Each and every year, the needs of consumers change, and web design trends grow to meet their expectations. Essentially, web design trends develop to reflect the time that we're living in, inextricably connected to cultural shifts and technological advancements. As such, web designers must keep up with the evolution of both technology and modern aesthetics.
Planning a website redesign or launching an entirely new website can be challenging but necessary. Keep in mind that new tools, layouts, and designs all exist to create the best user experience possible. So when web designers use trends effectively, each person that visits your website will be able to engage and interact intuitively. A website’s design is responsible for 95% of a visitor’s first impression of your business, so prioritizing an effective design can set the tone, inspire audiences, and even boost revenue by increasing your conversion rate.
If your web presence is in need of a refresh, tap into the “new year, new site” vibe by working with experienced web designers and developers who can help your business stay on the cutting edge. They can make sure your website is not only on-trend but also optimized for user experience and longevity. And as you’re conceptualizing your new or reimagined website this year, don’t forget to ask:
What new design trends are on the horizon for 2022?
1. Typography as a Focal Point
Sometimes, less is more. When it comes to web design, scaling back on busy imagery to get the most out of your typography is a budding trend set to bloom this year. And with a nearly endless well of fonts to choose from, there are eye-catching options available for every look and industry.
For legacy brands, modern designs may be all the rage, but serif fonts are coming back into style in 2022. Serif typefaces are those with a tip at the end of each letter's shape. For example, serif fonts include many classic typefaces like Garamond, Georgia, and Times New Roman. This year, many established brands will be interested in implementing the elegant look these fonts offer.
Meanwhile, sans serif fonts continue to be quite popular within startup culture because of their less corporate feel. Used in conjunction with well-balanced white space, sans serif fonts cultivate an image of casual luxury. So when these fonts are used in the context of a typography-focused web page, they become the ideal tool to invoke a particular mood using text alone.
Finally, minimal, clean web designs remain a popular choice for brands across the spectrum. Designers looking to stay on trend should consider creating web pages with lightweight fonts in a larger size, dominating the screen. Also, consider layouts that feature a phrase or word covering the fold of the webpage for an interesting yet polished look that will keep visitors scrolling through your content.
2. Responsive Motion Design
If your site isn’t yet optimized for responsive motion design, 2022 is the time to implement it — or risk being left behind.
Simply put, responsive design is the practice of creating web pages with content that automatically adapts to different screen sizes. With responsive design, you can deliver multiple layouts of the same content, so each visitor can enjoy a sleek aesthetic, no matter what device they’re browsing on. In 2021, users on mobile devices generated 54% of web traffic, so it's crucial that each web design you create appeals to users on both mobile and desktop.
The continuous development of new digital products with different screen sizes and aspect ratios makes responsive web design more crucial than ever. When implementing responsive motion design within a website, use flexible layouts, grids, and images to improve the overall user experience. For a smooth transition, enacting responsive design is also an opportunity to cut out excess features and focus on the website's most critical elements.
Need more convincing? Not only does responsive motion design improve user-friendliness, but it also makes room for improved SEO because search engines rank mobile-friendly websites higher. Plus, the maintenance cost of mobile responsive web design is less expensive than adaptive web design.
3. Mobile App-Inspired Websites
The amount of time that users spend glued to their screens has been steadily increasing over the past few years, and they spend the majority of this time using mobile applications. And while mobile applications thrive, web designers can also incorporate these elements into the websites they create.
One major differentiating factor between UX design for mobile apps and websites is that mobile apps are restricted to a small screen, so the designs themselves are much more straightforward. This means that websites are also becoming leaner and more straightforward. When users open your website, they should immediately understand its purpose, how to navigate it, and what actions they should take.
Another design sensibility taking its nod from apps is the rise of single-page websites. While they may sound like an odd throwback to the old Geocities days, single-page websites can beneficially mimic the simplicity of a mobile app. Essentially, single-page websites eliminate any extraneous information that clouds the user experience. The outcome is a clean, intuitive website that is easy to navigate.
Interested in creating visual harmony between your app and your website? Experienced web designers can help you employ techniques to create a site with all the best features and ease of a mobile app.
4. Gender-Neutral Design
Millennials and Gen Z are blurring the lines between traditional gender roles, and they want to support companies whose imagery reflects their changing values. However, this doesn’t have to mean a major political statement — gender neutrality in web design remains in its beginning stages. Designers and artists are gradually developing dynamic, engaging designs that no longer rely on stereotypical gender roles.
So what does this mean for your next website? For starters, a significant portion of gender-neutral design pertains to colors. Traditionally, designers would use lighter, more “feminine” colors and shades of pink for girls while choosing darker, bolder colors and shades of blue for guys. Now, most web designers are opting to incorporate minimalistic, earthy tones to suit a gender-neutral audience. Of course, blue and pink can still be used in gender-neutral design, but in this case, designers will select shade ranges that aren't associated with a specific gender.
To support your modern color palette, also consider incorporating photographs of different people outside of your typical gender demographic. Audiences are craving content featuring relatable models who feel authentic and diverse. Furthermore, try incorporating gender-neutral language within your design by using more inclusive terms like "they" instead of he/she/him/her pronouns.
5. Split-Screen Layouts
Split-screen designs give users the ability to see two pages of content simultaneously. This web design technique promotes user-friendliness and is ideal for mobile compatibility. It is also the perfect choice in situations where users need to choose a content path. The primary reasons to utilize a split-screen layout include:
- Highlighting a vertical image
- Ensuring that users have a similar experience on desktop and mobile devices
- Establishing a call to action
- Creating a design pattern that compliments popular design trends
- Differentiating each type of content on a website
Split-screen layouts are ideal in instances where you have two separate ideas to promote because it allows you to spotlight several products or services simultaneously. However, this web design trend isn't recommended in instances that feature a content-heavy layout. Ideally, web designers will use the split-screen format in a minimalist-style site. If there is too much information on a split-screen layout, it can be challenging to create a cohesive look.
When UX designers work with a split-screen layout, it gives them the ability to convey the dual importance of two different elements so that users can make a choice about which content they engage with. As a result, they have a more personalized user experience on the website.
We Can Help You Stay on Top of the Latest Trends
Although creativity and pioneering new industry standards are integral to developing your personal style as a brand or web designer, it's vital that you also pay close attention to emerging trends. More than anything else, all of your layout choices must appear informed and intentional. If a website appears outdated, it will undermine the trust of anyone who visits and potentially create a poor user experience.
Fortunately, experts can help guide you through style choices to find the perfect blend of individuality and modernity. Our professional web designers and developers at CodigoDelSur can revamp your website with a new look and feel that upholds your brand’s image while thrilling and engaging your audience.
Since 2007, CodigoDelSur has helped nearly 200 US-based startups design and develop a wide range of mobile apps and websites. Our team of web developers leverages their technical expertise and knowledge of usability, engagement, and growth hacking to scale your business exponentially.
Through the consistent creation of stunning, functional websites and mobile applications, CodigoDelSur is rising to the forefront of our industry. We’re always ready to apply the latest developments in new, exciting technologies and designs to create valuable user experiences that will keep your customers coming back for more.
Ready for a website that represents your brand in 2022? Contact our team today and find out how we can revolutionize your brand’s digital experience!
