Kanso (簡素) Simplicity or elimination of clutter.
Things are expressed in a plain, simple, natural manner. Reminds us
to think not in terms of decoration but in terms of clarity, a kind of
clarity that may be achieved through omission or exclusion of the
non-essential.
Fukinsei (不均整) Asymmetry or irregularity.
The idea of controlling balance in a composition via irregularity and
asymmetry is a central tenet of the Zen aesthetic. The enso ("Zen circle")
in brush painting, for example, is often drawn as an incomplete circle,
symbolizing the imperfection that is part of existence. In graphic design
too asymmetrical balance is a dynamic, beautiful thing. Try looking for
(or creating) beauty in balanced asymmetry. Nature itself is full of beauty
and harmonious relationships that are asymmetrical yet balanced. This
is a dynamic beauty that attracts and engages.
Shibui/Shibumi (渋味) Beautiful by being understated,
or by being precisely what it was meant to be and not elaborated upon.
Direct and simple way, without being flashy. Elegant simplicity, articulate
brevity. The term is sometimes used today to describe something cool
but beautifully minimalist, including technology and some consumer
products. (Shibui literally means bitter tasting).
Shizen (自然) Naturalness.
An absence of pretense or artificiality, full creative intent unforced.
Ironically, the spontaneous nature of the Japanese garden that the
viewer perceives is not accidental. This is a reminder that design is
not an accident, even when we are trying to create a natural-feeling
environment. It is not a raw nature as such but one with more purpose
and intention.
Yugen (幽玄) Profundity
or suggestion rather than revelation. A Japanese garden, for example,
can be said to be a collection of subtleties and symbolic elements.
Photographers and designers can surely think of many ways to visually
imply more by not showing the whole, that is, showing more by showing
less.
Datsuzoku (脱俗) Freedom from habit or formula.
Escape from daily routine or the ordinary. Unworldly. Transcending the
conventional. This principle describes the feeling of surprise and a bit of
amazement when one realizes they can have freedom from the conven-
tional. Professor Tierney says that the Japanese garden itself, "...made
with the raw materials of nature and its success in revealing the essence
of natural things to us is an ultimate surprise. Many surprises await at
almost every turn in a Japanese Garden."
Seijaku (静寂) Tranquility
or an energized calm (quite), stillness, solitude. This is related to the
feeling you may have when in a Japanese garden. The opposite feeling
to one expressed by seijaku would be noise and disturbance. How might
we bring a feeling of "active calm" and stillness to ephemeral designs
outside the Zen arts?