WTF is cluttercore?
And why is it helping brands break the rules?
In the pristine halls of graphic design academia, accessibility is practically gospel.
Designers are taught to worship at the altar of legibility, contrast ratios, and grid layouts so clean you could eat off them. The goal? Make everything usable for everyone, especially those with visual or cognitive impairments.
Noble, yes… But then along came Cluttercore, kicking down the door with a glittery boot and shouting, “What if we made it emotional instead?”
What Is Cluttercore? Imagine maximalism had a lovechild with your teenage bedroom wall circa 2007. That’s Cluttercore. It’s a design philosophy that celebrates visual abundance, personal storytelling, and organised chaos. Think scrapbook layouts, sticker-covered packaging, and collage-style campaigns that scream personality.
It’s the anti-minimalism. No sterile white (or millennial grey) space here, just layers of texture, clashing fonts, nostalgic motifs, and colour palettes that look like they were picked by a hyperactive toddler with a crayon box. And somehow, it works.
BUT… Accessibility guidelines (hello WCAG) are all about clarity and consistency. They preach: High contrast between text and background, Limited use of colour to convey meaning, Clean, grid-based layouts and Readable typography with minimal variation. It’s ordered and functional, and well… Beige. Inoffensive, yes, memorable? Absolutely not..
“Cluttercore, meanwhile, looks at that list and goes, “Cute. Not for me.””
Instead, it uses low-contrast palettes because ‘vibes’, layers visuals like a lasagne, overwhelms screen readers but excites viewers, mixes fonts like a cocktail menu on acid, and prioritises emotional storytelling over functional clarity.
Naturally, this has sparked debate. Is Cluttercore just a rebellious teen ignoring the rules, or is it redefining what accessibility means in a world that’s frankly bored of Helvetica?
Despite its rule-breaking tendencies, Cluttercore is helping brands stand out and not just in a “look at me!” way.
Brands like Depop, Etsy sellers, and Pinterest are leaning into Cluttercore to create visuals that feel human, imperfect, and relatable. Because let’s be honest…who actually connects with a perfectly kerned sans serif on a beige background?
Minimalism had its moment. Gen Z said, “Thanks, but I’d rather express my identity through 17 fonts and a collage of frogs, glitter, and existential dread.” Cluttercore is their aesthetic rebellion, and brands are listening.
On TikTok and Instagram, Cluttercore visuals are like catnip. They’re rich, chaotic, and tell a story in a single scroll. Perfect for the dopamine-hungry masses.
In a sea of clean, corporate sameness, Cluttercore is the weird kid at the back of the class making zines, and everyone’s suddenly interested. Brands like Laka and Artofit are using it to signal creativity, individuality, and a refusal to blend in.
Neurodivergence and Cluttercore: Alienation or Connection?
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Cluttercore’s visual intensity, while fun for some, can be a sensory nightmare for others. Neurodivergent individuals, especially those with autism, ADHD, or sensory sensitivities, might find the chaos a bit much. Think cognitive fatigue, distraction, or just plain “make it stop.”
Designers working with neurodivergent users often recommend: calm, predictable layouts, minimal motion, clear hierarchy and reduced sensory input. So yes, Cluttercore can be a bit of a sensory assault. But, and it’s a big but…some neurodivergent folks love it.
For many, especially those with ADHD, Cluttercore is a playground. It’s stimulating, expressive, and full of novelty. Neurodivergent creatives often find joy in rejecting rigid norms. It’s not just design, it’s freedom.
Cluttercore’s emphasis on personal expression and non-linear storytelling can feel more inclusive than the cold, clinical world of minimalist design. It says, “Come as you are,” and actually means it.