Minimalism in web design: Here is how it inspires many of us

Websites are parts of our digital environment, and the more good-looking they are, the better our digital world in terms of “online architecture”. Minimalism occupies a central space in this conversation because of its simplicity and potential to tell the users more, using less busy backgrounds and web pages.

There is also a term – functional minimalism, explaining the ways that type of design can boost the functionality of the website. So, it’s not all about the interface, but also and mostly the user experience. And this is what Forbes means when talking about minimalism as an influential design. Although not everyone likes simplicity, it remains super functional and informative if web designers show a smart and creative approach. The key is that for some platforms the busy page structure may look more intuitive, but for others, it’s the minimalistic design that brings the users back to the website for the ease of use and aesthetics.

Despite being a pleasant solution for our eyes, minimalism can also contribute to the user’s concentration, especially when they are completing a task or playing a strategic game. Let’s explain this more, firstly by talking about the gaming industry and how they use the minimalistic design for certain games and tournaments.

Don’t bother me, I am playing!

For sure, games are mostly for entertainment and leisure time, but let’s not forget that there are strategic games that players accept so seriously as if that’s their weekend mission, like chess or even poker. These games require a lot of attention and developers always show a delicate approach, making sure that players have nothing to worry about but their game.

If you go to an online poker site with gaming offers and compare it with other gaming platforms, you will see how intuitive it is in terms of user experience. Not only does the minimalistic design help not to get distracted, but it also ensures high functionality. How? Usually, games have rich graphics which makes the playing part heavy. In other words, if you are not at the right spot with a good Wi-Fi connection, consider that you are in trouble. 

Poker sites, on the contrary, are light, bringing accessibility to another level, and this is one of the examples when minimalism is super functional. Moreover, even in the background, these websites try not to play any music as in arcade or other competition games. Well, let’s call it minimalism in and out.

Clarity as a Kindness

You know those websites where you land and immediately feel overwhelmed? Too many flashing banners, pop-ups asking for your email, menus with a million options… It’s visually chaotic and mentally exhausting. Minimalist web design, on the other hand, is the digital equivalent of a calm, well-organized space. It provides a clean layout, a few carefully chosen colors, and just the essential information front and center. No more content overload! This isn’t just about looking pretty; it’s about respecting your cognitive load. 

A great example of this is the website of Muzli, a popular inspiration platform for creatives. Their homepage is a breath of fresh air – a single, high-quality image fills the background, with a clear and concise navigation bar at the top. There are no distractions, just a simple invitation to explore their curated collections of design resources. The user experience is just stunning – you instantly understand what the site is about and how to find what you’re looking for. This clarity is the principle of minimalist design, and it’s a major reason why Muzli has become such a popular destination for designers around the world.

Minimalism as a Productivity Hack

We all want to get things done online efficiently, whether it’s shopping, researching, or managing tasks. Minimalist design can be a surprising ally in this! A well-designed minimalist website strips away distractions, forcing you to focus on your main task. Let’s look at online forms as an example. Remember those endless forms you sometimes have to fill out? The ones stuffed with irrelevant questions, or confusing layouts that make you second-guess every box you click. 

A minimalist approach streamlines the process. Only the essential fields, clear instructions, and a simple visual flow – all add up to less wasted time and fewer headaches. This principle is especially valuable for those moments when you’re on a deadline or your attention span is already stretched thin. Minimalist design says, “We respect your time, so here’s a clear path to get what you need.”

Formstack, a popular online form builder, can become an interesting case study example of a platform being improved after its redesign. Their original website, while functional, was cluttered with navigation elements and promotional content. Filling out one of their online forms could feel like an obstacle course. In their redesign, Formstack embraced minimalist principles. They simplified the layout, using clear visuals and concise language to guide users through the form-building process.