Web design trends are constantly emerging and evolving to provide a better experience for your website users. Recently we have seen the rise of mobile first design, strong graphics, and an engaging user experience.

 

Look with us at 7 trends which are already being widely implemented onto sites:

 

 

1. DARK MODE

 

 

Dark mode uses a predominantly dark colour for the majority of the website. I’ts effectively a reversal of the existing white space trend of a few years ago. The idea behind this is with a move towards more mobile first website visitors, the low levels of light used by dark mode makes it much easier for eyes to read from on smaller devices, causing less eye-strain and a happier experience.

 

Take note if you do decide to cross over to the dark side, you decision should be based on your audience, branding, and the goals of your website.

 

There is no denying that dark mode is already an emerging trend. We expect this trend to continue well into 2021.

 

 

2. ORGANIC SHAPES

 

 

Shapes play an important role when designing a website especially when used to compliment your branding.

 

Incorporating shapes in an effective way will certainly help make page elements stand out.

 

Shapes can be used to add interest and organise content in a visually appealing way drawing attention towards key information. But more than that, shapes can effectively be used to communicate a brand’s vision, identity, goals, and ultimately, drive sales.

 

 

3. MICRO INTERACTIONS & ANIMATIONS

 

 

Micro-interactions are events which have one main task to delight the user. Websites are full of micro-interactions, especially e-commerce websites, such as a call to action transition animation. Attention to details is what basically differs an exceptional website from an ordinary one. Here’s why your website should be using micro-interactions in 2021:

 

 

    • They give tips to your users (in the form of a tooltip);

 

    • They make it easier for users to interact with your website;

 

    • They help make the user experience much more rewarding;

 

    • They communicate information about certain elements, e.g. whether or not it’s interactive;

 

    • They provide immediate and relevant feedback about a completed action to a user;

 

    • They encourage sharing, liking, and commenting on your content;

 

    • They direct users’

 

 

 

4. SIMPLE DATA VISUALIZATIONS

 

 

What is Data Visualization? Data visualisation is the graphical representation of information and data. By using visual elements like charts, graphs and maps, data visualisation tools provide an accessible way to see and understand trends, outliers and patterns in data.

 

Communicating data in an effective and engaging way can sometimes be difficult. It’s a struggle worth while due to the fact that people are generally more responsive to attractive visual elements, which is important to keeping peoples attention.

 

 

5. THUMB-FRIENDLY MOBILE NAVIGATION

 

 

Whether your website is responsive or not is no longer a choice, its an imperative. Not only should your website work well and be easy to use on mobile devices it needs to be thumb-friendly.

 

What is “thumb-friendly”?

 

This relates to the UI design primarily, Is the website at its best if the user comfortably navigates the website as well as the app single-handedly?

 

The main goal for effective mobile web design is to keep the most important functions within the central and lower thumb zone where they can be easily used, regardless of how the user chooses to hold their device. This may be easier said than done, especially the way mobile screens are continually growing in size while thumb reach remains the same.

 

In 2021, website designs will continue to be focused on creating layouts that are thumb-friendly.

 

 

6. ACCESSIBILITY AND AVAILABILITY

 

 

By making your website accessible, you are ensuring that all of your potential users, including people with disabilities, have a good experience visiting your site and are able to easily access your information. However, many websites today are developed with accessibility barriers that makes it difficult or impossible for some people to use.

 

“The new WCAG 2.2 release impacts 2021 Web Accessibility”

 

W3C has specified that this update delivers additional support for website users with cognitive and learning disabilities, those with poor vision, or with specific disabilities, on mobile devices.

 

Making websites accessible benefits not only individuals but also businesses. International web standards define what exactly is needed for accessibility. The main types of disability to consider are people with:

 

 

    • Visual impairments;

 

    • Hearing impairments;

 

    • Mobility impairments;

 

    • Cognitive

 

 

To conclude, all website users benefit from accessible web design, just like we can all use automatic doors and other accessibility features often found in the physical world. Consider your user’s intentions and find ways to align their website behaviours with your business goals.

 

 

7. WEBSITE LOAD TIME AND PAGE SPEED

 

 

A fast loading website will not only engage visitors effectively it will considerably effect your google rankings. In 2021, Google will be continuing down this route which has seen the introduction of Core Web Vitals in the upcoming Core Algorithm Update. The new Core Web Vitals are a list of metrics created to help business owners, marketers, and developers improve user page experience.

 

What are the Core Web Vitals?

 

 

    • Mobile friendliness;

 

    • Safe browsing;

 

    • Https;

 

    • No intrusive interstitials;

 

    • Largest contentful paint (under 2.5 for 75% of page loads);

 

    • First input delay (under 100 milliseconds for 75% of page loads);

 

    • Cumulative layout shift (less than 0.1 for 75% of page loads).

 

 

On the other hand, a slow website may deter users, making them think the website is insecure, unstrustworhty or just frustratingly slow to use.

 

In 2021 speed continues to be a more  important factor than ever before. It directly affects your website experience, as well as your search ranking. It will affect your sales and conversions.

 

What to expect in 2021?

 

Expect to see a strong emphasis of clean eye-catching websites using a darker colour scheme featuring animation and video to enhance the user experience. Updating your website’s design, and making sure it’s accessible, can have a positive impact on your brand and sales. If we had to summarise future web design future in 3 words, it would be: Fast, Accessible and Engaging.

 

 

Contact us if you need any assistance implementing any of the above, we’re here to help. We have several locations around the UK, and recently opened a web design chelmsford office.