Web designs are arguably the most dynamic of all design forms- constantly evolving, consistently adapting to the relentlessly mutating digital landscape. This ever changing and embryonic nature of web design gives birth to new ideas, new solutions, new designs-New Trends. Trends that push the design industry forward, enhance the user experience, create brands, and define style.
Yet, even with its ‘volatility of style’, the underlying principles of web design, those key components of a successful digital media design hold fast. Things like Grid systems, contrast, legibility, just-posing imagery, well-written copy, remain independent yet indispensable to every new trend.
But the one thing that has changed perhaps the most in the last couple of years (especially with the advent of mobile as the preferred digital platform) is the way design is delivered on the web- the shift of the focus from design to functionality, from consumption to experience.
Design is no longer about gloss, razzmatazz, intricate styling- It’s about simplicity. Users nowadays look for playful designs that are easy to navigate, have no glitches, and create an amazing user experience.
So how do you deliver this experience to stay ahead?
Here’s a list of top web design trends you must tap into to get there:
Mobile Web Design
Mobile is the new interface of user engagement. This makes it essential for web designers to optimize their designs for mobile devices. Touch-screen devices like iPhone and iPad allow users to interact with a website via touch commands. So, you should either optimize the design for the mobile or create a stand-alone mobile theme.
HTML5 & CSS3
Undoubtedly, HTML5 and CSS3 are the hot topics today. These technologies make the future of web design and help build highly functional web applications. With remarkable HTML5 and CSS3 features, like drop shadows, inbuilt audio-video streaming support, and extended drawing capabilities, you can create designs like never before.
Dynamic Typography
Standard fonts have been here for years and are here to stay for long. But, to attract and engage the audience you need dynamic typography. It allows you to convey the message with more emphasis and draw attention to the desired segment. Google Web Fonts is an excellent tool to use, and it is free!
Image Gallery Slideshows
Gone are the days of boring portfolio pages, which left the audience wondering about what you do. It’s time to switch to dynamic image gallery slideshows that can draw attention to your work. Image slideshow act as guided tutorials is the best way to present your work.
Modal Popup Boxes
Would you like your prospects to leave a lead-generating page, just because the login page has to load next? No? Then use the modal popup boxes. A staple of desktop software and applications, modal popup boxes have become quite popular in web designing domain, as they load content on top of the current page without loading onto a new one.
Mega Menu
Mega menus are a progressing trend in the web design realm and entirely focus on the usability attribute. It not only looks aesthetically good but greatly improves the navigation and usability of a website. Of course, your visitors would love it if you list all the important links under one menu!
Content Chunking
How about content chunks that beautifully lay the content and visuals on the website? Sounds good? Well, content chunking helps visitors easily grasp and digest a website’s contents. Be graphics, punch lines, or the regular blah-blah, you can present your content with maximum emphasis on the important part.
At the end of the day, design is primarily about communication and user experience, that’s why it needs to deliver the content, functionality and personality of the product/brand with simplicity and substance, and yeah style, of course.
