Contents
1. Mobile app-like UI/UX
Mobile devices and computers are taking up more of our time, which is going to be around for a while. As design for mobile phone usage has taken off, websites are quickly beginning to follow suit. The advancement of software technology has enabled UI/UX designers to use no-code tools to design websites and other digital products quickly and more efficiently. We're referring to clever animations and micro-interactions that make websites more engaging and fun to use. As consumers, we’ve gotten used to using mobile app interfaces, which in some ways has dictated design styles for websites.
2. Oversized lettering
Large fonts and typography is becoming a common trend. Used for sections and making statement headlines, this dramatic style is used to draw attention to what may appear as a minimal design. Since typography styles are plenty, designers are taking advantage of this to create eye-catching designs.
3. Font styling and variation
Going a step further, freelance website designers and agency designers alike are finding ways to make their fonts interactive. From varying font-weight on hover to masking effects, typography has become a design element that contributes to the overall UX and interaction design rather than just text paragraphs.
4. Glass-like visual effects
Glass-like visual effects, called glassmorphism, are characterized by color and transparency to give off a 'glass-like' appearance to an element. Doing this realistically requires tweaking shadows, reflections, and diffusions. This effect is commonly found on fintech (financial technology) websites to give off a luxury or premium look.
5. Reduced neumorphism
Neomorphism was a popular trend identified by rounded edges, neutral or low-contrast colors, and soft shadows. The problem is that the color palettes traditionally associated with this design are complicated to view, specifically for those with vision impairment. Accessibility in web design is trending up, which means neumorphism is slowly finding its exit.
6. Accessibility design
Websites are being used by more and more people. Therefore it is essential that they can be used by everyone without difficulty, even those with disabilities or impairments. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) has released Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 in order to aid website designers in building sites that are accessible to people with and without disabilities. If a website is more accessible, it is more easily understood and usable by more people.
7. More scroll-based interactions
With sites like Apple, scroll-based interactions have been around for some time, but they've been difficult to design and code. However, no-code tools, like Webflow, have bridged the gap between designers and coders. It's now more straightforward to replicate these advanced effects without writing a single line of code. Scroll effects are used for consumer product websites and single-page websites.
8. Motion design
Internet speeds are much faster today, which means designers are pushing design by incorporating more visually demanding content that takes more resources to load on a web page. Web designers are using 3D effects and models and making them responsive. Keep in mind that effects like this can cause motion sickness to some users. Therefore there always needs to be a balance in how it is used. Our attention spans have gotten shorter; thus, designers are getting more creative in order to capture that attention.
9. Color gradients
Gradients have always been a part of visual and graphic design, but they've made their way into image overlays, text effects, buttons and borders. Gradients used to be seen primarily with backgrounds.
10. Noise and grain
Another common pairing with gradients is noise and grain. This is added to create texture and make a page appear more realistic and tactile. Even for those who are sensitive to light, a background with noise will be much easier to stare at than a perfectly white background. Noise and grain can also be used on backgrounds, buttons, and images.
11. Layering effects
Designs used to be flat and boxy. In 2023 and beyond, it will be common to see design elements overlapping each other. For example, text with drop shadows on top of images that appear to be floating in 3D space. Images as well are becoming less rectangular. Layering is a fun effect that will make any webpage design unique and more engaging.
12. Retro design
Retro design uses bright colors, geometric shapes, and classic elements like cassette tapes and vintage typography. Designers may find a lot of inspiration from fashion because that industry is known to be on the cutting edge of trends. The 80’s look is an excellent contrast to the modern technology look when executed well.
13. Abstract illustrations
Web designers are bringing back the hand drawing touch by incorporating more illustration in addition to photography. Thanks to technology, it's easier than ever for illustrators to digitize their hand drawings for a website or app design. This is a surefire way to make a design authentic.
14. Borders and outlines
One way to make a boxy design look fresh is to use outlines and borders. When borders are used, they create visual interest and draw attention to specific elements or sections on a page. They can also focus more attention on a particular button or call to action. Outlines can be used to create more hierarchy and organization on a page.
15. Hero sections with no images
Using a large image as the first thing you see on a website isn't the only way to draw attention. Instead, you'll see websites that utilize other strategies on this page, such as oversized typography and animated text. Text can often be more effective at conveying a specific message to a user. With the use of images sometimes they can be distracting.
16. Single-page websites
We could all use more simplicity on the web, and a lot of the trends in this article speak for that. Single-page websites have continued in popularity because they’re great for new businesses announcing a new product and for controlling the amount of content that needs to be presented. A single landing page is a perfect exercise that gets you to cut out the messaging that isn’t important to your user. Digital marketers are constantly testing new pages and creating landing page systems in order to deploy custom pages at scale.
17. No-code tools
No-code tools will have an increasing impact on the future of software and web development. Platforms like Webflow, Bubble, and Airtable make it easy to create and build designer sites and web and mobile apps without any coding knowledge. Adopting a no-code solution will benefit any business because they reduce development time and back-and-forth communication between the designer and developer. This means prototypes and digital products launch and iterate at rapid speeds.
What are web design trends?
Web design trends are common practices and styles that we see in website design. Designers need to stay current with these trends and be mindful of what other creative industries are doing. The power of technology has allowed almost anyone to be able to produce innovative designs that can be seen anywhere in the world. The goal is always to create something chic, unique, and creative, all while incorporating good UX practices, ease of use, and practicality.
Summary
This is our collection of the top web design trends to watch for in 2023. Software technologies evolve quickly, so we'll continue to see creativity as designers push the envelope. If you notice any of these trends when you're browsing the internet, take note of the ones you like and see how you can apply them to your website.
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