Book review. Read it all on Amazon vote "helpful"

In Pursuit of Elegance, written by Matthew May, delivered what it promised: the elusive element behind successful innovative breakthroughs. The answer is elegant design. This book not only defines elegance, which is not about setting a table well, but also gives guidance for any development process. I attended a workshop several years ago in which we were challenged to solve problems using elegance of design. I loved the idea, but could never clearly define what elegance in problem solving, or grant writing, or project management or leadership would look like. This book answered many of my questions.
According to May, elegant design comprises the elements of symmetry, seduction, subtraction and sustainability. Symmetry works with the brains ability, and need to find closure and make meaning. Our brain looks for patterns and balance. May defines symmetry as the junction of mathematics, nature, science and art. Symmetry allows our brain to fill in the missing pieces so that we can find solutions with only part of the information available. Games such as Sudoku are solved through this process.
Seduction engages our imagination and captivates us. We are satisfied when we fill in the empty spaces. Solving problems like this gives us a rush of dopamine. This is why less if more and why Sudoku is so addicting.
Subtraction helps us solve the problem of economy. Humans are consumers and tend to hoard. Subtraction creates the space to be filled in so that we can seek symmetry and utilized seduction. Some successful companies have eliminated job titles. Some have reduced the number of standard features. Some advertise less, or with less focus on the product. Traffic circles eliminate traffic control and result in a decrease in accidents. Psychologists have known for years that giving your adolescent less rules is more effective.
The trick is knowing what to subtract. This question is answered by sustainability. We have to create a process that is both repeatable and lasting (think about grants). Sustainable thinking helps us to do that. Together these four elements result in a blend of logic and creative thinking and produce elegant designs.
The book give any real life examples of each of these concepts and how they interact, as well as many ways the author applied them. This is a usable book and one that can help change the way any of us think about problem solving. I highly recommend this book to anyone in the world of leadership, project management, grant writing, marketing, human service management, brain studies or psychology. In fact I think anyone will enjoy this book.