2016 has brought a number of new trends to website design that will only grow in the next year.
In the 21st century, a brand is practically nonexistent if it does not have a website page. And, a brand is practically insignificant if it doesn’t have an eye-catching, unique website design. It is extremely important for web designers to be on top of the current website trends for their brands to thrive. Eight web design predictions were made for 2016-2017 that web designers should be well aware of. These eight trends have been divided into two different categories: Purpose and Structure.
Purpose: Storytelling
Storytelling has become a big part of advertising recently. Twitter’s Ad Carousel is an example of how ads are becoming stories on social media. Websites are also beginning to follow this theme, and trends have been born out of it.
Websites as Stories
Everyone loves being part of a story. Whether they are reading stories or listening to them, they become a part of the story and mentally interact with them. Websites are beginning to become stories with visual, complex features that allow users to interact and be a part of the website. The website becomes a conversation point through all the clickable visuals. The website for Moma’s Centruy of the Child is a great example of an entire website as a story.
Cinemagraphs
The most common form of a cinemagraph is found in the form of a GIF. Both are moving images or video that are looped to constantly move. Cinemagraphs are slightly more sophisticated than GIFs. They also add a storytelling affect to a website and can enhance the desired mood as a whole. This is a cool example of how a cinemagrah is used to tell a story on a website.
Parallax
The parallax affect encourages users to scroll through the entire page and to interact with it. A website was made for GameBoy’s 25th Birthday. It features the original GameBoy device and a game of Tetris. The website visitor has to scroll through the page, in order to view a video-like affect. The only downside to the parallax is that it’s not compatible with mobile devices.
Structure: Uniqueness
For a while, the structure of websites was mostly similar and boring. Now, designers are playing around with different structure to ensure that their brand’s websites are unique. Here are some of the unique structural trends.
Almost Flat Design
Though flat design is simple with a minimalist structure that promotes usability, it is different. It is easy for users to navigate and has visual maturity. The downside is that it is hard to design well. There is a lack of individuality when a number of websites adopt the method. Enter, the almost flat design. The almost flat design uses most of the same design principles as the flat design, but there are a few adjustments, including the use of depth. MySpace, whose structure has completely changed since it was born, now uses the almost flat design structure.
Custom Images
Many websites rely on stock images for all the illustration on their websites. While this is convenient, the website’s images are not very unique and the images could be expensive. Another trend predicted for 2016-2017 is that websites will use more of their own custom-made illustrations. These illustrations add more uniqueness and aesthetic to the website.
Centered and Split Content
Centered content creates striking visuals and adds drama, right in the center of the page. It works well for pages that have minimal content. Designs have endless possibilities. They can be minimalist or have no borders. Split content divides a page into wide sections, most likely in a vertical divide. This method gives both sections equal prominence and importance. It can also give more freedom to designers without sacrificing content.
Upgrade Grids
Grids are a popular structure for website design that can help build form and a level of consistency. This is great for both designers and users, but normal grid systems can seem plain and typical. Upgrade grids defy the typical rules of grid. They allow designers to be more creative. Images on websites can be stacked and overlaid. Designers can also have fun playing with different arrangements of text and images.
The Takeaway
It is essential to be on top of trends, especially in website design, where things are always changing. Use these tips, along with SEO strategies to improve your brand’s website and ultimately boost your brand.
Need help staying on top of the website design trends? Kraus Marketing specializes in Website Design and Digital Marketing, and serves businesses in the NJ & NYC area. To inquire about our services, call us at (973) 990-5742 or contact us at www.KrausMarketing.com.