Minimalist website design: 12 striking examples

Minimalist website design is an under-appreciated art. We’ve all heard the saying ‘Less is more’, but it’s a principle that’s often easier said than done. As progressions in technology open up new possibilities in site design, it becomes more and more difficult to resist adding some fancy flourishes.

Minimalist website design benefits users in the shape of faster loading times and better compatibility between screen sizes. What’s more, a simple UI design is attuned to mobile browsing, without harming the desktop or user experience. Below, we’ve collected our favourite minimalist site designs to inspire you to do more by doing less.

The site makes a bold statement with just a few elements, thanks to its oversized aesthetic – which has the added bonus of aiding accessibility. In fact you might be forgiven for thinking the zoom feature of your chosen browser is maxed out, such is the 17.5vw font sizing for 770px min-width headlines. So typographically, it’s big, with the Messina Sans font suiting that chunkiness and ensuring readability. What’s really refreshing is that this applies to both navigational links and the custom GDPR prompts for accepting cookies. It’s also a cinch to toggle between German and English translations using the buttons on the main screen.

In line with its ethos of accessibility, Uber has created a website dedicated to teaching its customers basic sign language, so they can interact with hearing impaired drivers. Uber Sign Language is a masterclass in design with restraint. It shows users how to sign simple common phrases (yes, no, turn left and so on), or even their name, through simple, shortform videos. There is very little copy, or explanation; the content speaks for itself, proving you don’t need clever words to capture an important brand message.

Evoulve is a company dedicated to turning emerging technologies into viable products. The site design – the work of design agency Fleava – has a mesmerising, futuristic feel. There are very few elements on screen: simple text annotations and very minimal navigation options, set against the backdrop of a slowly rotating globe and starry sky. However, each one has been crafted perfectly, with subtle CSS animations amping up the sense of magic and creating a mood of discovery.