5.2.5 Research Task: Brutalist Websites dot com

Mariano Pascual

Mariano Pascual's website offers a quirky, retro aesthetic for showcasing their projects. At first glance, the design feels overwhelming, making it difficult for users to know where to begin exploring. The vibrant background often draws attention away from the subtle button animations that add an interactive element to the site. However, despite this visual complexity, the navigation tools are generally accessible and functional. Overall, the website prioritizes intricate design over effectively providing clear information to the user.

Mariano Pascual
Illustrator, visual artist and designer from Argentina, based in Barcelona.

Take A Walk On The Wild Side

Take A Walk On The Wild Side is a brutalist website that embraces layered animations and bold, vibrant colours. It's layout is chaotic, confusing and has an unfinished feel, which challenges conventional usability and navigation. Whilst the website has an experimental, artistic approach to it, it rejects the concept of practical browsing. The use of dynamic, colourful animated images creates a sense of intensity that can make the experience of the site feel overwhelming.

https://takeawalkonthewildside.rietveldacademie.nl/page/attendance

2018: The Year in Dissonance - The New York Times

The New York Times The Year in Dissonance is an interactive game that invites users to "relive" the defining events of 2018. With a focus on interactivity, users can unlock achievements and engage in unique actions, such as using commands like "screenshot this for bragging rights," offering a more dynamic experience than simple button-clicking. The game effectively showcases key moments from the year through a clear and engaging interface. However, while the website’s layout is straightforward and easy to navigate, the purpose of the game feels somewhat unclear. At times, it seems like the main activity is clicking buttons to trigger random pop-up messages, which can make the overall experience feel overwhelming and put off users.