As opposed to what? Compared to 99% of the web, the Medium is, and has been designed from the start to be, minimal.

(Not talking about page size -- talking about design).

I am not trying to dis Medium, nor advertise or propose an alternative. I was just pointing out that it seemed ironic the contrast between the title of the post, and the medium --no pun intended-- used.

Yes, but what I'm asking is what's ironic about it?

As far as content websites go, Medium is as minimalistic itself as they come.

They literally put all the emphasis on the content.