The Rise of Claymorphism: A Guide to Implementing Clay-like UIs

What is Claymorphism?

Claymorphism is a design concept that combines artistic, 3D clay-like graphics with soft, rounded corners and subtle shadows. The result is a friendly, approachable, and inviting UI that creates a sense of warmth and comfort. Claymorphism is often compared to neumorphism, but with a more accessible and visually appealing twist.

Properties of Claymorphism

• Bright, pastel colors: Soft, bright colors that evoke a sense of warmth and friendliness.
• Smooth corners: Rounded corners that give the element a soft, clay-like appearance.
• 3D appearance: Inner shadows and subtle depth effects that create a 3D illusion.
• Depth: Outer shadows that control the depth of the element and create a sense of distance.
• Clay-like graphics: Fluffy, 3D graphics that add a playful touch to the UI.

Implementing Claymorphism in Figma

1. Add a desktop frame and set the background color.
2. Draw a rectangular frame and round its corners.
3. Add a drop shadow and inner shadows to create depth.
4. Experiment with different colors and graphics to achieve the desired look.

Implementing Claymorphism in CSS

/* Example CSS code for creating a claymorphic card */
.card {
    box-shadow: 0 10px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
    border-radius: 20px;
    filter: drop-shadow(0 10px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1));
    background-color: #F7F7F7;
}

Implementing Claymorphism in Tailwind CSS

Mixing Claymorphism with Glassmorphism

1. Use a glassmorphic background image or texture.
2. Apply claymorphic properties to the foreground elements.
3. Experiment with different colors and graphics to achieve the desired look.

Accessibility Notes

• Choose colors that provide sufficient contrast between the object and background.
• Ensure that the inner shadows are visible for better noticeability and accessibility.
• Avoid cluttered or too dark backgrounds when mixing claymorphism with glassmorphism.

Learn more about claymorphism and its applications