If you’ve ever stumbled upon a website that feels stark, industrial, and unapologetically bare-bones, you might have encountered brutalist web design. This style, inspired by the architectural movement of the mid-20th century, strips away frills and embellishments in favor of raw functionality and a no-nonsense aesthetic. Below, we explore what brutalist web design is, where it comes from, and whether it’s a style that might fit your project’s needs.
What Is Brutalist Web Design?
Brutalist web design takes inspiration from Brutalist architecture, characterized by raw concrete surfaces, block-like shapes, and a sense of utilitarian honesty. In the digital realm, brutalism translates to websites that prioritize functionality over polished visuals. These sites often feature:
- Unstyled or minimally styled HTML elements
- Monochromatic or high-contrast color schemes
- Sparse imagery or large, in-your-face graphics
- Basic navigational structures, often relegated to simple text links
- Bold, plain typography without a lot of finesse
The central idea is to make a statement by rejecting the “slickness” of many modern websites, focusing on directness and simplicity.
Key Characteristics of Brutalist Web Design
Raw, Unrefined Layouts
Brutalist sites often appear as though they were coded without a visual design phase. They may feature simple grids or columns with few or no background images, large blocks of text, and “rough edges” or abrupt design changes to give an unfinished vibe.
Minimal or Inconsistent Styling
Don’t expect consistent spacing or carefully curated color palettes with brutalist web design. Instead, these sites rely more on basic HTML styling or minimal custom CSS rules. Instead of “perfect” alignment, elements may intentionally overlap or appear haphazardly placed.
Functional Over Flashy
While many modern designs emphasize smooth animations and polished transitions, brutalist websites often ignore these. Movement is rarely a key feature. If it is used, it tends to be stark, abrupt, or even glitchy. Rather, brutalist web design embraces large, clickable text links with minimal flourish.
High Contrast
Brutalism can rely on stark blacks, whites, and grays—or extremely bold primary colors. It often involves eye-catching typography, such as bold, all-caps font, and experimental color combos. For example, designers may use jarring or clashing color pairings to add a rebellious flair.
Why Do Designers Choose Brutalism?
Brutalism can be a deliberate aesthetic choice meant to stand out in a sea of sleek, templated websites. It’s especially popular among artists, designers, and creative agencies looking to make a raw, unfiltered statement.
Some designers draw on Web 1.0 nostalgia, referencing the early days of the internet when websites were more DIY. Others use brutalism to rebel against the standardized, sometimes formulaic, look of modern web design.
By removing elaborate visuals and focusing on basic layouts, brutalist design can spotlight the written or visual content itself. There’s no distraction from fancy animations or intricate design elements.
Pros and Cons of Brutalist Web Design
Pros
- Memorable: A brutalist site can stand out and create a strong first impression.
- Fast Load Times: Minimal styling and smaller file sizes often lead to quicker page loads.
- Content-Centric: Users can focus on the core information without visual clutter.
- Reduced Development Complexity: Using fewer design elements can simplify coding and maintenance.
Cons
- Limited Appeal: The raw aesthetic may alienate users accustomed to polished, user-friendly interfaces.
- Potential Usability Issues: Overly stark or experimental layouts can confuse visitors.
- Brand Compatibility: Not all brands can align with a style that might be viewed as harsh or unfinished.
- Misinterpretation: Some users may see the design as careless or unprofessional rather than intentional.
Best Practices for Implementing Brutalist Design
Maintain Basic Usability
Even if you strip the layout down, ensure your navigation is clear enough for users to find essential information. Provide adequate contrast for text readability—white text on a dark background or vice versa.
Experiment with Typography
Typography can be the centerpiece of brutalist design. Bold, blocky fonts or monospaced typefaces add to the raw aesthetic.
Use Minimal CSS—but Use It Wisely
A little styling can go a long way. Even if your layout is stark, you can add subtle hover states or a deliberate color scheme to highlight clickable elements.
Test with Real Users
Brutalism can be polarizing. Conduct user testing to ensure people can still accomplish their tasks without confusion.
Balance Experimental Elements
Incorporate aspects of brutalism without sacrificing the user’s ability to navigate or understand your brand. Aim for a blend of edge and accessibility.
Who Is Brutalism For?
Brutalism is not for everyone. We recommend this design choice for independent creatives, such as artists, designers, and small studios. Experimental brands that aren’t afraid to appear edgy or rebellious can also benefit from brutalism. Passion projects, such as personal blogs, portfolios, or experimental micro-sites, can also experiment with brutalism, as they have a low risk of alienating mainstream users. However, for mainstream e-commerce or service websites, the traditional user-friendly design patterns typically take priority over an intentionally raw look.
Conclusion
If you’re aiming to make a bold statement or showcase your creative edge, brutalism might be the perfect design approach—just make sure it aligns with your brand and audience expectations. Contact Magna Technology at 617-249-0539 to learn more about brutalist web design and if it’s the right design choice for you!
