My most hated style of design

Design
Images
Jun 20, 2025
my-most-hated-style-of-design.jpg

I'm personally not a huge fan of "too much" design in web design, as I care more about the messaging and overall effect of a webpage, but I will say my personally most despised "look" in web design was this crap that took over the web roughly 3 to 5 years ago.

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Image Description

A lively illustration featuring simplified, abstract characters jumping around a large cupcake with a cherry on top. The background is filled with a decorative pattern, adding to the playful and whimsical vibe.

Positive Aspects

The image captures the essence of a design style that's often criticized for being overly simplistic and trendy. Its playful and whimsical nature effectively represents the type of design the author finds overwhelming in web design, making it a perfect visual companion to the post's theme.

Key Takeaways

  • The author prioritizes messaging and overall webpage effect over complex design elements.
  • A specific design trend from 3-5 years ago is highlighted as particularly disliked by the author.
  • Excessive design can detract from the main message and usability of a website.

Additional Insights

It’s interesting how design trends can evoke strong opinions. While some find joy in playful graphics, others, like the author, see them as distractions. It’s a reminder that design is subjective, and balancing aesthetics with functionality is key. A little personal anecdote: I once used a trendy design that everyone loved—except my cat, who wouldn’t stop pawing at the screen!

Analysis Summary

Messaging-first web design concept contrasts minimalism with over-designed sites. A large pink cupcake with bright cherry commands attention, directing the eye to central jumping figures, then to sprinkle backdrop and curved base. Modern flat illustration, coral-blue-teal palette, limited lines and playful patterns convey approachability. Problem-solution copy leverages curiosity but is fairly difficult; simplifying language could widen appeal and better align with the minimalist ethos.

Keywords & Trends

Style Analysis

Modern flat illustration

93%

Dominant Colors

Coral Pink

22%

Soft Blue

18%

Teal Mint

16%

Mustard Yellow

14%

Neutral Gray

15%

White / Near-white

15%

Design Elements

Flat vector shapes
Limited color palette
Minimal line work
Playful confetti background
Exaggerated proportions

Mood Keywords

Celebratory
Joyful
Playful
Youthful
Fun

Copy Analysis

Fairly Difficult

10th-12th grade level

58

Words

29

Words/sentence

Detected Frameworks

Problem-Solution
35%

Author states a problem (over-designed websites) but does not yet propose a solution.

Problem: "too much" design that overtook the web
Missing Solution: (not provided)

Psychological Triggers

Curiosity Gap
45%

Refers to "this crap that took over the web" without specifying what it is, prompting readers to wonder which style he means.

"this crap that took over the web roughly 3 to 5 years ago"

Attention Analysis

Eye Flow Pattern

Viewer’s eye lands on the bright red cherry, follows the cupcake downward, then arcs outward to the two central jumping figures, and finally sweeps to the outer characters before noticing the confetti background and curved base.

Primary Focus Areas

Cupcake with cherry—bright color contrast and central placement
Position: 388, 245
Size: 200×250
100%
Blue jumping character—strong color against white background
Position: 245, 80
Size: 180×365
75%
Teal jumping character—vivid, balanced symmetry with blue character
Position: 560, 95
Size: 175×335
70%

Visual Hierarchy

Cupcake & cherry
Blue character (left-center)
Teal character (right-center)
Orange character (left)
Mustard character (right)
Background sprinkles
Ground plane / curved base
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My most hated style of design | SwipeFile