The year 2018 was an exciting one for web design creative agencies.
It was in 2018 when advancements in technology were introduced that help us connect better with users, new styles that push the boundaries, and stronger focus on accessibility guidelines and documentation to make the web more accessible and consistent for all users.
With all these developments, it is worth slowing down and taking a look at the trends that are likely to stick around and what new things can be expected come 2019.
1. Flat Design
Flat design is a minimalist approach to design that uses bright colours, clean and open space, as well as simple two-dimensional illustrations. It started off as just another trend but it has grown to become the standard for web design over the years.
The growth in popularity of flat design can be linked to the need for quick-loading websites that offer users an enjoyable browsing experience on both desktop and mobile. Flat design mainly relies on simple illustrations that are less data-heavy compared to websites that use heavy visuals or large images. This translates to a much quicker loading time overall.
2. Animated GIFs
Internet users today have an “instant gratification” mindset with regards to finding the information that they seek. What this means is that you have just a small window of time within which to capture their attention and provide them with the answers or solutions they seek.
It is where animated GIFs really shine. Animated GIFs can be used for conveying complex ideas within a short amount of time while still being entertaining and engaging.
3. Machine Learning and Conversational Bots
Chatting with bots has now become second nature. Huge advancements have also been made in artificial intelligence as well as bot capabilities. You probably see it on a daily basis when Facebook asks whether or not you wish to be tagged in a photo or when Google offers auto-suggestions.
Companies have started seeing the benefits that bots can bring including:
- Improved efficiency by allowing for time-saving and easier transitions between cases.
- Greater convenience by providing instant responses to users and filtering them to the suitable contact based on their issues.
4. White Space
Web design is now moving towards a “less is more” mindset. It means that websites are now opting for simpler layouts with more white spaces. White spaces are also referred to as negative spaces and they are the empty spaces on webpages.
You can think of white spaces as the breathing room around elements of the page. Using white space for separating the different sections on your webpages improve readability and make digesting critical information easier for users.
5. Asymmetrical Layouts and Broken Grid
Web design has recently started putting great emphasis on designing within a set grid. A grid system helps maintain consistency and alignment throughout a design and allows developers to bring it to life more easily.
Still, designers are increasingly starting to break outside the standard grid. It helps designers exercise more creative freedom with their work and create another hierarchy level on a page and allows for more unique and intriguing designs.
6. Using Organic Shapes
Organic shapes are uneven and irregular. Simply put, it is a nice way of saying imperfect. Organic shapes appear more humanistic and hand-drawn. It is their unique appearance that makes them ideal for grabbing the attention of users as well as adding a personable touch to a website.
Combined with an image or illustration, organic shapes can also add a nice depth to your website, breaking up the monotony of the same squares and circles that you are already used to seeing in design.
So, there you have it, the top six trends likely to shape how websites are designed come 2019 and perhaps even beyond. From an aesthetic perspective, it is safe to assume that websites will continue moving towards the clean and practical style of flat design.