Nowadays, web design is a blend of aesthetics and functionality, aiming to create engaging and effective digital experiences. Here are the trends dominating the current web design landscape.
1. Maximalism
Ever heard of the saying "less is more"? Well, this new trend contrasts with the philosophy of architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and designer Dieter Rams, who advocate for "Good design is as little design as possible." Maximalism is on the rise in web design, filling screens with vibrant colors, bold graphics, and striking visual aesthetics.
While it might seem like more is too much, sometimes the idea of "more is more" isn't as outlandish as it sounds if the goal is to make a big impact. When large-scale elements are used proportionally to the rest, you can achieve very interesting and bold websites.
Maximalism is making its mark everywhere, from food brands to streaming services. And it doesn't seem like it's going away anytime soon!
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2. Surreal Worlds
This year, brands have shifted their design strategy to create imaginary brand worlds that span websites, social media, and packaging. This new perspective is an invitation for people to immerse themselves in a captivating story, playing with imagination and authenticity.
Using characters and graphic mascots, optical art, psychedelic elements, among others.
The trend of building worlds around the brand seems to be a practice that will continue to grow. As consumer touchpoints further diversify, this approach is likely to strengthen, offering brands the opportunity to interact with the audience in varied and immersive ways, thus fostering deeper connections and loyalty to the brand.
From its humble beginnings to current trends, web design continues to be an ever-evolving discipline that challenges and surprises designers and users alike.
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3. Gen Z Style
The aesthetic of Generation Z encompasses a unique blend of vitality, eclecticism, and digital fluidity. It manages to combine retro influences with contemporary styles by using vibrant colors that evoke nostalgia from the 90s and early 2000s, while embracing a maximalist approach in technology. Key visual features include effects reminiscent of 2000s brochures, stickers, bright icons, fisheye lenses, and a palette of neutral colors such as yellow, lilac purple, and bright green. These elements have become distinctive signals of Gen Z's unique aesthetic, and brands are integrating them in impactful ways.
Renowned brands like Nike are adopting this aesthetic, as well as makeup and skincare brands like Billie and Good Weird. This cultural shift in design and visual language reflects the evolution of Gen Z's tastes and preferences.
Image extracted from Wix
4. Toggle Effect
The toggle switch, commonly used on mobile sites, is expanding its presence to desktop experiences. The incorporation of these buttons on desktops is just one part of this broader trend showcasing the evolution of web design and its ability to meet user expectations across different devices.
This trend not only adds interactive elements but also contributes to overall accessibility and user experience on desktop interfaces.
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5. Bentobox Design
The "bentobox" concept, initially created to effectively organize meals, has found its place in the digital realm and captivated both designers and clients. This user interface structure presents a versatile and compartmentalized design that efficiently organizes digital elements into distinct and functional sections.
Recognized for its flexibility, this user-friendly design enhances the user experience by presenting information in a visually appealing and easily understandable manner, going beyond conventional grid designs.
6. Renaissance Art
This variant of maximalist web design draws inspiration from the opulence, meticulous details, and emblematic extravagance of the Baroque and Rococo artistic movements of the 17th and 18th centuries.
It departs from the extremely simplified and standardized visual aesthetics that have predominated recently, returning to a richer, more luxurious, and ornate visual heritage. This luxurious and evocative aesthetic, along with a sense of timeless bespoke craftsmanship, has spread to various digital realms.
Image extracted from Wix
7. Artificial Intelligence (AI)
In just over a year since its launch, ChatGPT has notably transformed our way of working and our creativity. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have seamlessly integrated into various aspects of our design processes and offer valuable assistance in idea generation, content creation, visual planning, and even in image and video production.
AI will continue to play a crucial role in conversations about design and technology. As its capabilities expand and refine, designers explore both the potential and limitations of AI in their creative processes.
8. Retro Glamour
Another variant of maximalism finds its inspiration in the visual extravagance and exclusivity associated with the excesses of the 80s and early 90s. This approach employs various nostalgic elements, such as grainy background textures, smooth single-color gradients, and a strong reliance on vintage-style photography. With this style, you can appeal to an audience seeking vintage charm mixed with modern allure.
It also incorporates classic magazine layout techniques, such as fine-line motifs and borders on images.
Regarding font choice, thin semi-serif and serif letters complement the retro vibe, along with secondary character styles.
Image extracted from Wix
9. Feminine Retrofuture
A new aesthetic trend is emerging on the internet inspiring web designs based on kawaii aesthetics, a charming and adorable Japanese style. It's like the little brother of dial-up era design. This web design trend exudes a hyper-feminine and playful aura.
These designs are adorned with elements like hearts, bows, butterflies, and lots of feminine charm. This trend intertwines with fashion movements such as balletcore and coquettecore.
10. Dial-up Design
In today's design landscape, memes have gained acceptance as design elements, sometimes preferred, especially for brands looking to reach younger demographics such as millennials, Generation Z, and Generation Alpha.
We are witnessing a resurgence of nostalgia in design that transports us to the early days of the internet, when specific online communities existed, limited technology, and a more freely creative environment without the brand restrictions we see today.
Image extracted from Wix
Brands are using low-fidelity elements to quickly respond to fleeting internet trends, such as collaborations with popular hashtags.
11. Desplazamiento en bucle
This design option offers a seamless and endless scrolling experience, allowing smooth navigation through content. However, this perpetual loop can be exhausting for users, who crave a clear endpoint, such as a footer.
Although it has found its place in creative sectors like fashion and smaller direct-to-consumer (DTC) websites, its adoption by large brands still generates debate.
12. Large Buttons
This preference for large-sized buttons could be attributed to the decreasing attention spans of users, who seek more noticeable visual cues for important actions. It could also be related to the increasing integration of mobile features into desktop interfaces. Regardless of the reason, these eye-catching buttons grab attention and are impossible to overlook.
The strategy of using large buttons seems poised to remain an effective solution for increasing click-through rates.
Image extracted from Wix
13. Large Footers and Headings
Forgotten elements like headers and footers are taking on a more significant role, and we can expect them to occupy more screen space as web design evolves. Influenced by the popularity of expressive typography, it aims to showcase complex and distinctive fonts.
There will be a focus on bold typography and a rethink of visual hierarchy to highlight and give identity to brands.
Conclusion
2024 brings with it numerous design styles that strongly challenge the design trends that were all the rage in 2020, such as minimalism, indicating that it will be an exciting and diverse year in web design, where creativity, storytelling, and adaptability play fundamental roles.
Today, web design is a blend of aesthetics and functionality, aiming to create engaging and effective digital experiences. If you're seeking inspiration for your next project or want to explore how these trends can enhance your online presence, visit our website at www.estudiocks.com.ar.
