MUJI is an epitome of a simple yet excellent design concept. Ever since its launch in the early 2000s, MUJI has been in the headlines for unfolding a novel idea of minimalism, which is unique to Japanese culture. MUJI means ‘no brand’ in the Japanese language. To put it in simple terms, MUJI is all about eliminating waste, decluttering unnecessary items, and carefully eliminating and subtracting gratuitous features and design unrelated to function. Does that ring a bell for all aspiring designers out there?
Design principles transcend all boundaries and culture, and if rightly put, it has a language of its own.
Its application varies from tangible products in industries to web and graphic designs on a computer. One of the most common design principles we often hear is, ‘keep it simple’. As the saying goes by, ‘Great Design is eliminating all unnecessary detail- Minh D. Tran’; MUJI has indeed adopted these principles, and in the pursuit of ordinary, they have constructed an extraordinary brand. MUJI’s design is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. A stroll around the store not only enriches a shopper’s experience but also gives a perspective to question all the clutter one has in their lives.
MUJI’s art director, Kenya Hara, defines this concept of minimalism as ’emptiness.’ He defines it as a state of being where a product has space to become complete in different ways as it passes on to other people, i.e., its owner.
This emptiness sparks creativity in every household as each MUJI’s products has multiple uses as per an individual’s taste.
The thought and creativity behind MUJI is a designer’s haven. To be able to observe quintessential design around oneself is pure bliss and helps one to seek inspiration for their work. Be it graphic design or industrial product design; the fundamental design principles are very similar. It is essential to cut the noise in your design (careful elimination of waste- MUJI design principle) and create a simple design but with careful thought and informed process. If a design is being created for an end-user, then that should reflect in your work and should serve the purpose that it intends to.