The Top 5 Trends In Web Design

Over the past twenty years, the web has changed and evolved to enhance the user experience. Trends emerge; some are short lived, and some last years. Currently, the web is evolving toward a less complicated and more sophisticated design.

Simplicity

The “keep it simple, stupid” philosophy has spread throughout the Web. The best way to get your point across is to have a simple, user-friendly design. This has spurred new and innovative ways to design with simplicity in mind. A website’s design shouldn’t just be a combination of design elements; it should include large, eye-catching images with digestible sections of content, so as not to overload the user. Architect Georgina Bousia’s web portfolio is a great example of simple design.

Scrolling

Websites with dozens of pages overloaded with content are quickly becoming obsolete. One of the more sophisticated new ways to keep the design clean and to cut down on loading time is to combine all of the content into a single, scrolling page. Parallax scrolling, in which web elements or images move at different speeds to create the illusion of depth, is hugely popular at the moment. In addition to the benefit of being mobile- and tablet-friendly, parallax scrolling allows for a greater storytelling experiences for the user. For example, Grey Goose’s website has incorporated a modernized scrolling feature.

Mobile First

It’s been predicted by many that by 2015, mobile and tablet Internet use will surpass that of traditional laptop and desktop use, making mobile design an absolute necessity. Since the advent of responsive design — a flexible grid system website that adapts to the screen size of the device — that has become substantially easier. Designers need only create a single flexible design instead of two separate websites.

Flat Design

Flat design, an aesthetic that favors minimalism and one-dimensionality, is here to stay. Design elements that are smooth and flat on screen helps keep the design simple, clean, and modern, contributing to a better user experience.

Video Backgrounds

Tons of brands are dabbling in video backgrounds, which allows for a more immersive user experience. Check out Spotify’s home page or Media Boom’s site. Their use of video background instantly elevates the appeal of their sites and gives the user a more thorough introduction to their brand identities.