Web Design Trends
As we mentioned a few weeks ago, web design is going to rank pretty highly around our blog topics for the beginning of the year. The quick explanation for that is because we offer services in web design. However, this blog is not just meant to promote us or our services. Instead, we sincerely hope to leave our website guests with a greater understanding of various topics that we interact with on a daily basis. Web design is one of those topics, so we began this new era with a look at what falls under web design. This week we are furthering this discussion by discussing current web design trends.
Now, it should be noted that website trends change from year to year, and like most areas, web design trends will re-emerge after being banished for a while. So, while there are literally dozens of these that we could talk about, we’re only going to focus on a few for this week.
1) Interactive Websites
This is a pretty broad category, but motion and interactions are the name of the game in 2023 when it comes to websites. Features that would fall under this category would include scrolling effects, animated illustrations, interactive product displays, animated cursors, and micro animations. Scrolling effects are animations that are activated by scrolling, which can encourage visitors to keep going below the fold. Animated illustrations can be used to convey more complex ideas and improve user experience while adding some personality to the site. For something on a smaller scale, you can implement meaningful micro animations like text that moves a little when your cursor hovers it. Interactive product displays can easily be implemented by using hover or rollover effects. Animated cursors are a popular trend because they take something that we all use and transform it into something that is interactive and generally more exciting.
2) Illustrations with Dimensionality
Maybe we can thank the metaverse for this or just the ways that technology continues to grow and evolve, but illustrations with dimension are currently quite popular. 3D designs are an effective way to stand out and leave a lasting impression on visitors. So, prepare yourself for a lot of 3D illustrations, 3D page styles, and clay morphism.
3) 90’s and Y2K Inspired Design
That’s right. This is one more area that is being heavily influenced by the trends of the 90’s and early 2000’s. However, don’t expect the clumsiness or annoying features that we all experienced during the days of dial-up. Instead, this trend is showing itself as a smooth user experience that incorporates elements like bright menu color blocks, flashy cursors, ironic slogans and teasers, and even intentional pixelated designs.
4) Maximalism
While minimalism will still exist and will find its merits within the trends of web design, the direct opposite of it is finding a foothold in 2023. Some could argue that minimalism stifles creativity, so maximalism is on the rise and will be loud, distinguishable, and bold. There are several ways that you can punch up maximalism on your website. You can do it through elements like styles, colors, and tones; a lot of this will revolve around having bold and possibly clashing color schemes and visuals that are heavily layered. You can incorporate repetitive patterns or shapes. You can completely ditch the importance of whitespace and instead lean into an overload of lines and graphics. And yes, this might overlap somewhat with 90’s and Y2K aesthetics we mentioned above.
So, there are a lot of popular trends that we’re seeing this year, and this really only scratches the surface. Some of them are simpler like pastel colors and gradients; others take a lot more time and intention like the interactive elements or 3D artwork.
So, what other trends have you noticed this year? Are you incorporating any of these into your website?
Comment, and let us know! And, as always, if you are looking for assistance in setting up a custom yet simplified website, you can find more information here.