Linear design vs. minimalism, brutalism, and neumorphism

Linear design is a minimalist design trend that emphasizes usability and accessibility through a limited color palette, simple typography, and clear visual affordances. Unlike brutalism, which also uses minimalist principles but often results in bold and contrasting visuals that may affect usability, linear design maintains a traditional minimalist approach that enhances user experience. In contrast to neumorphism, which focuses on artistic shadows and lighting for a three-dimensional effect, linear design prioritizes clarity and functionality with well-defined boundaries. The effectiveness of linear design lies in its ability to reduce cognitive load, making comprehension easier by avoiding complex design styles and reusing simple design tokens, such as an 8px-spacing scale and monochrome colors. This approach results in a focused design language that remains consistent and sharp without being overly complex.