Web Design Trends: Saying Goodbye to Cliches and Embracing Creativity

The web design industry has come a long way since its inception. The early days of web design were marked by crude designs, tacky animations, and poor user experiences. However, with the growth of technology and the need for better and user-friendly websites, the industry has evolved. This evolution has seen different web design trends come and go, with each trend trying to improve the user experience.

Over the years, web designers have experimented with different design trends. From the comic sans font to under-construction banners, and from shadow buttons to scrolling marquee texts, web design has undergone a lot of changes. However, in recent years, the industry has seen significant changes thanks to advancements in technology, which have placed more focus on user experience (UX).

In recent years, designers have become more creative, and they are ready to ditch all the cliches. No longer is there a need to rely on stock imagery or flat design. Instead, designers are adopting interactive designs and creating user-friendly websites with a modern touch. As brands continue to explore new marketing techniques, the influence of marketers is making itself known in the designing department.

Aplos Innovations, a leading web design and development agency, has predicted the hot design trends of 2017. The infographic below shows some of their predictions for the year.

The Rise of Authentic Imagery

One of the top design trends for 2017 is the use of authentic imagery. This trend involves using genuine photos and videos rather than relying on stock images. Images that are unique and specific to a brand help to convey authenticity, which enhances the user experience.

Authentic imagery is often more visually appealing and elicits a strong emotional reaction from the viewer. This design trend is a reaction against the generic stock photos that have dominated web design. Authentic imagery is an excellent way to showcase a brand’s personality and tell its story, making it an effective way to engage users.

Designing for Individuality

Another hot design trend for 2017 is the design of websites that reflect individuality. Due to the increase of competition, it’s essential for businesses to establish their brand identity and communicate their uniqueness. Websites are no longer one size fits all, and a custom approach is required.

Designers are creating websites that are tailored to a brand’s identity. This trend involves combining user personas and customer feedback to create a website that caters to the specific needs of a company’s target audience.

Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual reality is another design trend that is gaining ground in the web design industry. It involves creating an interactive environment that mimics reality. With virtual reality, websites can easily transport users to different locations and offer them an immersive experience.

Virtual reality technology has become more accessible and affordable, making it a viable option for web designers. As more users become comfortable with virtual reality technology, we can expect to see more websites incorporating this trend.

Micro-interactions

Micro-interactions are small interactions within a website that engage the user and enhance the user experience. Examples of micro-interactions include animations, button confirmation, and sound effects. These tiny interactions improve the overall user experience by making it more fun and memorable.

One of the benefits of micro-interactions is that they are easy to create and implement. Simple yet effective micro-interactions can add a touch of personality to a website that can make a big difference in the overall user experience.

Flat Design is on Its Way Out

Flat design has long been a prevalent design trend in the web design industry. However, times are changing, and the trend is no longer as popular as it was a few years ago. Flat design is a minimalist design approach that relies on geometric shapes, bold colors, and simple typography.

Despite its long-standing popularity, flat design is gradually giving way to more unique and creative designs. Many designers are now looking for ways to incorporate depth and texture into their designs, which can make them more visually appealing.

Conclusion

The web design industry is continually evolving, and 2017 has seen the rise of new trends while others are becoming less popular. Web designers are looking for ways to create user-friendly websites that convey authenticity and individuality. Authentic imagery, virtual reality, and micro-interactions are some of the top design trends of 2017. With these trends, web designers can create unique and engaging websites that make an impact on users. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more trends that shape the future of web design.