Minimalism and Maximalism, What Is Maximalist Web Design?

By Paul Lambden

Since the mid-2000s, the driving trend behind web design has been minimalism. Minimalist web design is based on the idea that less is more when it comes to creating an attractive, easy to navigate website.

However, thanks to new advances in software and code creation, a new movement towards maximalism is starting to take hold. So what is Maximalist Web Design?

If minimalism is basic shapes, a monochrome palette, and using only what is necessary, maximalism is the opposite. A grander, more involved approach that is associated with excess, extravagance, and a diversity of aesthetics that is aimed towards breaking the rules and creating a more vibrant result. In terms of web design, this means taking full advantage of the new software and codes that are available to designers, so they can break the mould of the current minimalist effort.

Incorporating maximalist principles when designing a logo or a website can help your brand stand out from the crowd due to the bolder nature of the colour choices and layouts. Facebook or Instagram are good examples of how your brand can stand out, as while scrolling down their news feed your logo and design styles are likely going to jump off the page in comparison with the light or pastel colour choices that have been made by other companies in the last few years.

Of course, maximalism runs the danger of being too colourful, too garish, and too over-the-top. Unlike its minimalist counterpart which is always a safe choice, it's possible to go too far and create a backlash that did not need to occur. This is why the movement away from minimalist web design is not a fast one, at least not yet, because of the potential of turning off visitors.

Attributes of maximalism

There are certain attributes that makes maximalist web design separate from the current trend of minimalism. One attribute is that the world beyond web design, including fashion, is embracing this new trend which means that web designers are in-step with current events that makes their creations even more profound.

Big Colours: Perhaps the most recognisable attribute of this new trends is the use of big, bold colour schemes. The more, the merrier it seems in terms of how colours can be combined to make new, exciting compositions. For web designers, this new, bold use of colours has opened a new world of possibilities.

Bold Textures: By mixing colour with layers of palette, it creates a more vibrant presentation that makes for an eye-catching design. The textures which are now seen in backgrounds and in sections of pages provides designers with a way of drawing attention to certain areas in a direct manner.

Brave Combinations: This new approach is not only enhancing colours and textures, but also creating new combinations of images, graphics, and technology that catches the eye and creates a new, over-the-top look.

Another attribute is that going all-out means a greater variety of choices. Because of the new software programs, you can choose to make each website distinct, attractive, as eye-catching as possible. Considering that change always creates positive waves, the timing of this new movement could not be better.

It should be noted that minimalism and maximalism often switch places every ten to fifteen years which can be seen in fashion trends from different decades. After all, the 1980s was a bold change from the 1970s in terms of colour, texture, and overall appearance. The same can be said for maximalist web design which is now taking the place of minimalist web design which has dominated since the mid-2000s.