Claymorphism vs Kidcore

クレイモーフィズム / キッドコア

Claymorphism comes from UI Expression and Kidcore from Pop. Both are read here as style. They are reached for with some of the same intent, which is where they get confused.

Claymorphism

Claymorphism — クレイモーフィズムの作例（HYPE4 Academy／Michal Malewiczより引用）

Makes digital components soft and playable with rounded, clay-like volume.

Kidcore

Kidcore — KazumiKawaii 撮影《レインボー・デコラ》2016 — Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0Kidcore — GoToVan 撮影 増田セバスチャンの店「6%DOKIDOKI」原宿 2012 — Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0Kidcore — Everjean 撮影 原宿のデコラ 2005 — Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Recalls toys, stickers and school supplies in unconditionally bright color.

ClaymorphismKidcore
Era2020s1990s nostalgia
FamilyUI ExpressionPop
KindStyleStyle
CuesInflated forms / Inner highlights / Soft shadows / PastelsPrimary colors / Smileys / Rainbows / Toy shapes
Best used forMaking education, wellness and onboarding friendly · 3D icons with characterEvoking childhood freedom and safety · Making a community look sunny
TypeA rounded sans-serifBig rounded letters, hand lettering
CompositionOne large dimensional object and a short captionLayer sticker-like elements
MaterialTonal lights and darks, rounded corners, a soft contact shadowRed, yellow, blue, plastic, thick outlines
CautionDon't leave control states to shadows alone. Reserve the volume for the hero.Don't confuse child-directed with childish. Mind age-appropriateness and safety.

Put these two together

UI Expression ／ Pop

IndexStyle