barsoften

Barsoften is a neologism that has appeared in various online discussions and design glossaries to describe the act or process of making bar-like elements appear softer or less imposing. There is no single authoritative definition, and usage varies by domain.

The term is a compound of bar, referring to horizontal bars or bar-shaped elements, and soften, meaning to make less harsh or rigid. It is not widely standardized, and its first uses are scattered across design and technology forums in the late 2010s and early 2020s.

In user interface and information design, barsoften usually refers to visual treatments that reduce the perceptual sharpness of bars in charts, progress indicators, or dashboards. Techniques include rounding edges, adding subtle shadows or gradients, reducing contrast, and spacing adjustments to create a more approachable aesthetic.

In speculative or game design contexts, barsoften can describe a rule or mechanic that softens the impact of bar-based obstacles or features. Because the term is informal, meanings beyond design contexts are variable and may refer to different practices.

See also: progress bar, bar chart, visual design, user interface aesthetics.