When one mentions web design, there are so many aspects that come to mind that you tend to get confused. There are so many methods, possibilities and things to consider when designing a website! Here we will go through some of the most prominent trends in web design. Since the start of the year 2015, there have been a number of noticeable trends that one should really ponder about, as they can have a significant effect on a website that is trying to establish itself online.
* Maximum impact by making it big!
One of the most prominent trends this year is boldness. There are many websites that are focusing on largeness, that is on their homepage, there are just a few elements, which are however, big. Full screen images, or videos, accompanied by large fonts are being used. The most obvious reason is to be simple yet bold. It is a good way to attract attention and make an impact. This trend is evident in web designs that use the 'Cinematic' or 'Book Cover' design. This design is also advantageous when coding a site for mobiles and smartphones, as the layout will remain unchanged. This trend is becoming increasingly popular and even important websites such as PayPal have recently opted for such a design.
* Visual effects:
Visual effects that create a multimedia experience are important for many designers. Currently the HTML canvas is being used to achieve such a design.
* Innovative scrolling:
Color scrolling and horizontal scrolling are gaining popularity. They are innovative and engaging.
* Flat designs:
Flat designs are favoured for small elements on a websites, such as menus and icons. This offers improved scalability and manageability.
* Page layouts that go beyond rectangular designs:
Practically any shape is being given importance, as long as it is not a rectangle. Circles and hexagons are probably the most common shapes that are being used when designing website layouts, but even irregular shapes are sometimes used. The more innovative it is the better.
* Creating tiles:
Tiles are gaining popularity as they are an acceptable way to structure content, and they also enable a responsive layout. Tiles with zigzagged edges are also gaining popularity. For those who prefer not to stick with the regular tiles, there are innovative ways to make them more interesting, such as bringing text across the edges, or pushing objects.
* Google maps:
The integration of Google maps in a website is becoming more common. It makes it more convenient for users, and it is also more visually interesting lately as a result of the customization options that Google is providing.
* Navigation widgets:
Sticky menus and street views are two of the most common navigation options that are being used lately in web design.
* Mashup interfaces:
Using a layout that consists of several layers so as to adjust more easily to the content is a trend that is gaining ground lately. This is often referred to as mashup interfaces, which enable a clean look and easy navigation.
* Simplification and minimization:
The simpler it is, the better. This is a common concept as you can achieve a great look when you minimize content and color.
* Visually engaging preloaders:
Loading time always needs to be given importance, regardless of the design you opt for. So making use of visually engaging preloaders is another trend this year.