Dropbox redesign is a fantastic midlife crisis

It's always the quiet ones, isn't it? Dropbox has just unveiled its new design system and it's nothing short of staggering. We're struggling to think of the right comparison for it. Like, it's a bit like that time in the 1980s when amiable, dependable and thoroughly unexciting BBC presenter Frank Bough was revealed to be into cocaine and S&M. 

Dropbox is similarly dependable, and that's a good thing. You want it to just be there, holding onto some of your files so you can grab them when you need them. It's not really a brand that you even associate with design – more of a functional utilitarianism – and while you're aware it has a blue, sort of box-like logo, you'd struggle to draw it.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

TOPICS
Jim McCauley

Jim McCauley is a writer, performer and cat-wrangler who started writing professionally way back in 1995 on PC Format magazine, and has been covering technology-related subjects ever since, whether it's hardware, software or videogames. A chance call in 2005 led to Jim taking charge of Computer Arts' website and developing an interest in the world of graphic design, and eventually led to a move over to the freshly-launched Creative Bloq in 2012. Jim now works as a freelance writer for sites including Creative Bloq, T3 and PetsRadar, specialising in design, technology, wellness and cats, while doing the occasional pantomime and street performance in Bath and designing posters for a local drama group on the side.

Latest in Web Design
A screenshot of the new YouTube UI
Yes, YouTube has a new UI. Yes, it's terrible
Adobe XD logo
It seems Adobe's given up on UI design (for now)
Adobe Muse
Why Adobe is frustrating web designers
Dropbox Relay interface with photo of man running
How Dropbox Replay is helping designers future-proof their practice
UX revolution
From 2D to 3D: How brands can harness the latest UX/UI revolution
Personal portfolio of Julie Bonnemoy with a retro vibe
From AI to no-code: The top web design trends for 2024 according to Designmodo
Latest in News
MacBook deals
I'd pick these 2 MacBook deals over all others today – save up to $1000
An image of a beach with text written in the sand reading 'Good vibes only'
What is vibe coding, and is it really the future of app and game development?
An screenshot from Metal Gear Solid 2
Gamers are just realising that Metal Gear Solid 2 was way ahead of its time
MacBook Pro deals
LIVE: I found 6 MacBook deals I'd buy – but they're not all from the Amazon Spring Sale
Images of miniature optical illusions of a bath made from bread and a woman ironing crinkle-cut potato chips
I can't believe I've only just discovered this artist's ingenious optical illusions
Apple Watch render
Apple's AI Watch concept is already being called a mistake