Memphis
Use colorful geometric shapes, squiggles, and dots for an '80s feel.
Scroll sideways to explore the full example
CLUB!WORKSHOPS · CALENDAR04 spots left
Pinch a
crooked cup!
Spend two hours shaping a one-of-a-kind imperfect cup.
Reserve a spot →- Build a limited set of recurring shapes and patterns
- Use strong color contrast with assigned roles
- Separate decoration from text and controls
- Balance asymmetry with a stable grid
- Keep enough whitespace for the composition to breathe
When to use it
- Campaign and promotion pageThe main visual of the brand event: contrasting banners + polka dots + zigzag linesCampaign pages can use Memphis design’s sense of rhythm.
- Children's or education product after user testingEnglish app for kids: use a geometry character in each lessonA lively sense of order supports course content and guidance
- Creative studio and recruitment pageDesign studio recruitment page: contrasting color blocks + scattered trianglesIt can express a creative direction while keeping open roles and application instructions clear.
- Illustration or empty-state areaEmpty state: polka dot circle, wavy line and "no content yet"Small areas of decoration can provide emotional support for status statements
When NOT to use it
- Cover dense work interfaces in constant patternA back-office system uses contrasting colors and scattered decoration across many pages.In a high-frequency tool, this reduces scanability and increases visual fatigue.
- Place dots and shapes over reading or click targetsDecoration that covers body copy reduces readability.
- Mix a soft palette with heavy outlines without a reasonA low-saturation palette can work too, as long as it fits the geometric language and content tone.
- Let decoration overpower reports, contracts, or key factsAn annual-report data page or contract-signing flow uses contrasting colors and scattered decoration.High-risk or formal flows should prioritize clear information and actions.
Ettore Sottsass and a group of young designers took their name from a Bob Dylan song playing during an early meeting.
Plastic laminate, contrasting color, and geometric pattern confronted the restrained rules of modernist design.
After the group dissolved, its visual language continued through 1980s television, retail, music, and youth culture.
As flat-design sameness grew tiring, Memphis shapes returned in campaign pages and illustration systems.
Dots, squiggles, and geometric shapes still appear in promotions, children's products, and creative brand sites.
Memphis creative-workshop booking page, waves, dots, triangles, high-saturation yellow, blue, pink and green, heavy black outlines, warm off-white space, clear date, remaining seats, price and booking action
Scroll sideways to explore the full example
Pinch a
crooked cup!
Beginner clay workshop · 2.5 hours
Scroll sideways to explore the full example
Scroll sideways to explore the full example
Scroll sideways to explore the full example
Scroll sideways to explore the full example
