having fewer things on a screen is not a complete design idea. an almost empty page can still feel confusing. simplicity becomes more interesting when we consider the relationships between things, as well as how many there are.
a heading suggests where to look. a space separates two thoughts. a small link offers a next step. they do not all need to speak at the same volume. part of designing is deciding what speaks, and when.
before removing something, we can ask what it does. does it explain, guide or add character? if it has a purpose, perhaps it should stay. if it does not, there might be room for a little more space.
a phone screen is a useful place to reconsider these decisions. instead of shrinking a wide composition, we can find another way to express the same idea. the rhythm of a heading, the order of the text and the places to touch can each be considered again.
the aim is a voice that feels specific to the work. sometimes one large word carries it. sometimes it is a small detail, placed exactly where it belongs.