In a sea of sleek, minimalist, and ultra-polished websites, there’s one design trend that continues to defy the rules: Brutalism.

Inspired by the raw, unapologetic architecture movement of the same name, brutalist web design is all about stripping away polish in favor of purpose. It’s chaotic, loud, experimental — and depending on who you ask, either a revolutionary form of digital expression or a UX nightmare.

So, is brutalism a bold design statement or just bad user experience in disguise?

Let’s unpack it.

1. What Is Brutalist Web Design?

Brutalism in web design is characterized by its raw, unrefined aesthetic — often featuring default HTML styles, harsh typography, clashing colors, grid-breaking layouts, and intentionally "ugly" design elements. It rejects the polished norms of modern UI in favor of something more authentic, even jarring.

Common traits:

• No-frills fonts (often monospace or system fonts)

• Cluttered or asymmetrical layouts

• Minimal or no styling of buttons/links

• Unconventional navigation

• Deliberately "unfinished" look

Think: web pages that look like they were coded in 1998… on purpose.

2. Why Some Designers Love It

Brutalism stands out precisely because it breaks the rules. In a world where every SaaS site starts to look the same, brutalist websites feel fresh, rebellious, and deeply personal.

For fans, brutalism means:

• Creative freedom — no templates, no trends

• Authenticity — raw, honest, and unfiltered design

• Memorability — users remember brutalist sites, even if they’re confused

It’s especially popular in creative portfolios, underground brands, and experimental art spaces that want to push boundaries and challenge digital norms.

3. But... What About User Experience?

Here’s where the controversy kicks in.

Brutalism often sacrifices usability for style. Non-standard layouts, unclear CTAs, hard-to-read text, or confusing navigation can frustrate users — especially those expecting intuitive interfaces.

Common UX challenges:

• Poor accessibility (low contrast, tiny text)

• Unclear user flow or purpose

• Clunky mobile performance

• Lack of hierarchy or structure

🎯 A site that looks “cool” but leaves users lost might win design awards — but lose conversions.

4. Can Brutalism and Good UX Coexist?

Yes — but it’s a balancing act.

There’s a growing trend called “Neo-Brutalism”, which merges the raw visual aesthetic of brutalism with modern UX best practices. It keeps the rough edges but smooths the user journey. Think bold visuals, but with clear navigation, mobile responsiveness, and usable forms.

When it works:

• You’re targeting a creative or niche audience

• You pair brutalist visuals with functional structure

• You prioritize accessibility under the chaos

Done right, brutalism can become a distinctive brand tool — not just an aesthetic choice.

5. Is It Right for Your Brand?

Ask yourself:

• Does your audience value experimentation or clarity?

• Do you want to disrupt or reassure?

• Is your website meant to express or convert?

If you're a fashion label, indie magazine, or experimental agency — brutalism might help you stand out. But if you're running a law firm, hospital, or bank, it could backfire quickly.

Final Thoughts

Brutalism in web design is provocative by design. It can be messy, fascinating, frustrating — but also bold, memorable, and utterly original.

Whether you love it or hate it, one thing’s for sure: it challenges our idea of what a “good” website should look like. And in an industry that thrives on creativity, maybe that’s exactly what we need.

Want to explore a brutalist layout for your site or portfolio — without compromising usability? I can help you design a balanced concept in Framer that captures the aesthetic without losing your audience. Let me know!