Minimalist Design

It it a trend or are we being lazy?



Minimalism is often wrongly percieved as an effortless task but only graphic designers know it isn’t that easy. Minimalism involves extreme conceptualism and abstraction. Minimalism if used without any relevance and purpose can be quite harmful. Sometimes, just to rush the design, graphic designers pass off an average design as minimalism. So how can minimalism become dangerous?


1. How easy is it for beginner web user?

A novice web user would find difficulty in accessing a busy website, hence minimalist website design will make it easier for them. But keeping it too minimal fails to express your business purpose and creates a false impression on your customers. What’s the purpose of a websites if it does not clearly explain what services your business has to offer?



2. Details create clutter

Too much clutter in a design can create a messy design, but going too minimal fails to reach targeted audience. Consider a business card. What is the point of a business card if your client is not getting the complete information about your business?



3. Explanation creates confusion

There is a difference between cluttered and content-rich design. Sometimes, designers simply choose minimal concepts because it leaves very less chances for them to be wrong. Although it is true that unnecessary design elements can create a mess, but an informative design is also necessary in explaining the clients about your business.



4. Simple is creative

Simple is sweet and it is considered as creative. But what is the point of minimalism if it does not accurately communicate the purpose to the target audience? Often with minimal logos you can’t tell what industry the logo is for, what company is it made for or what does it even signify.



Is it Minimalism or Lazy designing?

I know designing minimal graphics is not an easy task and can take more effort than designing other designs. But don’t you agree when the message is not correctly conveyed, it looks as if the graphic designer has been lazy not spending enough time on the concept. What do you think?


Tom Kelly-Lord
Spinning Hat