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Design your brandNew year, new inspiration: the turn of the year always motivates us to get new input and rethink the familiar. If you feel the same way, here are two graphic design trends that are likely to play a major role in 2025 and can be used creatively and in a variety of ways.
Utilitarian design – minimalist maximalism in the grid
Minimalist maximalism – what is that? Utilitarian design combines functionality and pragmatic design. Elements are reminiscent of shipping and packaging labels or flight tickets: lots of content, arranged in a structured way. This allows information and content to be displayed clearly – organized, minimalist and yet full of detail.
Features of the Utilitarian Design
Barcodes, logos and icons
Graphic elements such as logos, pictograms and barcodes structure content and provide clarity.
Harmonious grid
A strictly organized grid layout arranges text blocks, numbers and symbols. Despite the variety, the design does not appear chaotic.
Color palette
Mostly black and white with an accent color – industrial, modern and clear.
Order meets chaos
Clear grid structures combined with deliberately broken rules create tension and visual experiences.
Possible applications
Known from streetwear (e.g. T-shirts), the approach is also suitable for posters, flyers, packaging or menus. It also brings clarity to presentations and corporate communications.
Bento Grid System – inspired by the Japanese lunch box
The Bento Grid System is similar to the Utilitarian Design, but offers more flexibility. Instead of rigid grids, it uses variable boxes – like a bento lunch box, in which different contents are clearly separated and yet presented together.
Features of the Bento Grid System
Parent rectangle
A large rectangle forms the basis, smaller boxes fill it with content. Each box has its own function.
Variability
Boxes vary in size and shape – wide, narrow, high, square. Contents can thus be arranged flexibly.
Flexibility
Each box can be designed independently without disturbing the overall structure.
Minimalist style
Colors, typography and images are used discreetly to keep content easy to consume.
Possible applications
Ideal for app and web design, social media posts, flyers or menus. Content can be presented in a clearly structured and compact way.
Similarities and differences
Both trends focus on clear organization, but differ in terms of structure and aesthetics: Utilitarian appears industrial and strict, Bento Grid more flexible and minimalist.
Conclusion
Whether print products, websites or social networks: content and information always play a role. It’s not just about a pretty cover, but also about what’s behind it. With the graphic design trends Utilitarian Design and Bento Grid System, we won’t have to choose between appearance and content in 2025, but will be able to combine functionality and aesthetics with a system.
