HeadLess

BRUTALism
Brutalist Web Design: Because Rules Are for Suckers

Are you ready to dive into the world of brutalist web design? Don't worry, I won't be using any big words or fancy jargon - we'll keep it chill and casual, just like a brutalist building!

Let's start with the basics. You know how when you see a brutalist building, it's like, "whoa, what the heck is that?" That's because it's made of raw, unfinished concrete, which basically means it looks like a giant gray blob. But hey, that blob is making a statement, and that's what counts.

Now, let's apply that to web design. You've probably noticed that most websites these days all look the same. They're all following the same trends and copying each other, which is totally boring. But that's where brutalist web design comes in - it's like the punk rock of web design. It's all about breaking the rules and standing out from the crowd.

So, how do you spot a brutalist website? Well, it's all about the features. Think black or white backgrounds, no gradients or shadows, overlapping elements, lack of symmetry, crowded design, monospaced typography, one font used throughout, contrasting color palette, lack of animation, sparse imagery, simple or non-existent navigation, and single-page website design. Phew, that was a mouthful! But hey, these are just guidelines - there's no need to follow them all if you don't want to. Just do your own thing, man.

According to Pascal Deville, the godfather of brutalist web design, there are three micro-styles: purists, UX minimalists, and artists. Purists are all about staying true to the architectural characteristics of Web Brutalism, while UX minimalists believe that efficiency and performance should be the main driver. And then there are the artists, who see web design as a form of art and don't give a darn about the status quo. You go, artists!

Now, I could give you examples of each style, but let's be real - you're just gonna Google it anyway. So instead, I'll leave you with this: don't be afraid to break the rules and do your own thing. If you want to make a website that looks like it's made of giant gray blobs, go for it! Who knows, maybe it'll be the next big thing. After all, that's what brutalism is all about - making a statement and shaking things up.

By Graeme P
2023-04-22