At last: I can build a home out of raw Windows Vista-era nostalgia

In 2007, software design was characterized by glossy, rounded elements, reminiscent of dewy glass and photographs of lush landscapes. Devices emitted ethereal chimes upon startup, and phrases like "live-service," "large language model," and "prediction market" were unheard. The aesthetic was softer, safer, and more optimistic compared to today's digital landscape.

A new house-builder launched on Steam this week, allowing users to immerse themselves in the aesthetic of a bygone era. Frutiger Home is a decorating simulation where players can construct a sanctuary using design elements inspired by the Frutiger Aero aesthetic, a term coined to describe the visual language that dominated technology and UI design from the mid-2000s to the early 2010s.

The game features architectural themes, color swatches, and interior accents inspired by the Frutiger Aero aesthetic. Sharp corners are avoided, and every surface is polished to perfection. Players start with a living room dominated by a screen displaying whimsical images like clownfish and dandelions. The game also offers a field view of impossibly green hills, evoking the Windows Vista wallpaper.

Frutiger Home is available now on Steam for $5. The game provides a nostalgic escape, allowing users to pretend it's 2007 for as long as they desire, surrounded by a virtual environment that prioritizes design aesthetics over cognitive strain.