Clever Quote by Ivan Chermayeff
“Sometimes there is simply no need to be either clever or original.”
About This Quote
Source Design Lecture, 1995
Originality isn’t always necessary; simplicity can suffice.
In simple terms: You don’t always need to be clever or original.
Key Takeaway
Embrace simplicity when appropriate.
Themes
creativity
simplicity
design
Mood
pragmatic
thoughtful
Type
inspirational
educational
When to use this quote
- product design
- branding
- marketing copy
- educational materials
Key Concepts
Design thinking
minimalism
innovation
Questions to Reflect On
- When is originality essential?
- How do you decide between cleverness and simplicity?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on simplicity may limit impact.
![“There was another reason [she] took her books whenever they went away. They were her home when she was somewhere strange. They were familiar voices, friends that never quarreled with her, clever, powerful friends -- daring and knowledgeable, tried and tested adventurers who had traveled far and…” quote by Cornelia Funke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/639/cornelia-funke-908_adventurer_there-was-another-reason-she-took-her-bo_3074.jpg)
