Web design trends come and go, much like in any other business. It's not so much the latest fads in web design that are important, but rather the fundamental principles of effective web design. There will never be a web design fad for things like readable typefaces and text that looks different but still does what it's supposed to do.
It's also possible that functionality such as page layouts, page animations, and even user interface (UI) features such as scrolling might alter with the times. So, whether you're planning a website update or developing a new one from scratch, what should you include in your construction strategy in order to make it appear current?
As a marketing and web design business, we believe these 11 web design trends will be the most essential in 2022.
We can safely state that minimalism has taken root in web design for desktops and mobile devices during the last several years. Many of our customers have come to us with examples of their favourite minimalist websites as a starting point for their own projects.
It's easy to see why; a minimalist design is more pleasing to the eye. Websites with a basic design and user interface (UI) are frequently easier to navigate and use for even the most tech-phobic users. Some of the advantages of minimalist web design include:
Pages load quicker and things don't refresh, producing a disconnected experience thanks to a lack of unnecessary parts.
Those who visit clean websites are less likely to be distracted and more likely to reach their goals.
It's simpler to direct the user rather than overload them with alternatives that will cause them to leave the site because of the lack of options.
Your website doesn't have to be devoid of personality or your brand's ethos if you use simplicity. Color and other UX and design approaches may still help you achieve your goals. In order to reach your website's goals, you must use design elements carefully and discreetly.
It doesn't matter whether your site's visitors like the starker contrast of dark mode or if they're viewing your site in the middle of the night with the lights out. Although it isn't usually the default viewing choice, many firms are beginning to offer it to customers as an alternative.
Where you locate the dark mode selection tool matters only. Do you have to go through all the settings in order to get to it? Alternatively, would you like the dark mode setting to be clearly displayed on every page? The choice is yours, but know that many internet users will appreciate it.
Many websites are expected to use homepage videos as their major design option in 2022. While the approach itself isn't new, several marketers are finding creative ways to include videos on the site in their overall marketing plan.
The most effective way to provide readers with visual information is through video, and this is obvious from the outset. Because a minute of video is worth about 1.8 million words, an effective homepage video may be able to tell a lot more in a shorter amount of time than simple illustrations or simple hero text.
Furthering Hick's Law, the video on the site may reduce the number of on-screen choices a user must make. Video is a great way to cut down on the amount of clutter on your homepage or landing page, particularly when paired with mega navigation or other menu alternatives.
Using fullscreen video in conjunction with lead collection forms may increase conversion rates by 38–43%, depending on the application and placement of the video within the video itself.
There is no denying that video is a powerful marketing tool, but it's not right for every company. There's no denying that slower website load times and higher production costs are legitimate concerns for certain businesses. A more interesting look at a product in action would assist many firms (particularly those who use genuine video footage of their products or services rather than stock reels).
When reading a website, most individuals are familiar with the practise of scrolling up and down. Some websites, however, use a right-to-left scrolling method. Others trick you into thinking you're scrolling in any direction at all by allowing you to see interactive components while you're doing so. That this web design style isn't sleek or disruptive is a major plus. It's an easy-to-understand feature for visitors.
In order to successfully implement this trend, you don't need fancy animations or a lot of content changes. As a result, your brand stands out in a subtle manner thanks to the non-traditional scroll.
The use of Gaussian blur and gradients in photo editing
Both of these design trends aren't new, but as the year 2022 approaches, they're going to become more prominent. It is more of a focused design element where a soft-focus swirl of colour is utilised as a background to draw attention to information or a call-to-action (CTA). You can see how blurred components assist the hero text and main picture by looking at our work for RSI Reference Services:
A gradient, on the other hand, may fill the whole page. But keep in mind that gradients should have complimentary colour palettes. They'll look better. Creating a pleasant experience that isn't disturbing is the objective. In the past, we worked with a client called "QGenda," and we used a relaxing gradient overlaid on top of other graphics to get the same effect:
Everyone loves cartoons, right? While still-life images are nice, cartoons may offer a dash of playfulness, personalise your business and imbue it with personality. Illustrations and animation may work together to keep visitors on your site for longer periods of time.
Check out PayPal's webpage for an example of how cartoon graphics are used. A simple cartoon artwork adorns PayPal's hero text and form fields at this time. An eye-catching and aesthetically different addition that brings a touch of excitement to an otherwise dull eCommerce business isn't over-the-top.
And there's an additional advantage to this. You don't have to rely on hefty design components to make your website stand out if you use cartoon drawings. Whether you choose static or dynamic interactions, visitors are likely to respond positively to both.
Symmetry and order in design appeal to our primal instincts, and there's no denying it. In spite of the fact that most websites aren't perfectly symmetrical, an ordered structure is preferable to a fragmented and chaotic one.
This year, we observed an increase in geometric grid-based websites. The structure it provides, even if it isn't flawless, is what people desire. A well-organized design aids users in completing a desired task or provides them with faster access to relevant information. Check out our ContinuousHealth project:
In a way, it's not a literal grid, but it has a distinct tabbed structure and a clear hierarchy that gives the impression of one. In this client's UX, we developed their site in accordance with that sequence of activities. The steps are written out in a logical order, making it easy for viewers to follow along and removing any possibility of misunderstanding.
Fonts may also be used to attract attention and direct site visitors in the right direction. Large blocks of text should not be written in highly stylized fonts since they are difficult to read (and consequently less accessible), but headers and other spots where new sections should be denoted are ideal.
Retro typefaces have had a revival this year, and it's no surprise. Mid-century typefaces, in particular, are enjoying a renaissance because they offer a timeless character. Here is the Cirq wine purveyor's website:
Cirq plays on the "vintage" feel of their brand by using retro typefaces and a minimalist design. The result is a sleek, high-end look that's devoid of unnecessary distractions. Even if it isn't the best strategy for every company, in some, such as the wine industry, it is great.
While the idea is intriguing, the differing scroll rates might be disconcerting for some users, causing them to feel dizzy. In other words, if you want to use parallax scrolling, make sure it doesn't interfere with any of your site's primary functions by keeping the affected items to a minimum.
Attraction-Generating 3D Visuals
Because of remarkable advancements in web design, you're no longer restricted to 2D visuals. Your website may come to life with the help of 3D modelling.
We're showcasing a new 3D format that seamlessly fits into your website. Most of the time, they work well with simple designs and provide welcome visual intrigue without detracting from the overall experience. The use of colour in 3D designs may also be used to assist in developing a brand strategy.
Take a look at the site of Digital Animals to see how they use this concept. The artists employ a complex 3D visualisation to produce an eye-catching picture that pops off the page despite the image's stark black-and-white colour scheme. Art-based brands benefit a lot from this method, but businesses of all kinds can use the same idea to make their products look better.
Having an accessible website is more or less regarded as a must for many companies and organisations, even if it is not a "trend." We cannot emphasise this enough. In addition to the fact that businesses have a legal need to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities, the public's demand for accessibility is growing.
More than a quarter of all American adults are disabled, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Anything from a physical impairment that makes computer use difficult to colour blindness may fit this description.
