Web Design Trends 2021
In between pop-ups, notifications, ads, and endless tabs, it comes as no surprise that web design has turned into a more straightforward and minimalistic space. The main problem your website should address is how users can find what they are looking for with fewer clicks and glances; with so much information to give and so many graphics and pictures to show, that might not be an easy task.
Now, more than ever, user experience and user interface design collide to create a seamless experience for the end-user. This is why web design trends toward a neat, well-groomed environment – and Google already knows that. An up-to-date website is rewarded for keeping up with the trends that we are about to show. So, are you ready to be on the first page?
Whitespace
When used correctly, whitespace, or negative space, can enhance readability and give a more balanced look. When used strategically, it improves user experience by making strong messaging more emphasized and CTAs (call to actions) more visible. And even though it can be called “whitespace,” it does not necessarily have to be white – it can be any background color that contrasts with other elements and make them pop. Do expect to see soft shadows and floating elements around it, creating a layered effect.
Oversized Type and Icons
This includes anything from big typography and exposed, bold grids to oversized icons and amplified menu bars. This trend is coming to direct the user as intended by the designers. They tend to work very well with the previously mentioned whitespace and minimalistic design. If used with too many different elements, it might clutter the space and damage the user experience. Also, a great integration of this feature is full-screen videos that showcase product or service usability.
Vintage Look
What’s old is new again, and we always go back to our old ways. Design concepts from decades ago are back in style, and what worked in print is looking good in digital. One of them is text only heroes, the same that newspapers use to increase sales. They serve as an excellent attention grabber. Mixing photography with graphics is also trending and gives a throwback to collages.
Micro Animation
Video has been trending for a long time now, and that is nothing new. But something that we are starting to see more and more of in 2020 and will continue to be explored in 2021 are micro animations in UX/UI. Small, yet compelling, micro animations attract and delight the eyes of who sees them. They can be implemented in many areas of your website, making information and data more digestible when used correctly.
Custom Illustrations
Original content is everything – drawings included. We are seeing lots of companies hire illustrators to customize their web pages. It has been a very effective strategy since when tailored to a specific audience, illustrations can add to your storytelling while emphasizing branding by leaving a positive impact on the user. Although they have to be placed and used wisely, too much of it might look childish, too little might seem out of place.
Original content is everything – drawings included. We are seeing lots of companies hire illustrators to customize their web pages. It has been a very effective strategy since when tailored to a specific audience, illustrations can add to your storytelling while emphasizing branding by leaving a positive impact on the user. Although they have to be placed and used wisely, too much of it might look childish, too little might seem out of place.
Dark mode
Dark mode will soon be an SEO booster and grant you a space on the first page search. The dark mode was created as an alternative to decrease eye-fatigue, sleep disruption, and increase battery savings – also because it looks cool. Apple has been one of the last OS to implement dark mode on mobile devices and desktops, but after their adoption of it, websites and apps might get pushed to implement it.
