Marketing design
10
min read
Brutalist web design breaks the rules with its raw, stripped-down style, prioritizing clarity, authenticity, and bold expression. This guide explores where Brutalism shines, where it doesn’t, backed by real examples and practical takeaways. If you’re tired of cookie-cutter interfaces and want your site to actually stand out, this is your starting point.
In a world dominated by polished and user-friendly interfaces, Brutalist web design emerges as a bold counterpoint. Inspired by the architectural Brutalism movement of the mid-20th century, this design style strips away unnecessary ornamentation, exposing the raw, functional core of a website.
For audiences tired of homogeneity in today's web design, Brutalism offers a refreshing, rebellious aesthetic that refuses to conform.
But what exactly makes Brutalist web design so intriguing? Is it the raw simplicity, the unapologetically stark layouts, or the audacity to challenge conventional design norms? In this guide, we'll explore the principles of Brutalism, its advantages and drawbacks, and showcase examples that redefine creativity in digital spaces. So, let’s break it all down.
Brutalism in web design is a digital translation of the architectural movement that gave rise to brutalist buildings and originated in the 1950s. Just as Brutalist architecture values raw concrete, exposed structures, and unembellished functionality, Brutalist web design champions simplicity, clarity, and a no-frills aesthetic.
This design style rejects ornamentation in favor of bold, stark visuals that prioritize purpose over prettiness. Pages often feature monochrome color schemes, solid color backgrounds minimalistic typography, and deliberate asymmetry, giving users an interface that feels unpolished and highly intentional.
At its core, Brutalism challenges the norms of modern web design. Instead of striving for smooth animations, many brutalist websites embrace imperfections and focus on delivering a message or functionality in the clearest way possible.
Brutalism was born as a rebellion against the decorative excesses of preceding design styles, and its web design counterpart follows suit. By discarding glossy visuals and over-designed interfaces, Brutalism appeals to brands and creators who value authenticity and uniqueness.
Despite its raw and rugged appearance, Brutalist web design isn't just about making things look edgy – it's about creating a memorable user experience.
By stripping away distractions, Brutalist websites often guide users directly to the content or functionality they need. However, this bare-bones approach can sometimes come at the cost of accessibility and mainstream appeal, making it best suited for niche audiences.
Brutalist web design stands out for its stark, unapologetically raw aesthetic and functionality-first approach. Here are the defining characteristics that make it unique in relation to current design trends.
Typography takes center stage in Brutalist web design. Bold, oversized fonts with geometric components, often using sans-serif typefaces, are used to create immediate visual impact. These design choices emphasize clarity and readability, sometimes at the expense of traditional elegance.
Brutalist websites often feature monochromatic or highly limited color schemes. By reducing visual noise, these palettes direct attention to content and core functionality. The deliberate absence of vibrant or gradient-filled designs gives the site an extremely simplistic, stripped-down, utilitarian feel.
The "unfinished" look is a hallmark of Brutalism. From asymmetrical layouts to visible gridlines, these imperfections feel intentional, lending an authentic, experimental vibe. Unlike most modern websites, Brutalist sites don't strive for flawless polish; instead, they embrace an unrefined appearance that rejects conventional decoration.
Brutalist web design tends to limit animations, transitions, and hover effects. Interactivity, when present, is straightforward and serves only practical purposes. This restraint keeps the user experience simple and focused.
At its heart, Brutalist web design prioritizes delivering content and functionality above all else. It's about getting the job done efficiently, often at the expense of visual flair. Navigation is typically straightforward, with no attempt to impress through excessive embellishment.
While minimalism is a key principle, Brutalist layouts are often unconventional and experimental. Designers might use asymmetry or freeform positioning of elements to create a raw yet striking user experience, contrasting with most websites' structured layouts .
Many Brutalist designs harken back to the early days of the internet, with basic HTML-style pages, low-resolution graphics, or retro fonts. This nostalgia adds a layer of charm for web designers and audiences seeking something unconventional and familiar.
Brutalist web design is as polarizing as it is distinctive. Its strengths lie in its raw aesthetic and clear purpose, while its drawbacks stem from its niche appeal and resistance to mainstream expectations. Below, we explore its advantages and disadvantages to understand where it shines and where it falters.
1. Memorable and distinctive aesthetics
Brutalist websites stand out in a sea of homogenous, overly polished designs. Their raw, unconventional visuals make a lasting impression on visitors, which is a significant advantage for creative portfolios and bold brands.
2. Faster loading times
The minimalist approach often reduces reliance on heavy assets like high-resolution images, complex animations, or excessive JavaScript. This simplicity leads to improved performance and faster loading speeds.
3. Appeals to niche audiences
For audiences that value authenticity and creative expression, Brutalist designs resonate strongly. They convey a sense of rebellion and individuality that appeals to independent artists, experimental brands, and non-conformist projects.
4. Easy implementation
Without the need for extensive styling or complex design elements, Brutalist websites are often quicker and less costly to develop. This efficiency can be an advantage for small teams or budget-conscious projects.
If you need a breakdown of the usual costs associated with web design, check out our article.
1. Limited mainstream appeal
Brutalism's unconventional look can alienate users accustomed to sleek, intuitive, and modern web experiences. This makes it unsuitable for mainstream businesses or audiences expecting traditional usability.
2. Can compromise usability
While Brutalism values functionality, some design choices—such as unconventional layouts or minimal interactivity—can confuse users. This may lead to frustration and decreased engagement.
3. Risk of appearing “unfinished” or “unprofessional”
To some, the raw, unpolished aesthetic of Brutalist design might appear careless or low-effort. This perception can hurt a brand's credibility in industries where professionalism is paramount.
4. Accessibility challenges
The stark visual style, use of bold typography, and lack of visual hierarchy can sometimes pose challenges for users with disabilities, particularly those relying on assistive technologies.
Brutalist design is a statement. While it may not suit every brand, there are specific use cases where its raw, unconventional nature becomes a strength rather than a drawback. Here are the contexts where Brutalism truly shines.
Despite its creative appeal, Brutalism isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. In certain industries and website types, its harsh aesthetic and usability trade-offs can work against core business goals. Here’s where you might want to steer clear.
With its pros and cons laid bare, Brutalist web design proves to be a powerful tool when applied thoughtfully. However, like any design style, it requires careful consideration of the audience, goals, and context to create a unique experience .
Brutalist web design takes many forms, reflecting the individuality and creativity of its creators. Below, we showcase a curated list of 14 examples that demonstrate how this raw and functional aesthetic can be applied effectively across various contexts.
These examples collectively showcase the versatility of Brutalist web design, providing inspiration for designers seeking to push boundaries while maintaining focus on functionality, clarity, and unique shapes. Let me know if you need any adjustments or additions!
Brutalist web design is a bold and unconventional approach that challenges the norms of modern web aesthetics. By stripping away excessive polish and embracing raw, functional elements, it creates experiences that are not only memorable but also deeply authentic. For brands and creators looking to stand out, Brutalism offers a unique visual language that conveys individuality, creativity, and rebellion against the status quo.
That said, Brutalism is not for everyone or every context. Its unapologetic aesthetic can alienate mainstream users or fail to meet the needs of accessibility-conscious platforms. However, when used thoughtfully—especially in creative industries, indie projects, and experimental campaigns—it can be a powerful design choice that leaves a lasting impression.
For designers, the challenge is finding the balance between Brutalism's raw edge and the practical needs of usability and accessibility. Incorporating select elements of Brutalism—such as bold typography or minimalistic layouts—can strike this balance, offering both intrigue and function.
At TodayMade, we specialize in crafting distinctive designs tailored to your brand's unique identity. Whether you're considering Brutalism or other design approaches, our expertise ensures that your vision is brought to life in a way that resonates with your audience. Ready to create something bold and impactful? Let's get started.
Brutalist web design is a raw, minimalist design approach that rejects traditional polish in favor of function-first layouts, bold typography, and a stripped-down aesthetic. It’s inspired by mid-20th-century Brutalist architecture.
Brutalism originated as an architectural movement in the mid-20th century, characterized by raw concrete, exposed structures, and functional design. The term comes from the French béton brut, meaning “raw concrete.” In web design, Brutalism borrows this philosophy, stripping away decoration to focus on structure, clarity, and purpose.
E-commerce sites, corporate platforms, and broad-audience services (like government or educational sites) typically benefit from more traditional, accessible designs. Brutalism may alienate users in those contexts, as its unrefined style can be seen as something competitors might easily steal .
Not directly. In fact, the minimalist, low-asset nature of Brutalist sites often leads to faster load times, which is great for performance. But if usability suffers, it can negatively impact engagement metrics like bounce rate.
Swiss design, also known as the International Typographic Style, emphasizes precision, grid-based layouts, and visual harmony. Brutalism, in contrast, breaks the rules, presenting challenges for designers using asymmetry, bold typography, and an intentionally unpolished aesthetic. While Swiss design aims for order and clarity, Brutalism embraces rawness and experimentation.
