Flat Design
A design language that removes shadows, gradients, and skeuomorphic textures in favor of solid colors and 2D shapes.
Flat design rejects three-dimensional cues — drop shadows, bevels, gradients, textures — in favor of pure color, clean shapes, and crisp typography. It dominated UI design from 2013 (iOS 7, Windows 8) through the late 2010s.
Pure flat design has since been tempered by 'flat 2.0' (which reintroduces subtle shadows for hierarchy) and by glassmorphism / neumorphism revivals. But the core principles — color does the work, no decoration for decoration's sake — still underpin most modern UI.
Mainstream adoption began with Microsoft's Metro language (2010) and Apple's iOS 7 redesign (2013).
- Apps and tools where speed and clarity matter most
- Cross-platform UIs where simulated depth would feel inconsistent
- Brands needing tactile, premium, or expressive feel
- +Use color and typography for hierarchy, not shadows
- +Pick a vivid accent color for state
- −Don't use heavy drop shadows — that's not flat
People also ask
What is flat design?
A design language that strips away shadows, gradients, and skeuomorphic textures, relying instead on solid colors, clear typography, and 2D iconography.
Is flat design dated?
Pure 2013-era flat (no shadows at all) is dated. Modern systems use 'flat-ish' — mostly flat surfaces with one or two restrained depth cues (subtle elevation, hairline borders).
How do I add hierarchy without shadows?
Use color contrast, typography scale, spacing, and hairline borders. Surface luminance shifts (3–8% lift) build depth without gradients or shadows.
Flat design vs material design — what's the difference?
Flat removes depth entirely. Material adds back controlled, physically-modeled elevation (cards lift on z-axis with consistent shadow rules).