A Comparative Study of Minimalist and Maximalist UI/UX Design Approaches for Meal Plan Consultation Application

Abstract

The evolution of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design continues to shape digital interaction, with minimalist and maximalist philosophies offering contrasting approaches. This study compares the usability, efficiency, and user satisfaction of minimalist and maximalist design strategies in a meal plan consultation application. A high-fidelity minimalist prototype was developed and evaluated against an existing maximalist application using a mixed-methods approach. Data from 140 participants were collected through usability testing, System Usability Scale (SUS) surveys, and qualitative feedback. Findings indicate a strong preference for the minimalist design among the study participants, with 82.1% favoring its simplicity, clarity, and visual balance. In
contrast, maximalist design was appreciated for its visual richness but was often perceived as cluttered and cognitively demanding. Younger users (18-25 years) showed the highest inclination toward minimalism; however, the sample wasb predominantly composed of younger participants, which may influence design preferences and limit the generalizability of the findings. The findings suggest that minimalist design approaches may enhance perceived usability and user experience in this context, particularly for younger and tech-savvy users. The study recommends a balanced design strategy that combines simplicity with selective expressive elements, while highlighting the need for further research using more diverse populations and controlled experimental methods.