Defining minimalist web design

[Krei]

Hello,

recently I have written an article about minimalist web design. The overall topic includes defining the features of minimalist web design, its pros and cons. Below is a list of the sections of my article. Can anyone suggest other sections as I want to expand it e little bit more?

Also, do y'all think that I have chosen my sections right? I am open to further suggestions and discussions about the topic. Thanks in advance!

What is Minimalist Web Design

Defining characteristics of Minimalism in Web Design
• Limited of Monochromatic Color Palette
• Restricted Features and Elements
• Maximized Negative Space
• Contrast in Design
• Dramatic use of Typography

Positive effects of Minimalist Web Design
• Gives maximum importance to content
• Eases navigation on the website
• Gives your website a lot of 'breathing space'
• Communicates the value proposition effectively

Cons of Minimalist Web Design
• Limited Communication
• Too Blank
• Visitors might consider your value
• Lack for room growth
Conclusion

 

[fisicx]

If you want a minimalist website don’t use CSS (or scripts). Doesn’t look very pretty but it’s about as minimalist as it gets.

 

[antropy]

If you want a minimalist website don’t use CSS (or scripts). Doesn’t look very pretty but it’s about as minimalist as it gets.

I would suggest some CSS, at the very least to adjust the typography from serif to sans-serif.

There is a difference between minimal code and minimalist design. We aim for both, but sometimes more code is needed than you might hope.

We're actually very big on minimalism, here are some sites we built that would be described as minimalist in terms of design:

https://untitledstudio.com/
https://www.kallosturin.com/
https://mstudiosarchitects.com/
https://www.wrightandwright.co.uk/

I hope you like them.

Paul.

 

[fisicx]

There is a difference between minimal code and minimalist design.

Totally agree.

The problem with minimalist design is everyone has a different opinion as to what that means. It's the same as when someone asks for something 'professional' or 'modern'.

For example, @Krei suggested 'Restricted Features and Elements'. That's more of a coding thing rather than a design thing. You could have a very minimalist layout that is feature rich.

 

[DontAsk]

Can't get much more minimal than a few lines of hand poded HTML. The site will probably suck, but it will be minimalist

 

[antropy]

Can't get much more minimal than a few lines of hand poded HTML. The site will probably suck, but it will be minimalist

You mean like the original Jakob Nielsen website?

Like I said above, that's minimal code but minimal design is something related but different.

Paul.

 

[Fagin2021]

I thought minimalist meant 'less is more' until my wife's Birthday came around and I learned I was wrong.

 

[AW-UK]

I see minimalist web design as a basic page layout, with a few paragraphs, maybe a picture or 2 with a simple layout, perhaps black and white, perhaps having a subtle colour contrast, but nothing too flashy or "in your face".

It has to have some basic CSS for it to look like someone has put some effort into it, otherwise it'll look like someone forgot to upload the stylesheet, unless you hard code the styles in the HTML, which also works, but still required in my opinion.

Also a minimalist design can be responsive, and you need style markup for that.

 

[fisicx]

@AW-UK,

Minimalist design may have a feature rich site with complex structures and styling - but just looks very clean and simple. It’s not an easy thing to do.

 

[WaveJumper]

Would we class HMRC websites as minimalist

 

[AllUpHere]

I would say that minimalist design is nothing more than including everything that's needed, whilst leaving out anything that's not needed. The trouble is, very few web designers know which is which.

 

[fisicx]

Would we class HMRC websites as minimalist

Some may define them as such, others not. It can be very subjective even for those who do a lot of work in this area.

This is a decent bit of analysis:

https://www.nngroup.com/articles/characteristics-minimalism/

It's quite old but still very relevant. The point they make is you can be very minimalist but in dong so lose the key elements necessary for users to navigate or use the site. The hamburger menu icon is a good example of this.

There are many other good articles discussing minimalist design for website. I've been using some of their techniques for years and it really does work. Removing rather than adding almost always results in higher conversions.

 

[WaveJumper]

Some may define them as such, others not. It can be very subjective even for those who do a lot of work in this area.

This is a decent bit of analysis:

https://www.nngroup.com/articles/characteristics-minimalism/

It's quite old but still very relevant. The point they make is you can be very minimalist but in dong so lose the key elements necessary for users to navigate or use the site. The hamburger menu icon is a good example of this.

There are many other good articles discussing minimalist design for website. I've been using some of their techniques for years and it really does work. Removing rather than adding almost always results in higher conversions.

Thank you thats a very interesting link and given me some homework for the BH weekend ...... should keep me out of trouble for a few days

 

[fisicx]

The trick is to build your website with doing any styling. Just put the works and pictures on the pages, add the navigation and calls to action and then get people to do some testing. How they use the site will then tell you which bits need changing.

When you add styling it should be to highlight and direct rather than just make it look pretty.

This is a project I've recently completed:

https://electro.bankcomparisonplugin.com/

Ignore the theme, this is just a box to house the demo. I worked with Lars to keep the layout very simple so it was easy for people to compare suppliers even though they have a very complicated way of managing electricity. Last time I spoke he said conversions we through the roof. Keep it simple stupid.

 

[Aleksander_Gramm]

If you want a minimalist website don’t use CSS (or scripts). Doesn’t look very pretty but it’s about as minimalist as it gets.

In many cases web developers have to use CSS/JS for maximized negative space, implementing Flat Patterns and Textures, etc.
In fact, a minimalist website doesn't mean a simple website. because a web developer have to implement these elements for many devices from mobile to 2K 2048×1080.
IMHO, in many cases it'd be better to create the simple sites and focus on marketing/brand messages instead of web design. minimalist sites are good if you want to get a web design award.

 

[Alan]

If you start with the concept of designing an easy to use website which has a high degree of accessibility you tend towards what people refer to as minimalist design too.

 

[SEODEV#338055]

Very easy to define minimalist web design

Give your users the answer to their question as fast as possible with the least amount of distractions while reinforcing your brand identity

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