Simple by Design

Growing Daily

Simple by Design

Fresh out of college with a degree in Industrial Design, I got my first job as an artist for a toy company… and it required a significant adjustment.

My college projects had focused on designing sleek, modern products with cutting-edge technology. But when it came to designing toys for toddlers, everything changed. Suddenly, sleek was bad.  Designs needed to be chunky, simple, and durable — easy for small, uncoordinated hands. 

Good design is about connecting with the user. That lesson stayed with me, and it turns out, it applies far beyond toy shelves.

As Christians, we should have a deep understanding of our faith.  But as we share it with others, we also need to understand our audience.  If our words are “sleek,” but they don’t connect, they miss the user entirely.

Jesus was a perfect example for us here.  He spoke in simple stories about seeds, soil, fishing nets, and lost coins — using everyday images that made eternal truth clear and accessible.  

In 1 Corinthians 9:22, Paul describes it this way: “I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.”

God’s truth doesn’t change, but how we share it should. And sometimes, the most effective message isn’t the most impressive one — it’s the one that’s simple enough to be held.


- Ron Reid