Trends in web design: What’s new and what’s here to stay?
Web design is constantly evolving and there are always exciting trends and developments. While some classic design principles are here to stay, new approaches and technologies are emerging to make websites more modern, user-friendly and appealing. This article looks at the most important trends that characterise current web design.
1. dark mode: the standard for eye-friendly design
Dark mode has evolved from a trend to a standard feature on many websites and apps. More and more users appreciate the eye-friendly properties and lower power consumption, especially with OLED or AMOLED screens. Dark mode allows creative play with colours and contrasts so that websites remain both stylish and functional. Many websites now offer the option to switch between light and dark mode to customise the user experience.
2. microinteractions for an improved user experience
Microinteractions – small animations or visual effects that react to user actions – have become more important. They help to create a positive user experience by providing feedback or simplifying processes. An animated ‘Like’ button or a menu that gently lights up when scrolling are examples of how microinteractions can subtly improve the overall appearance of a website. These small details contribute to interaction and make browsing more intuitive and enjoyable.
3. mobile first design: an absolute necessity
Mobile first design is no longer just a trend, but a must. As the majority of traffic now comes from mobile devices, the design of websites is primarily optimised for mobile screens. Only then is it adapted for tablets and desktop computers. This means that navigation, layout and content are first developed for smartphones and then scaled for larger screens. A responsive and user-friendly design is now standard.
4. minimalist design for more clarity
Minimalist design remains popular. Less is often more: clear structures, lots of white space and a focus on the essentials ensure a user-friendly and aesthetic website. This design concept also contributes to faster loading times – an important factor for the user experience and SEO ranking. The trend is to present content as simply as possible without sacrificing design aesthetics and brand identity.
5. 3D elements and immersive experiences
3D elements have increasingly found their way into web design. They add depth to websites and make the user experience more interactive and appealing. From product displays in e-commerce to animated illustrations on landing pages, 3D designs offer new ways to stand out from the crowd and impress users. Thanks to improved technologies such as WebGL, these effects can also be displayed smoothly on mobile devices.
6. typography as a central design element
Large, eye-catching fonts and creative typography have become firmly established. Typography no longer just serves as an information carrier, but is itself becoming a design element. Variations in size, colour and style help to create a visual hierarchy and draw attention to specific messages. Readability always remains in the foreground to ensure an optimal user experience.
7 Accessibility and inclusion as must-haves
Accessibility is now far more than just a recommendation – it is a must for modern web design. The focus is on making websites accessible for all users, regardless of physical or cognitive limitations. This includes, for example, clear contrasts, screen reader-optimised structures and simple navigation. Companies are increasingly focussing on accessible websites, not only for ethical reasons, but also to increase their reach and improve their SEO ranking.
8 Customised illustrations and animations instead of stock photos
The trend continues to move away from generic stock photos towards customised illustrations and animations. These give websites a unique character and strengthen the brand identity. Dynamic SVG graphics and smooth animations make websites more lively and interactive, which significantly improves the user experience. Start-ups and creative brands in particular are increasingly relying on personalised visual content to stand out from the competition.
9 Variable fonts: flexibility in web typography
Another trend that is increasingly being taken up is the use of variable fonts. These make it possible to bundle different font styles (e.g. regular, bold, italic) in a single file. This saves loading time and opens up additional design options, especially in responsive design. Designers can thus react to different screen sizes and ensure consistent brand communication.
10 Artificial intelligence in web design
The integration of AI in web design has become increasingly important. AI can analyse user behaviour and create personalised content or layout adaptations based on this. AI also supports the development process with design suggestions or code optimisations. This not only makes the design process more efficient, but also ensures that the end result is tailored to the needs of the user.
Conclusion
In summary, it can be said that current web design is characterised by flexibility, user orientation and creativity. Whether dark mode, individual animations or mobile optimisation – the trends are aimed at making websites appealing, functional and accessible to everyone. This improves the surfing experience for users and optimises the communication of the brand message.
