Web Design Trends For 2018

Posted on March 28, 2018 by BTI Admin - Website Design

At BTI, we are always on the lookout for the next best thing in design, and we know that design trends often have roots in unconventional means. For example, how does a 2018 runway show impact websites in 2019? How does an update to mobile software manipulate the way we design websites and apps? It is all relevant. Continue reading to see what we’re predicting to be the top styling trends this year:

1. Think Mobile

Studies show that an increasing amount of web surfers are tuning in from their devices, taking part of 52.64% of total online traffic in 2017. Today, all e-commerce sites should be functional from a phone. Customers take action while they’re waiting at a bus stop, on a road trip, while comparison shopping in stores; and your site needs to be ready. Why does this matter? No matter how big or small your company is, it is time to take responsive design seriously. That is – how your website displays across various screen sizes and devices.

2. Duotone And Vibrant Colour Schemes

If you haven’t noticed the rising trend of colorful schemes in a lot of different brands, take a look at Spotify. Since 2015, brands have started maximizing colours in their advertising collateral and brand identities.

Packetlabs IT Security

Lazeez Shawarma

EgWine Co

Spotify

Milk Beauty

3. Big, Bold, Stylized Typography

Retro styles have started to come back into visual design, and typography has become a focal point.

Typography has been playing a significant role in design and most brands use it as a tool to tell a story or to strengthen the brand’s identity. Therefore, we predict that 2018 will be ALL about font treatments. See the 8Faces example below. As the minimalism trend is getting more popular, a lot of designers are having typography  interact with empty space to create a sense of sophisticated quality.

BTI Colours

8 Faces Beauty

Capo Capo

Ours Roux

4. Stylized Illustrations

Illustrations have been a great medium for storytelling and are widely used in different marketing materials.

While photography provides a direct visual of the product, illustrations are great for service-based brands that want to build their brand in a specific way. Creating custom illustrations can be helpful in giving the brand a character that is lively and approachable. As well as being highly customizable and versatile, a touch of illustration can go a long way.

Two Crazy Ladies

Stride

Boulé

Headspace

5. Integrated Animation

Instead of 2D graphics, more and more brands are using small and appropriate amounts of animations on their main page.

They say moving objects catch more attention, and that is true! Studies have found videos get more views and get the passerby to stay longer on the page.

Demac

Maverick agency

Design Better

6. Infographics and Data

Displaying data and results on a web page is a great way to tell customers that “hey, we’re doing great!” Rather than presenting boring numbers and analytics, we see web designers using infographics integrated with slight animation to spice up the visuals. When the content is eye-catching, it will intrigue the viewers to stop and wonder what it is all about.

Neomam Studios

Fire Works (app)

7. Simplicity, Simplicity

Minimalism is in.

It is a secret of designers to play with the balance of empty space and minimal content to create a visually pleasing aesthetic. Without too much distraction, the message that the brand wants to tell can come through strongly and leave a remarkable impression.

Lumina Lighting Sales

Grandir

ManCave

8. Artistic Photography

Photography is still the main source of product advertising that is used in all types of marketing material, from print to digital. It captures the realism of the products with a creative twist that can bring out the personality of the brand. As trust in advertising falls, people are more attracted to imagery that looks real, unedited and natural. That is why we see a lot of playful touches in them, such as 2D graphics and animation integrated with realistic photography or a simple, nicely captured photograph.

Mieu by KOMA

Manduka

Beats

9. Gradients and Colour Blocks

Gradients are making a huge comeback.

They’re bringing a dynamic, strong and playful colour movement into the design scene. A simple gradient background can be the perfect on-trend solution for UI/UX design when you’re going for a simple and sophisticated look yet want to add some dimension to the design. We have seen a lot of brands redesigning with gradient colours on their website, apps, or even logos. They’re not the most print-friendly option – but for business with an online focus – it makes sense!

Elje

Asana

10. 2D And Drop Shadows

Since the trend of simplicity is on the rise, 2D designs are coming back but as 2.0. With minimal colour schemes that are carefully chosen to represent the character of the brand, they are colour blocks, divider, text, and content. With the effect of using subtle drop shadows, it creates a 3D effect that makes the visual come to life. There are more and more brands that are choosing to present their products in the most simple way possible, which is to use close-cut product photography and add drop shadows.

Apple

LAMPS. By Stanislav Myzenko and Prof-IT Company

Sweet Donut by HEZY .org and Hezy Theme

All of the trends we noted above are exciting and beautiful and can be used to tell your brand story in a powerful way.

Do you think your brand could benefit from any of these trends? Get in touch with us today, we would love to talk!