We are steadily plugging our way through 2017, and the closer we get to the future, the more we look ahead to what the future looks like. Just like you’d likely not hire a designer to paint ‘country sampler’ stamp motifs in your kitchen, it is important for web designers to keep up with design trends so websites look fresh and new. Let’s take a look at some of the new designs and features we’re seeing on websites in 2017, as well as what may be here to stay and what is just a fad.
- Inside the Matrix Grid Layouts
We can thank Pinterest and Tumblr for getting the world used to the idea of flowing stacks of cards and grids to display content. Tomas Laurinavicius describes this design trend as a great display option when you want to make accessible large amounts of content and data. Grid layouts are a solid way to show off a portfolio of work. It is also a great wireframe for lazy loading, which is the developers' term for not loading content until the user scrolls to it, which allows for faster page load times.
- Keep It RealAuthentic Photography
Studies have said for years that web users ignore stock photo people. They seem fake and inauthentic. Another design trend that continues into 2017 is the use of “real” photos. These real photos feature candid expressions and compositions that mimic real life rather than posed, cheesy photos of models.
We're not talking about "real" as in the poor quality photos taken with your smart phone. The need for good quality photography is still very much an issue today as it was 10 years ago. What we mean by "real" photos is the emotional connection it makes to your user. It shares experiences to which users can relate.
This is a trend that we expect to continue far into the future.
- Go A Little Crazy Getting Funky
Shopify expert Kelly Vaughn thinks 2017 will be “a year of going against the design grain.” It is a trend that follows fashion, as colors are vivid and asymmetrical designs rule. This design trend means that some visual elements will just hang out in empty space for no rhyme or reason. It means lots of colors, lots of gradients and lots of things that appear off-kilter. There is a lot of geometric shapes and patterns.
Web design trends of the recent past have focused on clean user experiences with lots of white space and toned-down colors. The flat design trend is still popular, and once something gets too popular, designers try to find ways to stand apart. Some are tweaking the flat design concept but adding small visual elements or shading. Others are going all-out in another direction with handwritten fonts and sketchbook looking images.
- Get Moving Animations + Cinemagraphs
Hopefully we won’t see a return of the dancing hamster from the Internet’s infancy, but animations are making their mark in web design trends. Animations can range from GIFs to background videos, but they add a sense of motion to web sites. Logos are even going animated these days.Cinemagraphs have the appearance of a still image, but one component in the image is moving. Check out this example from Behance. Using this subtle animation is a great way to call attention to a specific element in an image. Also it is just really cool.
- See + Be Seen Storytelling + SEO
Want to convince a user/customer to stay on your web page? Studies suggest by telling them a story you’ll not only keep them connected but also they will retain more information from a story than from reading plain information. So how does this translate for businesses? Consider adding testimonials or feature how a customer is using your product. Giving it that emotional connection can make a huge difference.
Forbes describes “responsive storytelling” as a way to focus users on what is most relevant to them as quickly as possible. Know your audience and create content that is compelling. Forbes describes responsive storytelling as an upside-down martini glass. Get users’ attention with narrowly focused information, then open up for them to explore freely. Think of it like Netflix: you get hooked on a show after one episode, then binge-watch the entire series, then explore the suggested titles related to the show.
By focusing page content on a specific need or want, visitors can find your website through search engines. They can then freely explore and take the next steps to further connect with you.
The Search Engine Optimization trend is not going away. The most beautiful, well-crafted website in the world needs to be accessible to your audience. If they don’t know how to find it. Cube Creative Design can not only build your organization a beautiful, modern website, but Cube Creative can also optimize your website to drive search traffic and convert visitors into customers.
