American rebellion engendered, and perhaps even required, simplicity in design to throw off the feudal excesses and superstitions of the past. So does our current epoch. Simple design is required when the tools of information are greater than ever before. No, hardly at all. Any place you rest your hat is a home now.
Baroque design offends because freedom creates circumspection in a wise man.
Inalienable rights imply inalienable responsibilities. Today's art on the Web is poetic and omnivorous and a page requires considerate application of design. This age requires simplicity. We decide what is of import as is our right, and we are not to let breed information without context. The sweeter result of tools that are also toys is upon us.