Truth be told, there is no reason to believe that what is popular in web design is particularly good for accessibility or the sensibilities of people. In fact,

Truth be told, there is no reason to believe that what is popular in web design is particularly good for accessibility or the sensibilities of people. In fact, I'd argue "Corporate Memphis" in particular is something that became overused in spite of the fact that it offended sensibilities for many. That said, I think over-applying the "accessibility" viewpoint to bleed into things that really don't have to do with accessibility is an anti-pattern. I do not feel like KDE is less "accessible" due to the artwork and character mascots of Tyson Tan, even though it may not appeal to everyone's sensibilities. At the end of the day, I'd argue in favor of unique and memorable designs that feel like they have some personality rather than like something a committee carefully constructed to be as inoffensive as they could imagine.