Minimalism
Minimalism can be described with a well-known expression “less is more”. It is a style in web, interior, fashion design, as well as in art, music and theatre. The key principle here is to use the smallest possible range of colors, shapes, forms and materials. Minimal designs are created to be meaningful, spare and simple.
History
Minimalism as a particular style became popular in the 1960s in New York with art trending towards abstraction. It can also be considered as an extension of Bauhaus and Constructivism. The main goal was to leave only an essential part of elements to focus public attention on the most important details.
Minimal design can be hard to implement sometimes, as the line between simple and primitive is very thin. You may focus on the core functionality and that will help to make a user-friendly interface and an intuitive user journey. Don’t be afraid to use the negative space and emptiness as a part of your interface, as well as try to pay attention to grids and composition.
Tips & Tricks
Most important minimal features include:
- Simplicity
- Clarity
- Expressive visual hierarchy
- High attention to proportions and composition
- Functionality of every element
- Big amount of spare space
- High attention ratio to core details
- Typography as a significant design element
- Eliminating non-functional decorative elements
In digital mediums minimalism can be formed with:
- Flat design
- Monochrome colors
- Bold typography
- Air and negative space
- Grids
- Contrast
- Clear navigation
- Consistency through structure
- Accent image
"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”
— William Morris