3 hottest trends in web design and branding

Over the years, web design has changed a lot. Early websites from the 90s now look like relics from a lost civilisation. There are many reasons for the change in web design; an understanding that simple messaging is key, rather than trying to stuff your homepage with as many calls to action as possible. A greater acceptance of scrolling, allowing the use of full-screen images. Smartphones becoming ubiquitous led to simplified designs that could easily be viewed on a desktop or mobile. The design of your website needs to evolve constantly in like with technological developments and aesthetic movements. 

1. Don’t be imprisoned by grids
 
Web design naturally lends itself to grids and organising your layout in such a way keeps it looking simple, elegant, and easy to navigate. This has been the case for some time now and such designs are looking boring, corporate, and lazy. Recently there have been many different attempts to break out of the confines of grid-based design and to do something more interesting. Memphis Design is one such attempt that is becoming increasingly popular. It began in the 1980s primarily in furniture and interior design. Art déco, 1950s Kitsch, and pop art were the main inspirations behind Memphis Design. These design elements are now finding their way into web design characterised by irregular patterns and pastel colours.

2. Chatbots that are friendly and useful

Chatbots have quickly become an essential element to incorporate into your web design. In the past, these instant messaging systems all looked fairly uniform like pale imitations of Facebook Messenger. Now they have become an accepted and integral part of many websites, people are thinking more about their design. Bright colours not only draw attention to them but they also make them seem friendlier. More and more websites are also including a mascot to represent their chatbot to give a warmer feeling to the interaction.

3. Step out from the corner

The grid layout of old websites, and many current ones, lends itself to using geometric shapes, such as squares, rectangles and even triangles. These straight lines and sharp edges can create a sense of stability and professionalism. However, they are also beginning to feel cold and out-dated. There is increasingly a move towards using more fluid and organic shapes and lines. These design elements are asymmetrical but give users a more natural vibe. Incorporating natural design elements into your website can make it feel more friendly, comfortable, and accessible.