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Bold Minimalism

Trends We’re Following

Words by Dale Peart, Senior Designer

Published May 31, 2024

Last Updated August 2, 2024

Minimalism embraces simplicity with clear designs and open-space layouts. Since emerging in the 1950s, this aesthetic has evolved over time, with bold minimalism being the latest iteration. Bold minimalism combines the elegance of clean, spare design with dramatic, assertive elements to deliver a powerful punch.

It is often characterized by clear lines and shapes, deep contrast, a limited color palette, ample white space, and strategic placement of elements to amplify a central message.

Achieving the right mix of boldness and minimalism can be challenging. Designers seek a delicate balance between dramatic elements that deliver a confident message and simple aesthetics void of distractions.

Let’s Take A Closer Look

Compound, an Australian digital healthcare company, applies bold minimalism through a single, eye-catching color; white space; and photography focused on a central point of interest. The overall effect is an unmistakable message at the forefront of all branded assets.

The word "compound" is written in bold, black Gothic-style font on a solid red background. The word is crossed out with a single diagonal line.

An outdoor advertisement features a series of posters. From left to right: a man running in an orange jacket, a slogan "A personalised action plan for your performance," a pixelated athletic figure with "Data to help maximise your potential," and a lone runner on a hill.

Four rectangular colored cards are displayed vertically on a black background. From left to right, the colors are red, light gray, black, and dark gray. Each card features the word "compound" embossed in lowercase letters, running down the length of the card.

The word "compound" is chiseled into a smooth, gray concrete wall, creating a 3D effect with shadows and highlights that give the text depth. The background is slightly textured but uniform in color.

A wall-mounted sign points to the right with a red, pixelated arrow. The sign reads "Room 307 V02 Max" in bold black lettering on a white background. The edges of the sign are accented with a thin red border. The wall is painted a light gray color.

The Aruba Conservation Foundation features strong lines and clear shapes within a two-tone color palette in its logo and iconography. Together, these elements direct focus to the primary subject — species and ecosystems — and amplifies the organization’s call to action.

Stylized illustration of a tree with a tall, slender trunk, winding branches, and purple leaves on a dark blue background. The tree's roots are prominently visible, creating a symmetrical and balanced design.

A sign in a natural area with text in English and Papiamento reads, “Respect the land. This is Shoco habitat.” The top left shows a Shoco owl, and the top right depicts a cactus. Surrounding the sign are rocks and greenery.

A dark red background with white and pink text reads, "Our Island is telling us something. Let's listen." There are two buttons at the top: "English" selected in orange, and "Papiamento." "Hal Timezone Typeface" is indicated in a circle on the right.

OSU combines direct, two- to three-word messages with a simple, pink color palette. Portrait photography juxtaposed with minimal typographic messaging focuses attention on OSU’s product.

An elderly man wearing a hat and glasses stands outdoors, smiling and holding a cane. The text "APPLE CIDER VINEGAR" is prominently displayed in large pink letters across the image. Japanese text appears at the bottom. The background shows a street with buildings.

An elderly man stands confidently in front of a shop filled with various goods. He wears a hat, a patterned coat, and carries a cane. The shop has a traditional look with multiple items on display and some signage. The word "OSU" is prominently written over the image.

An older person with a cheerful expression walks down a corridor, wearing a bright yellow hat, a colorful patterned jacket, and dark pants. The word "CIDER" in large pink letters overlays the image, with Japanese text for "cider" below it.

Two elderly individuals are featured side-by-side. On the left, a man, Tadashi Okuno, wears a hat and patterned shawl, holding a cane. On the right, a woman, Michiko Hoshi, wearing sunglasses and a colorful scarf, holds an umbrella. Their names are displayed in bold letters.

A collage of various OSU-themed merchandise: a pink and black scarf, white and pink slides, a pink and beige bandana, pink socks, a set of patches, and a black and brown bandana. The items are branded with "OSU" text, Japanese characters, and other decorative elements.

Implications for Policy Marketing

In policy marketing, bold minimalism can be striking. Its simple yet loud style breaks through the noise to capture viewers’ attention. Once it grabs the viewer, it uses clear, direct visual cues to deliver easily digestible, memorable messages.

When creating a new brand for the Global Gaming Expo, NJI used this approach to emphasize the innovation and excitement of the evolving gaming industry. Distinct gaming iconography powered by vibrant, neon colors fostered a confident, playful tone.