clearer, calmer, and more usable. Instead of adding features to solve problems, we intentionally strip away anything that doesn’t serve the user at the moment.
In healthcare, subtractive design can improve safety and reduce cognitive load. A few years ago, I worked with a team to improve the alarm sounds of patient monitors so they could remain clinically effective while becoming far less distressing for patients and staff. Through interviews and workshops with clinicians, we consistently heard the same themes: the alarms felt harsh, ear-ringing, and intimidating — an added layer of stress in already demanding environments.
By applying subtractive principles, we softened the alarm character without weakening its clinical meaning and reduced the overall acoustic noise in the room. Less sonic clutter created a calmer atmosphere for patients and gave staff more space to think clearly.
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Subtractive Design Checklist — A 5-step method you can apply to any screen or workflow today:
What information is not needed at this moment?
What can be delayed, collapsed, or summarized?
Which alerts or notifications can be silenced or downgraded?
Does this element reduce or increase cognitive load?
Test the “nothing broken?” rule — if it still works, it stays out. If something does break: Restore it — but consider whether it could be simplified, or surfaced only when needed.
Light wisdom & reflection
“Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”
Which elements in your product, service, or process are silently stealing clarity — and could disappear without anyone missing it?
Mindful practice
Close your eyes for a moment and picture a workflow you use often.
Now imagine removing one element that feels distracting or unnecessary — a sound, a step, a field, a small piece of friction.
How does the workflow feel without it?
Does it become clearer, lighter, or more meaningful?
Many years ago, I removed all audible and visual notifications from my phone. The time and mental space I gained back were invaluable — a small subtraction that changed the texture of my days.
Let this imagined clarity guide your next small improvement.
Best,
Andreas Walden
Share this with someone designing for clarity.