Minimalist design is an increasing trend these days, and we’re not just talking about architecture, furniture and objects. The concept of minimalist web design may sound boring to some, but it can actually be quite useful for improving the user experience on your website.
And, just because it’s simpler, that doesn’t mean that minimalist web design is a look that’s easy to recreate. Even though there are fewer elements on the page, you still need to achieve the same level of usability.
To get a pleasing balance of beauty and functionality, a combination of white space, stunning typography, gorgeous media, and of course useful, engaging content must be incorporated into the page. These are the critical elements of minimalist web design, and they’re incredibly important to providing the best user experience.
Minimalist web design has become incredibly popular for digital advertising and websites because the simplicity itself makes a massive statement to the user, and it is used by some of the best web design firms in the world.
How to use minimalist web design
Here’s how to incorporate minimalist web design principles into your digital advertising and website to reinvent the customer experience.
1. Using whitespace to improve user experience
Whitespace, sometimes called negative space, is often the first design element that people think of when considering minimalist web design. However, that doesn’t mean you should include lots of small details surrounded by vast amounts of empty space.
Instead, use large expanses of color for your background… it can be white, black, some other dark color, or even a bright color like aqua. Then, incorporate simple navigation and other minimalist elements we’ll explain later in this article to appeal to your user’s senses.
Whitespace can be used to direct the flow of the page, leading your user’s attention to your call to action or a particular product on the page. The more whitespace that surrounds one specific element, the more your user’s eye will be drawn to it. That makes whitespace a powerful tool in any minimalist design where only a few striking features are used.
Leaving plenty of whitespace in minimalist web design also makes your page look more organized, which prevents the user from becoming overwhelmed. This technique is advantageous on interior pages, landing pages, and product pages. Not only that, but white space also gives the feeling of luxury to the page.
Be sure to keep in mind that the ultimate goal of using white space is to draw your user’s eye to your content. The core of minimalist web design is content first- the elements that you use to achieve it are merely a means to an end.
Using negative space effectively takes some skill. Check out the website for Softway Advertising Solutions to see an excellent example of minimalist web design and using negative space to improve user experience. Notice how they leave plenty of empty space to draw attention to the most essential elements on the page.
2. Use large, impactful images to appeal to user’s emotions
Beautiful images have a significant impact on emotional connection, so if you’re afraid that minimalist web design will be too sterile or emotionally distant, think again. Large, impactful images can be added to the design for comfort and familiarity without dominating the page, as long as you leave sufficient white space.
Beautiful photographs that relate to your content allow you to create endless opportunities for emotional connections with your visitors and change the entire atmosphere of the page. Just remember to keep the photo minimal and simplistic as well, or you will lose the advantages of a minimalist design.
Go for high-definition photos that also incorporate negative space, such us blank walls or big empty skies. Steer clear of busy images that distract the user from your message. Visit the Makgoods website for examples of minimalist images with substantial emotional impact.
3. Incorporate dramatic, bold typography
When you’re keeping the other elements on the page to a minimum, content becomes the focus. Your typography will be a significant focal element, so choose types that are sharp, beautiful, and bring attention to your written words while adding a to the visual aesthetic of the page.
When choosing the fonts for your minimalist digital designs, go for bold, thick lines and interest shapes. Write your headlines in a dominant font for emphasis, with something more neutral for the paragraphs. Once again, the goal is to keep your focus on the content without distracting or overwhelming your user.
4. Stunning contrast is a trademark of minimalist web design
White and black backgrounds are a popular choice for minimalist web design because they’re ideal for creating a stunning contrast on a page. Get creative and incorporate beautiful contrast using scale, location, shape, size, and color.
Contrasting elements can improve the user experience by attracting the eye to specific details in the design, as well as creating a discernable hierarchy among elements, helping the user to understand your purpose better.
5. Use the simplest navigation possible
Simple navigation is another crucial element of minimalist design that improves the user experience by limiting the choices they have to make and directing them to essential elements. Just be careful not to remove links that are important to your customers.
6. Visual harmony is the backbone of minimalist web design
Minimalist designs must have visual harmony to be effective. Be sure your minimalist web design is balanced, has a precise grid, pay tedious attention to the alignment of your elements. The grid of your page is the foundation of organization, and it should be created through the smart use of white space. When we say alignment, that doesn’t mean the elements must be centered on the page. They can be aligned to the center, right, or left on the page.
Arko does a beautiful job of creating visual harmony and interest by mixing and matching alignment styles and including plenty of negative space.
Conclusion
Minimalist web design isn’t just about taking page elements away. It requires skill and practice to be effective, but the end result is worth it. Keep these six key points in mind when creating a minimalist web design that also enhances your customer’s experience.
