The world of web design is never static; it’s an exciting playground where creativity, innovation, and technology merge to create captivating online experiences.
As we venture into 2023 and beyond, designers are ready to explore fresh trends that will redefine the way we interact with websites.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the most dynamic web design trends that are set to take the digital realm by storm, offering users an immersive and unforgettable experience.
So buckle up, and let’s dive into the future of web design! Here are some design trends that dominate this year and probably in the future.
2D design is the most dominant graphic design concept in the world. Most websites and packages have 2D styles and renderings. And mostly, for good reasons. 2D is a lot simpler and easier to mass produce if we’re talking packages and prints.
However, now that design software gets more complicated and sophisticated, our capability to provide deeper and more realistic designs goes above the surface. 3D worlds are becoming a trend for the past five years in website design. We can see these styles in design firms, marketing agencies, portfolios, software companies, media outlets, and small and medium enterprises.
3D worlds are entertaining because they offer intricate features. They usually display community. They communicate a character. They tell stories and culture vibrantly. They showcase a stronger aesthetic and brand identity.
Take the fashion company De Bijenkorf as a great example. The website leads you to a forest where they hide their fashion items. You explore it with a bee as your guide.
Another example is the website of Kamakobo, a freelance designer in Tokyo. The website is simple but it does lend you a visual treat with its 3D renderings of a room with equally fascinating items such as desktops, beds, and books — all in 3D.
If you fancy this design, there’s a major catch you need to consider. Its website sped. There’s a big chance that your website loads relatively slower than its 2D-based counterparts. But if you want to compel your visitors the first time then it’s a great trend to follow.
Is minimalism over? Sure not. But if there’s one design trend that challenges its dominance, it’s the design style that is completely opposite of its winning feature (simplicity and cleanliness). Entering the overstimulation trend. It’s where no white space is left out but rather all space is maximized to give you images and captions.
Overstimulation has been going on for the past two years but this year its uptick is wildly noted. The reason? Grabbing attention. If websites report minimal engagement with their minimal designs, then a maximalist take might do them a favor. And for some websites it does.
Take Luka Bop’s website. So many things are going on in the design. First, lots of big letters — all vying for your attention. Second, there’s a wide array of color contrasts. Third, images are so huge they almost take up space. And lastly, all of these elements are competing in tight spaces.
This is also the design style behind Flutter Productions’ website. The letters, the slide boards, and the colors are wild and attention-grabbing.
When they mean overstimulation, they really mean over. However, for this design to pull through, a certain checklist must be checked off. The typeface has to be legible and hierarchy-perfect. The organization of details has to be in such a way that the placement tells a story and communicates a goal. The vector images need to be crisp and clear. The website should also be navigable. And lastly, what your viewers care about speed.
The Neo-brutalism design style is inspired by its brutalist cousin but with a less refined take. Whereas brutalism goes against established design principles, the neo-brutalist style heeds it but considers the shapes and artistry of brutalism.
Neo-brutalism is gaining ground in websites too. Lots of websites use high-brow colors such as orange, neon, and yellow as their website backdrops. Couple that with funky big bold typefaces, and weird-looking icons and faces, then the neo-brutalist has fully spawned.
You can see Bitneki as inspired by this design. Yellow dominates the page, while a big classic 90’s typeface is front and center. Same thing with Gucci Burst. Talk about gamification in wild varying colors.
Neo-brutalism is making a comeback because of its attention-grabbing capabilities. You need loud packaging and a website to lure more unsuspecting visitors. Plus, the newer generations prefer an over-the-top, be-yourself kind of attitude, to which neo-brutalism perfectly adheres.
However, its loudness is softened with the proper hierarchy of details. You can still see clearly where it starts and where it ends. The menus are still visible and you’re going to scroll down to see more information.
Micro Animation lends a modern look to website designs. Borrowing from PowerPoint features, the micro-animated websites are great at being interactive and fun. It’s also the go-to for most product-centered websites.
Micro Animation can be 2D and 3D in style. But one thing is common: when your mouse points to an image, the image moves in different directions, sometimes even 360 degrees( if it’s 3D). Mascots, logos, words, pictures, and even products can be micro-animated.
Once placed strategically on a website, micro-animated images can pull attention from the viewers, increasing website stays. They also feature logo designs, wordmarks, and slogans in animated forms.
You can tell that micro animation inspired these websites: Ma True Cannabis, Olha Uzhykova, Marble Studio. For one, they all love moving images. A 3d rendering of a product, oddball shapes, and flower petals all move either on their own or by your mouse cursor.
If you fancy micro animation, then go for it. Just make sure you incorporate shapes and images that are relevant to your brand story. Or else, it might seem like a distraction. Also, keep it high quality, having pixelated image formats rob your website off of its appealing feature.
Clay designs and icons are becoming increasingly popular in website design, giving a unique and playful touch to the user experience. Inspired by the tactile feel of clay sculptures, these designs combine organic shapes, soft colors, and textured elements to create a sense of depth and warmth.
These designs can be seen in various industries, from fashion to tech and e-commerce, as they add personality to the brand and help it stand out from competitors. The use of clay icons and illustrations gives the impression of a more handcrafted and authentic brand image.
One great example of a clay-inspired design is the website for Grano, an artisanal bakery. The site features clay-like icons and illustrations of bread, pastries, and ingredients, giving a rustic and handmade feel to the online experience. The color palette is soft and earthy, complementing the design perfectly.
Another notable example is Claymorphism, a design trend that combines clay-inspired design elements with neomorphism – a trend that focuses on soft UI, rounded corners, and subtle shadows. An example of this style can be found on the website for an eco-friendly product store. The site uses clay-like icons, illustrations, and buttons, combined with neomorphic design elements for a unique and modern appearance.
Web design trends are constantly evolving, reflecting shifts in technology, user behavior, and aesthetic preferences. In 2023 and beyond, we can expect to see more websites embracing dynamic trends such as 3D worlds, overstimulation, neo-brutalism, micro animations, and clay designs and icons. While each of these trends offers its own unique advantages, it’s important to carefully consider how they align with your brand’s identity, target audience, and overall user experience.
As you explore these trends, remember that the key to successful web design is finding the right balance between aesthetics and functionality. Striking visuals can attract attention, but the overall user experience should remain smooth, intuitive, and engaging. Ensure that your website maintains fast load times, clear navigation, and high-quality visuals to make the most of these exciting design trends.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a memorable and user-friendly website that resonates with your target audience and helps you stand out in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. Stay open to experimenting with new design styles, but always keep your brand’s core values and user needs in mind.
Janella Malapad – Janella is an outreach specialist in an online marketplace for buying and selling logos and domains, BrandCrowd.
