Minimalism is an art movement that began in post–World War II Western art and this quickly spread to graphic design. Minimalist design may look simple but it makes a big impact. It is characterised by clean lines and reductive design elements.
Some of the main elements of minimalism in modern graphic design include the use of blank space, limited colour palettes, and an understanding that less is more.
Here we will explore the role of minimalism in modern graphic design:
Less Is More
“Less is more” is a phrase used, but in the context of minimalist design, this means limiting the design elements that are used. Everything in a design should be there to serve a distinct purpose: if you can’t state clearly what the purpose of a design element is then it should be considered superfluous and redundant.
Minimalist design means removing the clutter. By having fewer design elements within your design, your target audience is more likely to notice it and it will be more impactful.
White Space
You’ll notice that minimalist design has much more white space than conventional design. But rather than just being empty space this white space serves an important purpose. It provides visual breathing room, allowing the audience to focus on the essential elements.
When white space is used effectively by an expert designer it enhances readability, draws attention to key elements, and contributes to an overall sense of balance and harmony within a design.
Clear Brand Essence
Consumers are more likely to connect with a brand that communicates a clear and focused identity.
The number of elements used within a minimalist design is fairly limited (the clue is in the name), so they need to have a genuine purpose. This means that every element of the design will be focused on elevating the brand and creating a clear brand effort.
From the brand colours to the brand logo, look and feel, minimalist design makes curating a clear brand essence even easier.
User Experience
In terms of web design or interactive design, minimalist design is considered superior because it offers a clutter-free interface, easy navigation, and focused content.
Adopting a clean design with carefully chosen design elements means that those design elements are more likely to attract the attention of the user.
This makes guiding and signposting the user to the next step or the right place much easier. For this reason, websites with minimalist designs tend to have a much clearer and more focused route to purchase or action. Which will ultimately make you more money!
Timeless Design
Minimalist design has its roots in the minimalist movement, which started in New York City at the beginning of the 1960s. It has remained in vogue ever since. While trends in graphic design come and go, minimalism endures. It has never gone out of fashion.
That’s why if you’re looking for a clean design that you can use for years to come because it won’t age, minimalist design is the way to go. This is important because you don’t want to be having to constantly re-brand in order to try and keep up with trends.
Conclusion
Sometimes a whisper is louder than a shout. And while minimalist graphic design makes less noise than busy design does, it has a far greater impact.
Reach out to us for a chat and find out more about how minimalist graphic design could elevate your brand.
