Minimalism vs. Maximalism: Finding Your Brand’s Visual Voice
Both minimalism and maximalism are considered two different trends, but they can complement each other. Yet, before we delve into how they can do that, let’s define each. At their heart, so many things can fall into the category of being minimalist. For example, a home’s interior might be considered minimalist if it doesn’t include anything hung on its plain white walls.
A dress can be considered minimalist if it doesn’t include expensive and elaborate sequins, materials, etc. Maximalism, on the other hand, involves going all out with the latest trends and the most ostentatious look. As a designer, you don’t necessarily need to stick to one or the other; you can find the right balance for your brand.
The Appeal of Minimalist and Maximalist Design
Every design choice you make for your brand, whether for your packaging, website, or app, shapes how your brand will be conceived in your customers’ eyes. That’s why some brands instantaneously pop out in people’s minds, while others are easily forgotten. Whether you are an entrepreneur or a designer seeking inspiration for your brand, here are a few suggestions to help you make the right choice.
Minimalism gained root as an aesthetic in the 1960s. It stood out with a design concept that conveyed a clear characteristic of neutral colours, clean lines, and a focus on functionality. Neutral colours like white, for example, often stand out when thinking of minimalism. The focus is often placed on the functionality rather than the design itself.
Apple is an ideal example of minimalistic design. Just a quick peek at its packaging will immediately let you know that its design concept is minimalistic. You can see that in the packaging of its iPhones, MacBooks, and other gadgets. Most of its packaging exudes a sense of luxury, yet it is still minimalistic in design. In essence, the focus is on what truly matters, which is the product itself.
Maximalism, on the other hand, focuses on aesthetics that include bold colours, complex patterns, and a sense of abundance. Several luxury brands include maximalism trends in their design and packaging. Take for example, Gucci; their logo is paired with bold, intricate design patterns and includes vivid colours in most of their packaging, reflecting the brand’s sophistication.
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How to Choose One or the Other
As a designer, you will need to carefully consider which design option resonates better with your audience. That’s why it is imperative to study your audience first. As a start, ask yourself; Does my audience like simplicity and efficiency? Then minimalism will be a better option. If your audience is more unique and values sophistication, then maximalism is your choice.
It is also important to consider what emotions you want to convey. For exclusivity, minimalism is the best option, as it emphasizes the product. To evoke creativity, a bold, maximalist design is the right choice.
If you are a smartwatch brand, designing your package with minimalism is a wise move. In doing so, you will highlight your product; in this instance, users want clarity without distraction. They are interested in accessing the product and knowing how it works. Putting too much emphasis on the packaging will distract them, to say the least.
When promoting e-commerce products, remember that you can focus on the product by including a minimalist design. This will ensure your product takes centre stage. In your promotional campaigns, you can include a maximalist design to draw more attention.
If your brand sells video games, for example, you can choose to be more creative. You can include elements of maximalist design to attract attention with rich graphics and vibrant visual details to entice your audience to play the game and remember it. If your brand is promoting strategy games like puzzles, for example, a minimalist approach is better. It allows players to focus on assembling the puzzle with less distraction.
The same applies to website landing pages. A minimalist design works best. The more clutter on the page, the larger the distraction. Remember, you want your message to stand out, along with your online portfolio. Vibrant colours and several pictures and fonts can be more of a distraction than an enticement.
So, there you have it. Whether you choose minimalism or maximalism, make sure that every design choice you make aligns with your audience’s needs. In doing so, you create appealing, attractive, and unique designs!
Ready to refine your brand’s visual identity?
At 11th Floor Design, we help brands strike the perfect balance between minimalism and maximalism. Whether you’re building from the ground up or refreshing your look, let’s design something that speaks to your audience.
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