There is always a big debate in the realm of design and policies with the phrases "less is more" and "more is more". First off, they are mistaken with minimalism and maximalism. When both actually do the same, make change and open possibilities.
I hate it when people try to guess if something is "cheap" or "expensive". Things only cost what they are designed to cost. Ornament is usually associated with expensive, while optimization is usually associated with cheap. Neither is right!
Ornament is purposeless, or in better terms, is a decision that has no performance at all, we might as well call it redundant. Optimization is where design comes in, at least within the current mindset. An ornament with the intent of performance, is part of optimization. Overpricing to reach a specific market is optimization. Maximalism and minimalism are both optimization strategies. Technique deals with optimization too, we choose an optimization degree and then allow the tools within that degree to push us forward. Optimization is the best way to get a result, even if that means dealing with uncertainty. Optimization is not about the method, but about the proper method/technique/strategy for the proper task.
With the crisis, optimization will go from trend to fad, and will probably just be misused to excuse mediocre development. Don't fall for the gimmick! Take advantage of understanding what optimization truly means to take your proposals to the next level. Specially because it is ONLY through design that we can actually optimize anything!
HAVE FUN!!!
