What is Synthwave Design?

Synthwave Design (outrun aesthetic) channels 80s retro-futurism—neon pink/blue/purple, grid lines, sunset gradients, chrome text, and digital landscapes. Inspired by 80s action movies, arcade games, and electronic music. Creates nostalgic future vision.

When Should You Use This?

Use synthwave for music apps, gaming platforms, tech products with playful edge, creative tools, or brands targeting 80s nostalgia. Works well for products that want energetic, optimistic, slightly campy aesthetic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• •Wrong colors—synthwave has specific palette: hot pink, electric blue, deep purple, orange sunsets
• •Missing grid—the grid/horizon line is iconic; synthwave without it feels incomplete
• •Too much neon—balance bright neon with dark backgrounds; all-bright burns eyes
• •Poor contrast—neon on neon is illegible; use dark backgrounds for text
• •Generic 80s—synthwave is specific retro-futurism, not just any 80s aesthetic

Real-World Examples

• •Spotify—80s playlists use synthwave-inspired gradients and neon typography
• •Gaming platforms—Steam and Epic Games use synthwave for retro game categories
• •Music production software—many DAWs use synthwave for retro synth plugins
• •Car racing games—Need for Speed and similar use synthwave for UI and marketing