What Is Brutalist Web Design?

Brutalism in web design borrows its name from the mid-20th-century architectural movement, where raw concrete, exposed structures, and utilitarian forms reigned supreme. In the digital realm, it’s a rejection of the clean, user-friendly interfaces championed by minimalism and flat design. Think jagged edges, clashing colors, and layouts that feel like they were coded in a hurry on a 90s PC.

Key features include:

• Raw Layouts: Unorthodox grids, overlapping elements, and asymmetry that defy conventional design rules.

• Harsh Typography: Oversized, clunky fonts or pixelated typefaces that scream for attention.

• Minimal Polish: No gradients, no soft shadows—just stark, unrefined visuals.

• Intentional Anti-Design: A deliberate middle ground between chaotic and functional, often mimicking early internet aesthetics.

Brutalism emerged in the early 2010s as designers sought to break free from the homogenized, corporate web. Inspired by the rawness of early internet sites and the DIY ethos of underground zines, it’s a love letter to imperfection. As designer David Carson once said, “Good design is about making something memorable, not necessarily pretty.”

The History of Digital Brutalism

Brutalism’s roots trace back to the architectural movement of the 1950s, where buildings like Le Corbusier’s Unité d’Habitation embraced raw functionality over ornamentation. In web design, its rise coincided with the oversaturation of cookie-cutter templates from platforms like WordPress and Squarespace. By 2014, sites like The Outline and Pasquale D’Silva’s portfolio began experimenting with jarring layouts and retro aesthetics, signaling a rebellion against the “sameness” of modern design.

The movement gained traction through platforms like Brutalist Websites, a directory showcasing raw, unconventional sites. It resonated with designers who saw the polished web as soulless, drawing parallels to the gritty authenticity of punk or street art. Today, brutalism thrives in niche corners—think artist portfolios, experimental agencies, or indie brands looking to shock and awe.

Why Designers Embrace Brutalism

Brutalism is a statement. It’s the design equivalent of a graffiti-covered wall in a world of glass skyscrapers. Here’s why designers are drawn to it:

• Standing Out: In a sea of minimalist templates, brutalism grabs attention. Sites like Craigslist—often cited as an accidental brutalist icon—prove that raw functionality can still draw millions.

• Rebelling Against Conformity: Sleek designs often prioritize brand safety over personality. Brutalism lets designers flex their creative muscles, embracing chaos over convention.

• Evoking Retro/Underground Vibes: The aesthetic taps into nostalgia for the early internet, evoking GeoCities or MySpace, while also channeling the raw energy of zine culture or rave flyers.

As designer Paula Scher puts it, “Rules are good to break. They force you to rethink what’s possible.” Brutalism is that rule-breaking spirit codified into pixels.

The Case for Brutalism

Brutalism’s defenders argue it’s more than just shock value—it’s a philosophy. For one, it prioritizes authenticity over pretense. In an era where brands obsess over “relatability,” brutalism’s rawness feels human, imperfect, and honest. Sites like the Yale School of Art use brutalism to signal creativity and intellectual daring, aligning perfectly with their avant-garde ethos.

It’s also a playground for experimentation. Designers can push boundaries with unconventional navigation or bold color palettes, creating experiences that linger in users’ minds. For niche audiences—like digital artists or underground brands—brutalism’s edgy vibe is a feature, not a bug. It’s a way to say, “We’re not for everyone, and that’s the point.”

Finally, brutalism can be surprisingly functional. Its stripped-down approach often leads to lightweight sites that load quickly, a boon for performance in an age of bloated frameworks. Craigslist, for example, may look like a time capsule, but its simplicity ensures it works on any device, anywhere.

The Case Against Brutalism

But brutalism isn’t without its critics. From a UX perspective, it can be a nightmare. Unintuitive navigation, jarring visuals, and illegible typography often alienate users accustomed to seamless experiences. Accessibility is a major concern—harsh color contrasts or oversized fonts can make sites unusable for visually impaired users or those with cognitive disabilities. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) emphasize clarity and ease of use, two things brutalism often sacrifices for style.

Brand perception is another hurdle. While brutalism works for edgy portfolios or niche brands, it’s a hard sell for mainstream companies. A bank or e-commerce site using brutalist design risks looking untrustworthy or amateurish. As UX expert Don Norman warns, “Design that ignores the user is design that fails.” Brutalism’s anti-design ethos can feel like a deliberate snub to user needs.

Then there’s the risk of gimmickry. What starts as a bold statement can quickly become cliché if every designer jumps on the brutalist bandwagon. The line between “raw” and “sloppy” is thin, and poorly executed brutalism can feel like a lack of effort rather than a deliberate choice.

Modern Examples of Brutalist Websites

Despite its challenges, brutalism continues to inspire. The Yale School of Art website remains a poster child, with its chaotic mix of fonts, colors, and overlapping images screaming creative rebellion. Balenciaga’s 2017 campaign site leaned into brutalism with stark black-and-white layouts and glitchy animations, perfectly matching its high-fashion audacity. Even Craigslist, though not intentionally brutalist, embodies the aesthetic with its no-frills, text-heavy design.

Smaller studios like Lingua Planta and Figma’s community pages have also embraced brutalism, using raw layouts and retro typefaces to stand out. These sites prove that when done thoughtfully, brutalism can be both striking and functional—but it’s not for the faint of heart.

Finding the Balance: Boldness Meets Usability

Brutalism’s allure lies in its audacity, but its pitfalls demand caution. Designers tempted to go brutalist should ask: Who’s the audience? Does the aesthetic align with the brand? Can it be bold without sacrificing accessibility? A site that looks rebellious but leaves users confused or frustrated is a failure, no matter how “cool” it feels.

The key is balance. Use brutalism’s raw energy to make a statement, but temper it with usability principles. Ensure typography is legible, navigation is intuitive, and accessibility standards are met. Test rigorously—real users don’t care about your artistic vision if they can’t find the “Buy Now” button.

Call to Action: Dare to Experiment

Brutalism isn’t for every project, but it’s a powerful tool in a designer’s arsenal. It challenges us to rethink what a website can be, to prioritize personality over perfection. So, fire up your code editor, play with clunky fonts, and mess with chaotic layouts. Experiment, but don’t lose sight of the user. In a world of polished sameness, a little grit can go a long way—just make sure it doesn’t leave your audience in the dust.

What’s your take? Ready to embrace the brutal, or is usability king? Dive in, design something bold, and let the conversation begin.