[CuriouslyC]

I think this is easily disproven by looking at other areas of functional design besides computer UIs. Architecture is a good example - it's obvious there that while there are some things that are optimizations, a large part of the churn in architecture is style. You might claim the modern trend of having lots of large windows to emphasize natural light is an example of an optimization, but that is only "modern" because the materials and processes to affordably make big pieces of double pane glass are modern. Otherwise, the brutalist monstrosities of the last 30 years are completely a stylistic choice. Ironically flat icons and brutalist architecture share a lot in common.

[johnqian]

I think you defended my point for me with the glass panes example. Price is definitely a part of the optimization formula. In fact I think most trends in architecture are much easier to explain than in UI because they’re so clearly enabled by technology.

I don’t know much about brutalism, but I’m pretty sure it’s not a dominant trend. I feel most expensive new buildings are pretty and efficient in ways that weren’t feasible before. But when there’s a mainstream, there are rebels.

An interesting thought experiment is what buildings would look like if resources and labor were infinite—if we could essentially 3D print buildings. Whatever designs come out of that may be what we trend towards.

[CuriouslyC]

The architecture is a big reason people take vacations in cities like Prague or Barcelona. It makes people feel good. Mainstream modern architecture is boxy (because of the next point), "efficient" (measured in cost to produce, mostly) and not even remotely built to last. It has no character, and doesn't consider the emotional value of living in a unique space.