Obviously having choice is fantastic, and its something we've all become accustomed to. From buying a jelly nut at the world-foods market (bad idea BTW), to finding a date on match.com (I have a bf so its totes not relevant to me). But sometimes its difficult when there's a million different things to choose from in the shops. This is going to become even more of a problem for cohorts like generation z, whose lifelong connection to technology has opened up a massive array of global products and services available at the swipe of a finger.
The dilemma of choice has become a recent discussion, and is explored in a study below (see video). People are much more likely to buy a pot a jam when presented with six flavours as a opposed to 24. So as we can see, the results are simple: when given less choice, life becomes simpler. I've been thinking about this a lot and its relevance to my new job, where we have over 800 wines available. How can I make this easy for people who aren't familiar with wine? (and how can I use this to my own advantage). Its kind of difficult when everybody has different tastes and wants to be different. Perhaps its not such a bad idea to dictate their choices and make the buyer decision making process easier.
The commentary continues in Wallpaper (January 2013 edition) in the article 'Less is More', which talks about the '150 friends limit'social network PATH, which helps to 'discipline your inner circle'. I really believe less is more in the social sense, as being able to concentrate your communication more precisely and have quality conversations to a select few brings great satisfaction. The trend doesn't just further our lives in the practical sense, but helps with our own psychi and sense of fulfilment. This year isn't about 'Facebook culling', or taking extreme action (like lo-fi living*) its about taking control of our choices and spending our free time wisely.
*lo-fi living: a 'new trend' that started in America, the main concept is the deliberate rejection of technology. Followers include Kate Moss; according to Grazia issue 404.