If the last decade was about clean lines, perfect grids, and optimized user journeys, 2025 is throwing all of that out the window. Brutalism and anti-design are back, and this time, they’re not just nostalgic nods to early internet culture. They’re a bold response to the polished predictability of today’s digital interfaces.

But what’s really driving this resurgence? Is it a genuine cultural rebellion, a branding tactic, or just aesthetic noise?

At Alox & Co, we believe it’s a bit of all three.

What is Brutalism in Web Design?

Originally rooted in architecture, brutalism in web design rejects polish in favor of raw function. It uses harsh typography, unstyled HTML elements, grid-breaking layouts, and clashing color schemes. The point is not beauty, but presence. It’s meant to be uncomfortable, and unforgettable.

Anti-design goes a step further. It actively breaks usability rules, ignores hierarchy, and embraces the weird, the wild, and the outright chaotic.

You’ll often see:

• Default system fonts like Courier or Times New Roman
• Massive buttons next to tiny text
• Random image placement, uneven spacing, no clear CTA
• A “glitchy” feel that screams unfiltered and unapologetic

Why Is This Happening Now?

1. Digital Fatigue

After years of safe, user-tested, minimalist design, users, especially younger ones, are craving something different. Clean design no longer stands out. In a world of perfect websites, imperfection is now the novelty.

2. Gen Z and Design Rebellion

For Gen Z, digital identity is a form of protest. Brutalism reflects their skepticism toward brands, polished marketing, and formulaic UX. It feels more honest, more direct, more “real.”

“Anti-design feels like freedom. It’s not trying to please anyone,” said one student in a recent UX workshop hosted by Alox & Co.

3. Startups Seeking Edgy Differentiation

Challenger brands are using brutalist design to say, “We’re not like the others.” It’s a shortcut to personality and positioning, loud, bold, and deliberately rough.

It’s no surprise that we’re seeing this style more in creative tech, streetwear, underground music, and digital art spaces.

Is It Just a Trend or the Start of a Reset?

Design trends always move in cycles. But brutalism and anti-design may be more than aesthetic waves, they signal a desire to break out of the template trap.

Still, they come with real risks:

• Poor accessibility: Low contrast and chaotic layouts can alienate users
• Reduced usability: Anti-design often ignores mobile friendliness and UX standards
• Polarized branding: What feels raw to some may feel lazy or offensive to others

That’s why at Alox & Co, we see these styles not as full replacements for good UX, but as strategic accents. Used well, they can inject attitude and authenticity into a brand, without compromising clarity.

Real Examples of Brutalist and Anti-Design in 2025

Here are a few standout websites that embody the trend:

• Bloomberg Businessweek: Bold typography and layout-heavy design
• Balenciaga: Frequently leans into brutalist and “ugly” digital experiences
• Felicity Ingram: Stripped-back portfolio with strong brutalist cues
• Neon Moiré: Embraces raw layout and typography to focus on content
• Mschf: A prime example of anti-design that doubles as performance art

These websites don’t follow trends. They challenge them.

Final Thoughts

Brutalism and anti-design are not just style choices. They’re cultural signals. They speak to a generation that wants less control, more honesty, and fewer rules. Whether you’re building a brand that wants to challenge norms or simply trying to cut through the noise, these styles offer something rare: true distinction.

At Alox & Co, we help clients balance risk with clarity. Want to explore a bold visual identity without losing your audience? We’re here for that.

Let’s design something that doesn’t just follow trends, but challenges them!

Who's the author?

@aloxteam  •  Alox & Co

This is the official Alox & Co team account, a shared space where our agency speaks with one voice. It’s where we share what we’re building, celebrate milestones, highlight our people, and open the door to conversations with our wider community. While each of our team members has their own voice and perspective, this account captures the bigger picture: company-wide updates, global announcements, and collective insights that reflect not just what we do, but who we are.

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