Ornament and Crime
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
A radical manifesto of the early 20th century. It argues that adding non-functional ornament to useful objects is a waste of labor, an abuse of materials, and even a cultural regression. It advocates extreme simplicity and functionalism.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
The ethics of minimalism. In product design or PPT creation, ask yourself: Does this element have a function? If not, it is a 'crime.' Remove all noise added for decoration's sake, and let form directly reflect function.
Anchor fast decisions
Adolf Loos proposed 'Ornament and Crime,' advocating the removal of useless ornament and the expression of modern civilization through materials and proportion.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/3Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ornament_and_Crimeverified
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