For the longest time, "good design" was synonymous with "more." More features, more gradients, more custom illustrations, and more unique UI patterns to help a brand stand out. We spent hours tweaking shadows and finding the perfect obscure font just to prove we put in the work.
But look around lately. The "mess" is being cleared out. We're entering an era where design isn't about what you add, but how much you can strip away while still remaining functional.
If you've seen my work or checked out my portfolio, you know I've leaned into this. I keep everything strictly minimal. But to be honest? I'm not sure I'm a fan of where the industry is heading. While I use these tools and systems because they are efficient, I don't necessarily "support" the way they've become the industry norm. Here is why the landscape is shifting and why the "minimalism + AI" combo is killing the craft.
Minimalism is no longer a choice, it's a necessity
We are overstimulated. Between Slack pings, X feeds, and endless notifications, the last thing a user wants is a complex interface to manage them. Minimalism has evolved from a creative choice into a rigid usability requirement. If a user can't understand what your app does within three seconds, they've gone. The "Bento Box" layout and monochromatic interfaces aren't just for looks; they are built because we've lost the ability to focus.
When the code is messy, the product fails. When the design is messy, the user leaves. But in the process of "cleaning up", we've lost the personality that made the web fun.
AI as an "Invisible" and Uninspired UI
We've moved past the "chatbot in the corner" phase. AI is becoming the "norm", the underlying engine that dictates how we design.
I'm not anti-AI. In fact, I support using it to handle the heavy listing, or to aid your work. In the past, we designed for clicks. Now, we design for intent.
- Instead of a complex filter system, we have a search bar.
- Instead of a manual data entry, we have predictive models.
AI is a powerful tool for removing friction, but it shouldn't be the one making the creative calls. When AI starts dictating the "feel" of a project, we lose the human connection that makes design actually resonate.
The "Standardization" of Design
There's a common complaint that "all websites look the same now." White backgrounds, Sans-serif fonts, rounded corners.
While some call it a sign of maturity, standardizing the web like we standardize messy code (folders, naming conventions, DRY principles), it can also feel like a loss of soul. Users have "muscle memory" for the web now, so we stick to these minimalistic standards to keep things functional.
The challenge is using these standards without letting them erase your identity. I keep my portfolio minimal to let the work shine, but I never want the "minimalism" to become a mask for a lack of personality.
The Bottom Line
Design is moving toward a "frictionless" future.
If you're a developer or a designer, your job is no longer to decorate. Your job is to curate. By all means, use AI to handle the tedious tasks and keep your components modular and clean. But remember: AI is the assistant, not the artist.
In a world of noise, the quietest design wins, but it still needs a human voice to say something meaningful.