UI Design
Neumorphism
Every few years, the design world revives a style that captures attention, polarizes opinions, and inspires experimentation. In recent years, that role has been played by Neumorphism (also referred to as Soft UI). It emerged as a blend of skeuomorphism (realistic design) and flat design (minimal, functional design), creating a tactile, subtle 3D look. Think of soft shadows, gentle gradients, and elements that look as though they’re pressed into or popping out of the background.
But is Neumorphism more than a fleeting trend? And how should junior designers approach it?
What is Neumorphism?
Neumorphism uses light, shadow, and depth to mimic physical surfaces in a very subtle way. A button, for example, doesn’t have bold outlines or contrasting edges. Instead, it gently protrudes from the background with two opposing shadows: one light, one dark. This creates a “soft plastic” or embossed look that feels almost tactile.
The effect can be visually calming and modern, especially in minimalist interfaces. However, it comes with its challenges, particularly when it comes to accessibility and usability.
Why It Gained Popularity
When Neumorphism first surfaced around 2020, it quickly went viral on platforms like Dribbble and Behance. Designers loved the aesthetic freshness—it looked futuristic yet soft, like the next logical step after years of flat design dominance.
As UX Collective pointed out, Neumorphism was seen as a way to “humanize digital products” by reintroducing depth without the clutter of old skeuomorphic styles (UX Collective). Meanwhile, Smashing Magazine noted that its subtle aesthetic appealed to minimalism fans who were tired of bold, loud interfaces (Smashing Magazine).
In my own practice, I found that clients were intrigued by it because it felt “premium.” It gave everyday elements like cards and switches a sense of tangibility without resorting to overly complex 3D modeling.
The Pros
Aesthetic Appeal: It’s visually fresh and gives products a distinct look.
Minimalism with Depth: Unlike flat design, it feels tactile without being overly busy.
Brand Differentiation: For brands aiming to look cutting-edge, Neumorphism can signal innovation.
The Cons
Accessibility Issues: Neumorphism’s subtle shadows and low-contrast elements can make it hard for users with visual impairments to navigate. NN/g (Nielsen Norman Group) has long emphasized that contrast is vital for usability, and Neumorphism often struggles here.
Scalability: On small screens or in dark mode, the soft shadows may either vanish or look inconsistent.
Overuse Risk: Like all trends, when applied everywhere, it can quickly feel gimmicky.
My Practical Advice
Use Sparingly: Neumorphism works best for specific elements like toggles, switches, or cards—not entire interfaces. It’s a seasoning, not the main dish.
Combine with Flat Design: Many designers now use a “hybrid approach,” mixing flat design’s clarity with Neumorphism’s depth. This helps maintain usability.
Mind Accessibility: Always test for contrast. Tools like WebAIM’s Contrast Checker can help ensure your design works for everyone.
Experiment in Personal Projects First: Before pitching it to clients, try building a small concept or side project in Neumorphism. It’s great practice for refining your skills with shadows and depth.
In one of my own dashboard projects, I experimented with Neumorphic cards for status indicators. They looked sleek, but in user testing, people struggled to recognize active vs. inactive states. The fix? I layered in clear color cues and slight icon changes. This hybrid method made the design usable without losing the style’s appeal.
Where Neumorphism Fits in 2025 and Beyond
Neumorphism may not dominate mainstream design, but it has found a niche in certain industries—especially fintech, health tech, and luxury products where aesthetics can elevate trust or exclusivity. According to Arounda Agency’s trend report for 2025, designers are shifting toward “immersive and tactile aesthetics” that Neumorphism naturally embodies.
It’s unlikely to become the default UI style, but as part of your design toolkit, it’s worth understanding and knowing when to use. For junior designers, experimenting with Neumorphism is a great exercise in shadow manipulation, contrast testing, and finding balance between form and function.
Final Thoughts
Neumorphism is like a stylish but delicate tool in your design toolbox. It shines when used selectively and thoughtfully. As with all design trends, don’t chase aesthetics alone—always anchor your choices in usability and brand goals.
So my advice? Play with it, learn from it, and keep it in your arsenal. You never know when that soft, tactile aesthetic will be the perfect solution for a client or project.