When it comes to design, you might notice some habits from Baby Boomers that just don’t seem to click with younger generations. These differences aren’t about right or wrong—they reflect changing tools, tastes, and ways of thinking about creativity.
Understanding these boomer design habits can help you appreciate where they’re coming from and why they might feel outdated or confusing to you. Recognizing these habits can bridge the gap and spark better collaboration across generations.
Using bright, clashing color schemes
If you grew up around Boomers, you might notice their fondness for bright, bold colors in home decor. These vibrant hues and patterns often stand out—sometimes clashing in ways that younger generations find overwhelming.
Your taste likely leans toward cleaner, more muted palettes that create calm and simplicity. Boomers’ choices reflect a style popular in their era, where color was used to express energy and personality.
When you see these vivid walls or patterned wallpapers, remember they carry a sense of nostalgia and character that Boomers value, even if it clashes with your preference for sleek, modern spaces.
Preferring heavy, ornate furniture
You might notice that Boomers often choose furniture with elaborate details and a sturdy, substantial feel. This style reflects a preference for craftsmanship and lasting quality, which can seem unusual if you’re used to sleek, minimalist designs.
For Boomers, furniture isn’t just functional; it’s a statement piece tied to tradition and comfort. You might find it hard to relate if your style favors lighter, more flexible pieces that take up less space.
Overloading websites with text and animations
You might notice Boomers often fill their websites with lots of text and flashy animations. They believe more content and movement grab attention and show thoroughness.
However, this can make it hard for you to quickly find what you need. Too much text feels overwhelming, and excessive animations can slow down your experience.
Younger generations prefer clean, simple designs that load fast and highlight key info. You want websites that are easy to scan and don’t distract you from the main message. This difference in approach can be confusing but comes from different habits and priorities.
Relying on skeuomorphic design elements
You might notice Boomers often prefer designs that mimic real-world objects. This is called skeuomorphic design, where digital buttons or icons look like physical items you’re familiar with.
It helps make technology feel easier to use because it connects to things you already know. However, younger generations usually favor simpler, flat designs that focus on clarity and efficiency.
While skeuomorphism can add charm and familiarity, it sometimes feels outdated or cluttered to you. You might find it harder to relate when design tries too hard to imitate reality instead of focusing on straightforward functionality.
Favoring fixed-width layouts over responsive design
You might notice Boomers often prefer fixed-width layouts because they are simpler to design and maintain. These layouts keep a set width, so what you see on your screen is exactly what the designer intended.
However, fixed-width designs don’t adjust well on different devices. This can lead to content being cut off or needing to scroll sideways on smaller screens.
Younger generations usually favor responsive design since it adapts smoothly to any screen size, making websites easier to use across phones, tablets, and desktops. But fixed-width layouts bring a familiar, predictable structure that some Boomers find more comfortable.
Using Comic Sans or other outdated fonts
You might still see people using Comic Sans or other old fonts because they feel familiar or easy to read. Comic Sans was designed to mimic handwriting and was popular in early web design for its casual look.
However, younger generations often find these fonts outdated or unprofessional. They prefer cleaner, more modern typefaces that feel fresh and suited to today’s digital style.
Using outdated fonts can make your design appear stuck in the past. It’s a good idea to explore newer, more versatile font options to keep your work looking current and appealing.
Ignoring minimalist and whitespace principles
You might notice that Boomers often prefer designs packed with details and information. They tend to fill every inch of space, which can feel overwhelming if you prefer clean and simple layouts.
Minimalism and whitespace help your eyes rest and focus on what matters. But Boomers sometimes see empty space as wasted space, making it a challenge to appreciate this style.
If you love sleek, open designs, it might be hard to relate to their preference for busier looks. Both approaches have their reasons, shaped by different experiences and tastes.