Essentials of a Minimalistic Web Design

Ashutosh Chandra | 6th July 2020

Minimalism is becoming a popular style today. When it comes to minimalism, people most often think it’s easier because it’s simpler, but it’s not. There are fewer elements in minimalism, so we need to provide the same level of usability, or better with less interface. Minimalism requires the designer to balance the aesthetics of the website with its functionality. Designers also fearlessly use space, stunning visuals, striking typography, and the content itself, and nothing else in a minimalistic design.

Minimalism correlates directly with many of the modern web design trends. In this blog, we will look at the main pillars of minimalism, without which minimalism won’t stand.  So, let’s begin.

 

Negative Space

The primary design element in minimalism that most people associate with, is space and in particular, negative space. Minimal design isn’t just a small visual surrounded by a colorless expanse. The style also encompasses space of any color, although it doesn’t include textures in this context. White, black or very dark backgrounds are the most popular. A negative space manipulates the user’s visual flow, and with right UX design services, it’s possible to do so. The more negative spaces an element carries, the more the eyes are drawn to it. Generous negative space also creates a sense of luxury. The goal of negative space is to draw more attention to the content itself.

 

Also, Read | The Significance Of Negative Space In Your Design

 

Large & Vivid Photography

When selecting the photo for your minimalist web design, always ensure that all the visual minimalist characteristics are present in the photograph, otherwise, it loses its value. For instance, choose a high-resolution photograph composed with ample negative space like expansive skies, or empty white walls. This enables an entire world of emotional connection and atmospheric settings. They all are reliant on the content of the photograph. It also retains the simplistic interface of a minimal design. Choosing a busy photograph full of distracting and cluttered items only negates the benefits of the surrounding minimalist interface.

 

Dramatic Typography

Typography, apart from bringing an immediate focus to the words, also assists in crafting a much larger intriguing visual. The most impressive examples of minimal design and typography often include bold styles, with thick strokes, and interesting letterforms. A compelling, sharp and even custom typography makes a perfect focal point in a minimal framework.

 

Stunning Contrast

A white background is a perfect canvas for contrast. That’s why it’s such a popular choice among minimalist designers. Also, black or white backgrounds of minimalist designs are commonly overlaid with small colorful elements or a bold image.

Designers can build contrast with parameters such as color, size, shape, location, and scale. Contrast brings attention to certain design elements while creating a recognizable visual hierarchy.

Super Simple Navigation

The hamburger icon is one of the popular and commonly used navigation buttons for minimalism. Designers who are experienced with minimal frameworks are adopting the hamburger icon to further trim the number of UI elements. For designers, it is important to implement the hamburger menu for the right reasons. First understand the primary, secondary and tertiary functions behind the navigation design. First of all, understand your users and the context, and then decide if the hamburger menu makes sense. Don’t do it just because it looks trendy. We may end up hiding all the navigation options that we want to discover easily.

 

Visual Harmony

A minimal design framework needs a solid backbone to be most effective. The important parts of a visual organization include a strong grid, visual balance, and close attention to alignment. A strong grid is a foundation for an organization. The grid enables the designer to place and arranges elements in a way that communicates purpose. It’s also very important to clarify that alignment is not the same as centering content. Most of the minimal designs have their bulk content at the center of the screen, but it’s not the only solution. Designers can align elements anywhere along a grid. In the case of texts, designers can align them in the left, right, or center.

 

Related Top 6 Visual Hierarchy Guidelines For Designers

Evolved Flat Designs

The combination of minimalism and flat design is quite common in modern websites. Earlier, the concept of flat design was an abundance of bright colors. Now the flat design has toned down and now works exceptionally well with minimal frameworks. Minimalism is design philosophy, whereas flat design is a visual aesthetic. With the aesthetic values of flat design, your design remains hyper-focused on the content, while still appearing visually rich.

 

Conclusion

Creating a minimalist website is not as simple as it seems. Don’t think it’s just taking a bunch of elements away from your website. It requires focus and a sharp eye. Improper handling of a minimal design can backfire. Always consider those essential elements while creating your minimalist design. Contact our web design services for assistance related to minimalistic website designs. 

About Author

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Ashutosh Chandra

Ashutosh is a blogger and technical writer at Oodles, who covers topics ranging from Branding, UI/UX design, Graphic design to other design and technology-related matters.

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