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Over the past 10 years, minimalism has been a big player in design, from interior design to brand design and even social media. On social media such as TikTok and Instagram, the phenomenon of “Millennial Grey” has exploded a palette of grays and neutral colors that characterize many companies’ homes, logos and products, conveying a sense of modernity, order and cleanliness. However, in recent years, there has been talk of a possible return of maximalism, with brighter colors and very eye-catching designs. But is this really the case? Or is it just an illusion created by social media? 

To answer this question, let us start by analyzing the difference between minimalism and maximalism in design. Minimalism is characterized by simplicity, monochromatic palettes, clean lines and shapes and textures formed only by essential elements. Maximalism is just the opposite using colors, patterns and shapes to emphasize the excess. 

Some social media influencers wear glitzy, colorful outfits with distinctive textures that point towards at maximalism.  

Hyena Nam, a professor of Graphic Design at Grand View University, comments that in her opinion, minimalism is still the trend of the moment.  

“In graphic design, minimalism has been a big trend, and I think it still continues,” Nam said. “In general, in design trends and graphic design, we try to make more minimalistic designs for print and digital. There is a lot of emphasis on negative space, to make more simplistic designs, minimalistic design, a focus on functionality over aesthetic.”

Minimalism is still a dominant choice in design and is not just a matter of aesthetics but also of functionality.  

Heather Smith is a graphic design student at GVU, who instead sees a shift toward maximalism. 

“It’s kind of a mix among my peers. A lot of us are maximalist, those that have been creating stuff for a while, but the newer people do a lot of minimalistic designs. But I’m starting to see a shift towards maximalism,” Smith said.  

In the field of graphic design, empty spaces are as important, if not more so, than spaces used for graphics or words. The use of negative space makes it possible to create designs that are clear for everyone and easily adaptable to both digital and possible print use. Accessibility and user experience are important concepts when it comes to design. As far as graphic design is concerned, reducing visual overload is crucial to allow people to focus on the content that is most important, not to mention people with learning disabilities. They may find maximalism makes written words and the information that is meant to be shared difficult to decipher. Clarity and functionality are the main points that allow minimalism to still dominate the market in so many aspects. In fact, Smith said how although she defines her style as maximalist, she finds herself forced at times to create minimalist designs for functional purposes.   

“Typically [professors] leave it for open interpretation but sometimes, like if you are designing a logo, or a billboard, they are going to ask for a minimalistic design, because you are only seeing them for a short period of time and it has a certain purpose. Otherwise, if it is too maximalist it would not do its job,” Smith said. 

So, is a shift to maximalism completely out of the question? No.   As Nam explained, trends change, and it is difficult to give them an expiration date. 

“It keeps changing, there’s no such a thing that is lasting forever, because design it’s always changing. It’s not a traditional art; it’s always evolving and changing with the cultural changes,” Nam said.  

The ongoing debate between minimalism and maximalism in design reflects a broader phenomenon; we perceive aesthetic performance with altering technology and culture. Minimalism has reigned supreme for many years for being simple and straightforward, but the new generation may want more expressive, playful and complex designs. 

The question is not really about whether either minimalism or maximalism will prevail, but rather how these two divergent approaches coexist and influence each other. 

Aesthetic trends are cyclical. Today, minimalism still reigns supreme in the design world, but the desire for originality and customization may in the future attract people more and more, leading them to mix the two styles. The future may see a mingling of strict minimalism with touches of eccentricity and richer details and an aesthetic that blends order with unworldly creativity.