Minimalism

[Cetanu]

*Not sure if this is the correct board, if not could someone please move it? *

 

I am going to be [maybe] making a site extension for my local library, and I really want to use minimalism because it is unique, very popular, and a challenge.

 

My question is: what are the fundamentals of making a minimalistic design? I know: a) few widgets, videos, graphics b) focus on content c) extensive and avant-garde use of fonts

 

But, it seems so difficult!!  I mean, how do you draw the attention to the content and make it trendy with almost nothing? Nice, flush margins? Contrasting colors? Simple black and white?

 

This doesn't need to be a thread to discuss my question (only), maybe it can be a discussion thread for minimalism.

 

THANKS!

[Maq]

This is a very broad concept/design, that's why it would be hard to give advice.  Minimalism is exactly how it sounds, keep everything as simple as possible and minimize confusion for the user.

 

But, it seems so difficult!!  I mean, how do you draw the attention to the content and make it trendy with almost nothing? Nice, flush margins? Contrasting colors? Simple black and white?

 

I understand your concern, but I think the best way to go about this would be to locate some web apps that you find easy to use and gather ideas and techniques that illustrate how to go about designing your user interface.  Again, it's hard to help without knowing what you're designing for.

 

Maybe someone else can provide more precise advice but for now I'll move this into the "Application Design" section.

[Philip]

As Maq said, this is a pretty difficult question. When using a minimalistic approach, your choices in images & typography play a much much much bigger role.

 

Here are 2 articles on it:

http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/design/how-to-make-minimalistic-design/

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/11/17/showcase-of-minimalist-and-clean-designs/

[Highlander]

One site that I find minimalistic but with much information, is http://zenhabits.net. Maybe get some ideas from there

[Cetanu]

 

Here are 2 articles on it:

http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/design/how-to-make-minimalistic-design/

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/11/17/showcase-of-minimalist-and-clean-designs/

 

Thanks, I liked those articles and will definitely bookmark them for future use. I have found other articles to use in conjunction, and sites with examples of minimalistic design.

 

One site that I find minimalistic but with much information, is http://zenhabits.net. Maybe get some ideas from there

 

Thanks.

 

Here are other articles with examples:

http://vandelaydesign.com/blog/design/minimalistic-web-design/

http://rootapex.com/design/40-minimalist-web-designs

http://www.skelliewag.org/a-guide-to-creating-a-minimalist-website-63.htm

 

Thanks, guys.