If one thing is certain, it is that when it comes to web design, things change quickly, very quickly! However, the ambition of web designers remains the same: to offer a qualitative user experience and to increase the opportunities for online conversions.
The key trends spotted in 2020 already heralded the colors for the years to come: simplified interfaces, well-thought-out interactions and an ever more immersive browsing experience.
1. Interactive 3D elements
If 3D was formerly reserved only for an "elite", it is now accessible by most web designers, and the latter do not hesitate to exploit it.
Technological developments now make it possible to design interactive 3D models to go even further in the relationship with the user. These help create an immersive experience on websites and extend browsing time.
The border between reality and digital technology is thus thinner and thinner, which does not fail to echo the current context. Companies and brands are indeed more aware than ever of the importance of the online user journey.
In this context, interactive 3D appears to be an excellent way to strengthen the link between the consumer and the brand and to recreate a shopping experience that is just as satisfying as in a store.
2. The depth effect and floating elements
Shadows and floating elements help add depth to designs.
This trend is particularly interesting if you want to create a 3D effect without using this technology.
Unlike "flat design" - which was one of the leading trends almost a decade ago - soft shadows and floating elements are juxtaposed with each other and bring lightness to the designs.
This technique can also be used on text or images.
3. Minimalist navigation
In 2021, web design is decidedly simple!
No more super-loaded interfaces and overly complex navigation bars. Now is the time for simplification to make the user experience (UX) ever more fluid.
And this for a simple reason: the more easily the user will find what he is looking for, the more he will be likely to stay on the site (and therefore, to have a longer navigation). To do this, the navigation bars are more and more minimalist and improve their functionality.
For their part, large text boxes give way to videos and large format photos to present or clarify a concept. This helps to draw more attention to the goals of the company or brand.
A trend which can be explained in part by the growing use of “portable” technologies (tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, etc.).
In this context, web browsing must now be designed for these devices and adapt to increasingly smaller screen formats.
4. Photo and illustration: towards an "all-in-one"
This is a trend that we found on many sites during the year 2020 and which will certainly continue in 2021. Halfway between real shots and drawings, it adapts to all sectors activity.
The juxtaposition of graphic elements with pictures allows to bring more creativity and elegance to the designs.
This technique - which could be related to collage - can be used, for example, to personalize product sheets or clarify a concept, thus creating a real visual effect.
Combining photo and drawing means choosing a visual identity with character, in which “decorative” images have no place.
The pictures have a playful dimension, retain the user's attention more and help him understand the offer and / or the service offered.
To avoid the "patchwork" effect, it is important to ensure that the different styles (illustrations and photos) blend well with each other.
5. Micro-animations
If the different visuals of a site help to strengthen the brand image, interactions, they attract the eye and create a link with the Internet user.
These are not big visual effects that would slow down the loading time of the pages and the speed of the site, but rather small interactions triggered following an action carried out by the Internet user: click, hover over a item, adding a product to the cart, scroll, etc.
So many interactions that can pursue multiple objectives (helping the discovery of a product, improving the reading experience, leaving a lasting mark in the mind of the Internet user, etc.) and helping to offer a unique user experience.
Be careful though: if micro-animations bring dynamism and creativity to designs, it is preferable to use them sparingly at the risk of saturating the interfaces, especially those on mobile.
6. The imperfect design
Creativity, dynamism, originality… all that was missing was authenticity to complete this top web design trend!
By “imperfections”, we mean elements that will contrast with the “smooth” and uncluttered side of minimalist web interfaces. The buttons and navigation bars are thus accompanied by hand-drawn elements (icons, illustrations, small portions of text).
A trend that makes it possible to bring a more human dimension to a brand or a company and to communicate on emotional and above all, positive values.
More generally, the imperfect design makes it possible to meet a growing demand from consumers, in search of more naturalness and a "handmade" appearance (in short: authenticity).
7. White spaces
When we know that web design interfaces tend to become more and more minimalist, it's no wonder that white spaces are also part of the trends for 2021!
If “full frame” designs (which occupy the entire screen) were previously very widespread, web designers now favor more refined layouts by including white frames in particular.
This trend allows, on the one hand, to bring more structure to the designs and, on the other hand, to highlight the elements included within the framework (message, products, values, etc.)
White spaces can be used in different forms to breathe some life into the browsing experience and leave more room for the user.
8. The oversize
Unlike white space, oversize is a trend that consists of displaying XXL elements on its site.
It can be used through all aspects of web design such as navigation menus, typography, photos and videos.
Many web designers choose to display full-width videos or visuals at the top of their site to support a message and reinforce its memorization. However, each media must be carefully selected so that the site does not end up too "invaded".
For a successful oversize effect, it is important to ensure that the visuals in question adapt correctly to the different devices (desktop, mobile, tablet) at the risk of rendering the message unreadable.
Like micro-animations (trend n ° 4), it is therefore advisable to use the "oversize" effect sparingly (and only if it adds value to the navigation experience).
9. Bright colors
Last trend and not the least: the combination of colors which are sometimes neon, sometimes saturated, and which, associated with dark backgrounds, bring brightness to the designs.
Colors have the advantage of emphasizing messages in a subtle way while creating a certain visual liveliness. In 2021, they will continue to be inspired by the “80's” style and its neon signs!
The choice of colors in the service of marketing remains just as strategic, and we will not use the same colors depending on the objectives pursued.
By surfing the wave of minimalism and "dark fashion", color palettes are now more daring, original, almost futuristic! With one objective that remains the same: to create a strong visual impact on the Internet user.
In 2021, a clean web design but no less impactful ...
In 2021, web design trends give pride of place to creativity! The websites want to be more and more modern while offering a navigation experience adapted to the expectations of the users.
The minimalist and refined interfaces give their place to interactive and colorful elements to enhance messages and communicate on positive values.
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