Neo-Brutalism in UI/UX Design: A Bold and Unique Style
Neobrutalism is a design movement that has been gaining popularity in recent years, both in architecture and in UI/UX design. It is characterized by its raw, unpolished aesthetic, which is often achieved through the use of bold colors, geometric shapes, and unusual layouts.
Neobrutalism can be seen as a reaction against the over-designed and often similar-looking websites and apps of today.
Polarizing Yet Popular
While some users find Neobrutalist designs too stark, many appreciate the honesty and simplicity it brings to the table.
Big Names on Board
Major tech companies and platforms have experimented with Neobrutalist designs, indicating its growing influence in the industry, having in my mind just now GitHub, Google, Spotify, StackOverflow website (if you enable High contrast in the Preferences), Vice, and many others.
The Roots
Neobrutalism is a modern take on the Brutalist architecture movement of the mid-20th century. The Brutalist architectural movement, known for its raw and unadorned concrete structures, has long been a subject of both admiration and critique. Its name, derived from the French term “brut,” translates to “raw,” aptly capturing the essence of this style.
Brutalism was a reaction against the ornate and decorative styles that were popular at the time. Instead, brutalist buildings, with their imposing facades and straightforward designs, prioritize function over aesthetics. They stand as monolithic testaments to a design philosophy that values utility and honesty.
Architects such as Le Corbusier, whose works are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and Paul Rudolph, an American architect, championed this style, creating structures that were both functional and evocative. These buildings, often perceived as cold or austere, were in fact a celebration of materials in their purest form, devoid of unnecessary embellishments.
Digital World of Brutalism Today
Fast forward to the present day, and we see the footprints of Brutalism in digital design. The world of UI/UX has been experiencing a shift towards Neobrutalism, a design approach that borrows principles from its architectural namesake.
In the digital space, Neobrutalism manifests as websites and applications that are stripped down to their bare essentials.
Neobrutalist designs are straightforward, emphasizing content, instead of intricate animations, shadow effects, and multi-layered interfaces.
Neobrutalism in UI/UX design is not about the absence of design, but rather a conscious decision to prioritize content and functionality over decorative elements. Websites and applications that adopt this style often appear raw, direct, and unpolished. They strip away the non-essentials, leaving only what is truly necessary for the user to interact with and understand the content, an unfiltered experience for the user, free from distractions.
This transition to digital Neobrutalism is not merely a design trend; it’s a reflection of broader societal shifts. Just as Brutalist architecture was a reaction to the excesses of its time, Neobrutalism in UI/UX is a response to the over-designed and often cluttered digital spaces we’ve grown accustomed to.
It’s a call for authenticity, transparency, and simplicity.
If we want to define the principles of this design, we can put these three as the main principles of Neubrutalism:
Rawness:
Websites and apps have a barebones look.
Honesty:
There’s a certain transparency in Neobrutalist designs. No hidden motives, no deceptive patterns — what you see is what you get.
Simplicity:
With a limited color palette and system default fonts, the design remains uncluttered, making content more visible.
The key characteristics of Neobrutalist UI/UX design are:
- Bold colors — Neobrutalist designers often use bold and contrasting colors, such as black and white, or bright primary colors. This can help to create a sense of drama and excitement, and it can also help to make certain elements of the interface stand out.
- Geometric shapes — Neobrutalist designers often use geometric shapes, such as squares, rectangles, and triangles, in their designs. This can help to create a sense of order and structure, and it can also make the interface look more modern and minimalist.
- Unusual layouts — This includes elements in unexpected places or unconventional grid systems. This can help to create a more visually interesting and engaging interface.
Neobrutalism is a bold and unique design style. It is not for everyone, but it can be a great way to create interfaces that are both visually interesting and functional.
Evolving in Mobile UI/UX Design:
The rise of mobile devices has introduced a new dimension to Neobrutalism. With fewer design elements, Neobrutalist mobile apps and websites often load faster, thereby enhancing the user experience.
The minimalist approach simplifies navigation, especially on smaller screens, which improves accessibility.
Lastly, in a sea of similar-looking apps, Neobrutalist designs stand out, offering a fresh perspective.
4 Interesting Facts:
- Neobrutalism is a relatively new trend in UI/UX design, but it is quickly gaining popularity.
2. Neobrutalism is often used to design websites and apps for creative industries, such as music, fashion, and art.
3. Neobrutalism can be used to create both simple and complex interfaces.
4. Neobrutalism is often combined with other design styles, such as minimalism and Memphis design.
Check out many neubrutalist-inspired designs on Dribbble.
Neobrutalism is a bold and exciting new trend in UI/UX design. It is a great way to create interfaces that are both visually interesting and functional. If you are looking for a way to make your website or app stand out from the crowd, consider using Neobrutalism in your design. I surely did!
