Design
6 min read

Neobrutalism Design Principles

Pranav Murali

December 22, 2025

Neobrutalism is a design movement that embraces raw, unpolished aesthetics. It's characterized by bold colors, thick borders, strong shadows, and a rejection of subtle gradients and soft shadows.

Things components embody these principles perfectly. Here's what makes our design system unique:

Thick Borders: Every component features a 2px border that creates clear definition and separation. No subtle 1px borders here—we go bold or go home.

Strong Shadows: Our shadows are pronounced and offset, creating a sense of depth without subtlety. The `neobrutalism-shadow` class creates a shadow that's immediately noticeable.

High Contrast: We use high-contrast color combinations that make elements pop. This not only looks striking but also improves accessibility.

Blocky Shapes: Rounded corners are minimal. We prefer sharp, defined edges that create a geometric, almost pixelated aesthetic.

Bold Typography: Fonts are heavy and impactful. We use bold weights liberally to create hierarchy and emphasis.

This design philosophy rejects the minimalist trends of recent years. Instead, it celebrates the digital, the bold, and the unapologetic. It's perfect for brands that want to stand out and make a statement.

When using Things components, embrace the boldness. Don't try to tone it down—let the components shine in their full, blocky glory.

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