If a website starts to get stuffed with complex visuals, it can overwhelm and negatively affect a visitor’s perception. Since customers’ interactions should guide web designers in their work, the trend is starting to lean towards less—not more. Designing minimalistically is becoming the new trend.
(Pixabay / Felix_Broennimann)
Minimalism focuses on usability and economy, although some designers are inclined to the style because they prefer it aesthetically. Minimalism in web design is similar to the simplicity of Japanese architecture that incorporates balance. The emphasis is on simple colors and designs that promote a sense of calm and functionality.
Minimalism in the Western world began in the early part of the 20th century because of the availability of new building materials and technologies. The concept popularized the phrase “less is more.” That concept carried over from architecture to other industries such as painting, music, and interior and industrial design.
The thrust of minimalism is to discard elements that do not contribute to a deeper function or purpose. You can see the concept’s reverberations in the furniture industry, as exemplified by the simple, functional designs of IKEA.
Now, minimalism is influencing web design. A lot of websites adhere to minimalist principles. Anything that does not help a website meet its goals must be eliminated.
Minimalism embraces the use of negative space in order to emphasize a design’s effectiveness. The elimination of all unnecessary components will ensure that users stay engaged and free of distractions. Designers, however, must be very careful not to become so intent on simplifying that they discard necessary features.