What is the difference between Brutalism and Neubrutalism in UI Design?

Last Updated:

March 21, 2024

Written by Carla Capriles & Juan Carlos Munoz

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What is the difference between Brutalism and Neubrutalism in UI Design? Uncover the nuanced differences between two distinct forms of UI design: Brutalism and Neubrutalism. From origins to use cases, explore this post's breakdown of critical elements such as style, strengths, and weaknesses that make each approach unique!

In recent years, two distinct yet intertwined design approaches have gained significant traction in the UI world - Brutalism and Neubrutalism. The former is a no-frills approach that uses raw, unpolished elements to create an authentic user experience; whereas its spinoff combines those same principles with refined touches for added sophistication. Both styles uphold simplicity, honesty, and realness in design at their core, making them alluring to users.

In the following sections, we'll explore significant distinctions between Brutalism and Neubrutalism in UI Design. Discover how these two trends diverge from aesthetic elements to user-experience considerations despite their shared root!

Origins

Brutalism originated in the mid-20th century as an architectural movement that rejected the ornamentation and embellishments of modernist architecture. It was characterized by exposed concrete, raw materials, and a utilitarian aesthetic. Web design adopted Brutalism in an attempt to break the standards of web design around 2015. Fast forward to 2020, Neubrutalism emerged in response to Brutalism in web design. It retained the rawness and simplicity of Brutalism but added a touch of refinement and sophistication.

Styles

Brutalism brings a no-nonsense style to design, known for its rough, raw, and functional design elements. It often features a monochromatic color palette, bold typography, and an emphasis on functionality over aesthetics. While taking inspiration from architecture's version of Brutalism, it also takes inspiration from early web design in the 1990s, when the internet was just starting.

Neubrutalism, on the other hand, combines the rawness of Brutalism with a more refined and sophisticated aesthetic. It often features more fine typography, a broader color palette, an emphasis on pastel colors that contrast with blacks and whites, and a greater emphasis on balance and proportion.

Strengths

Brutalism's strength lies in its surefire ability to grab attention and make a statement. It is effective for websites that want to stand out and convey a sense of authenticity and rawness. Neubrutalism, on the other hand, is more refined and sophisticated, making it suitable for a broader range of applications.

Weaknesses

Brutalism's rawness and utilitarian aesthetic and lack of refinement can be off-putting to some users, particularly those accustomed to more polished and refined designs. Neubrutalism, on the other hand, can be perceived as overly safe and soft when compared to Brutalism.

Key Differences

Aside from the differences indicated in the previous sections, typography is also an area where these two design approaches differ. Brutalism often uses bold, sans-serif typography that conveys a sense of strength and utility. In contrast, Neubrutalism tends to use more sophisticated typography that can be both functional and aesthetic.

Whitespace is another key difference between these two design approaches. Brutalism often uses negative space to create a sense of rawness and minimalism, while Neubrutalism uses whitespace to create balance and proportion in its designs.

Brutalism and Neubrutalism in the Wild

A perfect example of Brutalism in web design is Whitney Museum's website. It is rough and direct, with no frills added. This website puts emphasis on the content.
A perfect example of Neubrutalism (aside from the website you are on, which takes some elements from Neubrutalism) is Gumroad. The Brutalist roots are evident on this one with the oversized heading up top. Still, its added detail, colors, and typography turn it into a Neubrutalist design.

Use Cases

Brutalism is particularly effective for content-heavy websites, such as news websites, as it allows the content to take center stage. Neubrutalism, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in various applications, including e-commerce, branding, and editorial design.

Tips for Making Informed Design Decisions

When trying to choose between Brutalism and Neubrutalism, there are several factors to consider. One important consideration is your target audience. Suppose your audience is primarily young and tech-savvy. In that case, they may be more receptive to the rawness and authenticity of Brutalism. If your audience is more mainstream or sophisticated, they may respond better to the refined and sophisticated look of Neubrutalism.

Another factor to consider is your content. If your website is content-heavy, with lots of text and images, Brutalism may be a better choice as it allows the content to take center stage. If your website is more visual and design-focused, Neubrutalism may be a better fit as it offers a more balanced and sophisticated look.

It's also important to consider the tone and message you want to convey. If you want your website to make a bold statement and bring a sense of authenticity and rawness, Brutalism is the way to go. Otherwise, if your brand conveys a sense of refinement and sophistication, Neubrutalism is a better fit.

Final Thoughts

Brutalism and Neubrutalism are two design approaches that have gained popularity in recent years. While Brutalism emphasizes rawness and utilitarianism, Neubrutalism adds a touch of refinement and elegance to its designs. Both directions have both strengths and weaknesses; the choice between them will depend on the specific use case and target audience. By understanding the distinctions between these two design approaches, designers and tech entrepreneurs can make informed decisions and create designs that effectively communicate their intended message.