CSScentric

CSScentric is a term used in web development to describe an approach that places CSS at the center of UI design and implementation. In this paradigm, styling, layout, and theming are treated as the primary driver of how an interface is experienced, with HTML kept semantically meaningful and JavaScript used primarily for behavior rather than presentation. Proponents emphasize the use of modern CSS features such as custom properties (variables), grid and flexbox layouts, and responsive design through media queries, along with design tokens that encode color, typography, spacing, and component state.

Origins and development: The concept grew from discussions around CSS architecture and design systems in the 2010s, drawing on methodologies like OOCSS, SMACSS, and BEM, and gained traction as CSS capabilities expanded with variables and subgrid. It's often associated with progressive enhancement and lean client-side logic, as well as the idea that styles should be authored and maintained by front-end developers and designers with a shared vocabulary.

Implementation: In practice, CSScentric projects organize styling with modular components, utility classes or CSS-in-CSS approaches, and a centralized design system. Tokens stored in JSON or CSS custom properties enable consistent theming across products. Accessibility, performance, and maintainability are typically emphasized, with tests and tooling to optimize CSS size and scope.

Reception: The approach has both supporters and critics. Supporters argue it improves performance and consistency; critics warn that heavy reliance on CSS can complicate dynamic behavior or lead to large stylesheets if not carefully managed.

See also: CSS architecture, design system, design tokens, responsive web design.