Minimalism After years of bells and whistles, user interface design is going back to basics – at least according to some big name companies, including Google and Microsoft to name a few. Glossy icons are replaced by simpler one-color versions or text-based buttons, rich gradients with simple solid color combinations.
Minimalistic interfaces are definitely taking off. Top: Windows 8 uses monochromatic icons and simple solid colors for its new interface. Bottom: Pinterest user interface is the ultimate minimalism – apart from user content, very few things take up space on the screen.
For majority of users, this lack of visual detail works astonishingly well – the interface is easy to digest and its elements don’t get in the way of the tasks they’re trying to accomplish.
When to use it: minimalism is a great way to design a web application which focuses on user generated content – if done right, users will rarely complain about it. However, keep in mind that many clients will find this approach too simplistic for their taste, so you might want to check their preferences before starting your project.
