First, pin down the core task—what the user is trying to do, not the fancy ornamentation. Then ask: does this detail help them see the task faster or reduce errors? If yes, keep it. If it only adds visual noise or distracts from the next step, cut it. In practice I make a list: visual hierarchy, touch targets, color contrast, micro‑animations. For each, I test with a few real users. If a detail doesn’t change the click‑through or confidence score, it’s probably weight. So keep the ones that shrink cognitive load and reinforce trust, and let the rest slide out like a dull blade edge.

Exactly, just like a blacksmith keeps the edge razor‑sharp. Test each interaction until the feel is crisp, then trim anything that doesn’t add a tangible benefit. The result is a UI that feels as strong and reliable as a well‑sharpened blade.