Tips For Minimalistic Web Design

5 Elements That Have The Largest Impact

October 27, 2022

By Karol Buratynski

5 Tips For Minimalist Web Design

This blog will cover the top five minimalistic design tips to have the biggest impact on your web design. Let's go over them in more detail.

1. Only What Is Essential

A minimalist approach to web design aims to reduce the number of items and information in interfaces while still supporting user tasks.

A designer must meticulously select items to build a genuinely minimalist interface, displaying just those that are of the utmost relevance and removing everything that might divert users' attention from what's crucial (such as superfluous decorative elements).

Every element in a design, whether it be an image or some copy, should serve a specific function; it shouldn't be used unless it is absolutely required to communicate the intended message.

Less stuff is required.

Example of minimalist design using white / negative space

2. World Of Negative Space

It should be no surprise that the most common element in minimalism is no element at all.

The most crucial aspect of minimalism and what gives it most of its force is negative (or white) space.

Simply put, negative space is the space between visible components.

More empty space means more emphasis on existing elements. In Japanese culture, it’s known as the ma principle: treating the space between objects as a means to emphasize the value of those objects.

While negative space is often called white space, it doesn’t have to be white. Some websites use full-color backgrounds to energize a blank canvas.

Example of minimalist design using clean copy

3. Write Clean Copy

For minimalism, this is accurate. Edit your content so that it only contains the information that is absolutely necessary to convey your point.

Example of minimalist design using a simplified navigation

4. Simplify The Navigation

While minimalism and simplicity are distinct concepts, minimalism should be simple.

Being able to do activities quickly and without being distracted is one feature that streamlines the user's experience.

Intuitive navigation is the main contributor to this level of simplicity.

But navigating a minimalist UI is difficult because designers frequently conceal some or all of the navigation in an effort to eliminate superfluous features and simplify the information.

Even with today's minimalist web design and mobile user interfaces, a menu symbol that extends to a complete list of things is still a common design option.

Keep in mind that one of the main objectives of website design is always simple navigation. Make sure users can quickly discover what they need while designing simple websites.

Example of minimalist design using white / negative space

5. Functional Animation

Animation should adhere to the minimalist ideals of being subtle and using only what is necessary, just like any other element.

An effective user interface animation serves a purpose and is meaningful.

You could, for instance, employ animation to save up screen space (revealing hidden details on hover).

An otherwise boring chore is made a little bit more enjoyable by the animation in the example below, which adds a degree of discoverability.

Example of minimally designed website

Conclusion

Minimalist websites simplify interfaces by removing unnecessary elements and paring down content that does not support user tasks.

Such websites are inspirational because they combine excellent usability with beautiful design: A attractive, simple-to-navigate website is an effective communication tool.

Enjoy!
Karol Headshot

Karol Buratynski

UX Designer

Karol, aka 'K', is a UX Designer with a wealth of knowledge and experience in everything UX related. His focus and passion are to always understand, communicate, and execute on user behaviour through both quantitative + qualitative research and analysis. K aims to bring the design and minimalism process closely together, focusing on creating experiences for the user while taking business and brand needs into consideration from the start. His goal is to always test, learn, and design quality results efficiently. He likes to travel and discover new places with his family.

Second CTA Ogilvy's Legacy

Today, David Ogilvy's influence can still be felt in the world of advertising.

Ogilvy's Influence Example
Emphasis on research Market research is a crucial part of any successful advertising campaign
Focus on headlines A strong headline can make the difference between an ad that is noticed and one that is ignored
Use of visuals Compelling images and graphics are essential for capturing audience attention