{"id":1841,"date":"2015-07-07T07:30:26","date_gmt":"2015-07-07T07:30:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/okomocr.com\/?p=1841"},"modified":"2015-07-07T07:30:26","modified_gmt":"2015-07-07T07:30:26","slug":"minimalist-web-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cxglobals.com\/minimalist-web-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Minimalist Web design: The seven basics"},"content":{"rendered":"

The simplicity of minimalism may seem simple enough, but under the surface lies far more than just, \u201cthe bare minimum.\u201d<\/span><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

When it comes to minimalism, don\u2019t think it\u2019s easier just because it\u2019s simpler. Because there are fewer elements, you must provide the same level of usability (perhaps even better) with less interface. To balance aesthetics with functionality, minimalist Web design is defined by fearless use of space, stunning visuals, striking typography, and an overall focus on the content itself \u2013 and nothing else.<\/p>\n

We call these techniques the bases\u00a0of minimalism, and below we\u2019ve listed the seven\u00a0most helpful based on our experiences building and appreciating websites. It\u2019s no surprise that minimalism is becoming a popular style today \u2013 it correlates directly with many of the modern web design trends, which you\u2019ll also recognize below.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

1. Negative Space<\/span><\/h3>\n

 <\/p>\n

The primary design element that most people associate with minimalism is space, in particular, negative space. And lots of it.<\/p>\n

Minimal design isn\u2019t just a small visual surrounded by a colorless expanse. The style also encompasses space of any color, although textures are not included in this context. White, black or very dark backgrounds are the most popular, but some designers also express negative space through full color backgrounds.<\/p>\n

As shown below,\u00a0Lindvall A&D<\/a> uses a bright aqua background with simple navigation (along with the other minimalist elements we\u2019ll describe later) on the homepage to lure users into the architecture firm\u2019s website.<\/p>\n

\"Screen<\/a><\/p>\n

Photo credits:<\/i> http:\/\/www.jonaslindvall.com\/<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Negative space serves to manipulate the user\u2019s visual flow. As a rule, the more negative space around an element, the more the eye is drawn to it \u2013 you can see how this is a powerful tool in a minimalist layout when you\u2019re down to only a few, but powerful elements.<\/p>\n

Additionally, negative space allows for more comprehensive organization of elements, preventing the design from overwhelming the user. Negative space is especially useful for interior pages, as you can see below on a more detailed landing page from Lindvall.<\/p>\n

\"Screen<\/a><\/p>\n

Photo credits:<\/i> http:\/\/www.jonaslindvall.com\/<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Generous negative space also creates a sense of luxury.\u00a0The treatment makes a lot of sense for this architectural design firm, considering how they want to appear sophisticated and draw attention to the most important part of the page: the images of their work.<\/p>\n

On that note, remember that the goal of negative space is to draw more attention to the content itself. Content-first design\u00a0is the core of the minimalist philosophy \u2013 the bare aesthetics we commonly associate with minimalist design are just a means to achieving that end.<\/p>\n

Using negative space is a skill on its own.<\/p>\n

2. Large & Vivid Photography<\/span><\/h3>\n

For designers who think that pure minimalist sites feel too emotionally distant, oversized photographs add a comforting touch of familiarity without dominating the foreground.<\/p>\n

\"Screen<\/a><\/p>\n

Photo credit:<\/i> https:\/\/makgoods.com\/<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

The most prominent form of artwork in minimalist design,\u00a0hero headers<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0hero images\u00a0<\/a>are defined by a dramatic image or slider placed near the top of the scroll.<\/p>\n

This enables an entire world of emotional connection and atmospheric settings \u2013 all reliant on the content of the photograph \u2013 while retaining the simplistic interface of a minimal design.<\/p>\n

However, remember one key tip when selecting the photo: all the visual minimalist characteristics should be present in the photograph, otherwise you lose the advantage. For example, choose a high-definition photograph composed with ample negative space \u2013 expansive skies, or empty white walls as above. Choosing a busy photograph full of distracting items only negates the benefits of the surrounding minimalist interface.<\/p>\n

3. Dramatic Typography<\/span><\/h3>\n

With most other elements on the chopping block, the one that every site cannot do without is words. As emphasis is added to the elements that remain, by extension emphasis is added to typography. Beautiful, sharp and even custom typography\u00a0is a perfect focal point in a minimal framework.<\/p>\n

\"Screen<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Typography brings immediate focus to the words and content while 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 (such as a dominant typeface for headlines paired with a neutral typeface for other content).<\/p>\n

4. Beautiful Contrast<\/span><\/h3>\n

The white background is such a popular choice among minimalist designers because it\u2019s the perfect canvas for contrast. A hallmark of minimalist design, black or white backgrounds are commonly overlaid with small colorful elements or a bold image.<\/p>\n

Designers can create contrast with color, size, shape, location and scale. Contrast brings attention to certain design elements, but also helps create a recognizable visual hierarchy.<\/p>\n

Photographer Jorge Riera\u2019s site<\/a> uses contrast in beautiful ways that change page by page. On the homepage, a large white canvas includes simple, single-line navigation and a large image and the bottom of the screen in black with thick strokes and a bold feel.<\/p>\n

\"Screen<\/a><\/p>\n

Move to the \u201cWho Am I\u201d page for a lesson in typographic and size contrast \u2013 custom lettering versus a simple sans serif, and oversized font versus a size that many designers would consider more appropriate for microcopy\u00a0rather than body copy.
\n\"Screen<\/a><\/p>\n

Photo credits:<\/i> http:\/\/www.jorgerieraflores.com\/<\/i><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Normally, we\u2019d recommend against this tactic due to accessibility and usability issues, but small body copy can be acceptable since it\u2019s not the focal point. Instead, most of the page is occupied with images and examples of work (as you scroll down), which makes sense for an art director who probably prefers to show rather than tell.<\/p>\n

5. Stupidly Simple Navigation<\/span><\/h3>\n

A simple design aesthetic paired with the simplest\u00a0of navigation tools. Even designers who are veterans of minimal frameworks are ditching traditional navigation for the hamburger icon to further trim the number of UI elements.<\/p>\n

\"Screen<\/a><\/p>\n

Photo credit:<\/i> http:\/\/thru-you-too.com\/#!\/<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Before you implement a hamburger menu to help simplify your interface, make sure you\u2019re doing it for the right reasons. As Adobe<\/b> UX Designer Sandyha Talwalker suggests, first understand the primary, secondary and tertiary functions behind the navigation design.<\/p>\n

Remember that hamburger menus also result in less discoverability of navigation items, and they can be less clear to people\u00a0over 44 years-old.<\/p>\n

Know your users and the context, then decide if the hamburger menu makes sense. Don\u2019t do it just because it looks trendy, otherwise you\u2019ll end up hiding navigation options that must be easily discovered.<\/p>\n

6. Visual Harmony<\/span><\/h3>\n

To be most effective, a minimal design framework needs a solid backbone. The key components of visual organization include a strong grid, visual balance, and close attention to alignment.<\/p>\n

A strong grid is the foundation for organization. The grid \u2013 built through tactically using negative space \u2013 lets the designer place and arrange elements in a way that communicate purpose.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also very important to clarify that alignment is not the same as centering content.<\/p>\n

While many minimal designs include the bulk of content in the center of the screen, it is not the only solution. Elements can be aligned anywhere along a grid \u2013 text, in particular, can be aligned to the left, right or center.<\/p>\n

Arko<\/b>, below, does a great job of mixing and matching alignment styles to create visual interest and balance while using plenty of white space.<\/p>\n

\"Screen<\/a><\/p>\n

Photo credit:<\/i> http:\/\/www.arko.co.nz\/<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

7. Flat Design Evolved<\/span><\/h3>\n

While originally defined by an abundance of bright color, flat design has toned down and now works exceptionally well with minimal frameworks.<\/p>\n

The techniques mesh because of similar characteristics in visual planning and in the use of content itself. Because flat design de-emphasizes design tricks, the stripped-away concept pairs well with the philosophy of minimalism. The combination is quite common in modern websites \u2013 minimal visual hierarchy accentuated with touches of flat design in UI elements like icons and colors.<\/p>\n

\"Screen<\/a><\/p>\n

Photo credit:<\/i> http:\/\/wonderfulcolorado.karshhagan.com\/<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Because flat design is a visual aesthetic whereas minimalism is a design philosophy, you can enjoy the best of both worlds when you combine techniques from each discipline. Your design remains hyper-focused on the content, but still appears visually rich thanks to the aesthetic values of flat design.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you think creating a minimalist site is as simple as taking a bunch of elements away, think again.<\/p>\n

Minimalism requires a sharp eye and hard-won expertise, and if handled improperly can backfire as a site that looks bad and does nothing. Keep these seven\u00a0elements in mind when designing for minimalism \u2013 you\u2019ll need to master each technique before orchestrating them into a stunning content-focused website.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The simplicity of minimalism may seem simple enough, but under the surface lies far more than just, \u201cthe bare minimum.\u201d When it comes to minimalism, don\u2019t think it\u2019s easier just because it\u2019s simpler. Because there are fewer elements, you must provide the same level of usability (perhaps even better) with less interface. To balance aesthetics […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1848,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[66,18],"yoast_head":"\nMinimalist Web design: The seven basics | CXGlobals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Minimalist\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/cxglobals.com\/minimalist-web-design\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Minimalist Web design: The seven basics | CXGlobals\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" 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