Web Brutalism

The anti-design that fascinates

Brutalism’ is an architectural movement that emerged in the 1950s, characterised by its raw, minimalist appearance. In recent years, this concept has found a new echo in the world of web design. Unlike the polished, ultra-optimised interfaces we are familiar with, web brutalism adopts a deliberately ‘raw’ approach, emphasising simplicity, austerity and sometimes even apparent inefficiency.

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What is

Web Brutalism?

Web Brutalism is a response to ultra-standard, conversion-optimised designs. It is distinguished by :

  • Massive, unconventional typography
  • An asymmetrical, often chaotic layout
  • Minimal (if any) use of images and animations
  • Bright colours or monochrome palettes
  • An interface that sometimes feels unfinished or clumsy

This style is reminiscent of the early days of the web, when priority was given to content rather than aesthetics.

It also questions the need for hyper-polishing in modern design, offering a radical alternative.
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Why does this style

appeal so much?

Web brutalism is intriguing because it goes against the conventions of current web design. In particular, it attracts :

  • Experimental artists and designers who see it as a place for free expression.
  • Brands that want to stand out with a unique and distinctive identity.
  • Those nostalgic for the web of the 90s who appreciate its ‘raw’, non-standardised feel.
  • Fans of unsettling user experiences, who seek to provoke unexpected emotions in visitors
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An ephemeral style or

a real movement?

Web brutalism may seem like a passing trend, but it nevertheless raises some interesting questions about the standardisation of the web and the need for innovation. In a world where most sites follow similar structures and designs to maximise usability, brutalism proposes a bold break, where the user experience is no longer dictated by strict rules but by artistic intent.

This style may not suit every project, but it proves that an ‘imperfect’ design can be just as impactful as an ultra-worked-out one. One thing’s for sure: it continues to fascinate and shake up the codes of the modern web.

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