Are you considering changing your website this year? Wondering what the latest trends are that you should be considering?

Web design is a constantly evolving field, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends is crucial for creating websites that are not only visually appealing but also highly functional. In 2017, we witnessed several exciting web design trends that transformed the digital landscape.

In this blog post, we’ll explore eight web design trends that took charge in 2017, showcasing how they influenced the way we create and experience websites.

Design The Way share their trends for 2017 in this infographic.

 

Mobile-First Design

As the use of mobile devices continued to skyrocket in 2017, web designers were forced to shift their focus towards mobile-first design. This approach prioritizes designing for smaller screens first, ensuring that websites are responsive and user-friendly on mobile devices before adapting to larger screens like desktops or tablets. Google’s mobile-first indexing policy, which started in 2018, made this trend even more critical.

Designing for mobile-first involved simplifying navigation, using responsive grids, and optimizing images for faster loading times. This trend not only improved the user experience on smartphones but also boosted search engine rankings for websites, as Google began favoring mobile-friendly websites in its search results.

Bold Typography

In 2017, web designers started to embrace bold typography as a way to make websites stand out. Large, eye-catching fonts became a prominent design element, often replacing traditional images or graphics in hero sections of websites. This trend was partly driven by the availability of web fonts and the desire to create unique and memorable user experiences.

Bold typography not only added visual interest to websites but also improved readability and accessibility. It allowed designers to convey their brand’s personality and messaging through text, making it a powerful tool for storytelling.

Asymmetry and Broken Grid Layouts

Breaking free from the constraints of traditional grid layouts, asymmetry and broken grid layouts gained popularity in 2017. Designers started experimenting with irregular and overlapping elements to create visually engaging and dynamic websites. This trend challenged the notion of a rigid grid and encouraged designers to think outside the box.

Asymmetrical layouts added a sense of movement and unpredictability to web design, making it more engaging for users. It allowed designers to break away from the cookie-cutter template designs that had become all too common.

Microinteractions

Microinteractions, which are subtle animations or feedback elements that respond to user actions, became an integral part of web design in 2017. These small, interactive details enhanced user engagement and provided instant feedback, creating a more delightful browsing experience.

Common examples of microinteractions included button animations, hover effects, and loading spinners. These animations added a layer of sophistication and interactivity to websites, making them feel more responsive and user-centric.

Vibrant Colors and Gradients

2017 marked the resurgence of vibrant colors and gradients in web design. Designers moved away from the minimalistic and monochromatic color schemes that had dominated the previous years and embraced bold and eye-catching color combinations. Gradients, in particular, became a popular way to add depth and dimension to websites.

This trend was partly driven by advancements in display technology and the increasing availability of high-resolution screens. Designers were no longer limited by the constraints of older devices, allowing them to use vibrant colors and gradients to create visually stunning websites that left a lasting impression.

Video Backgrounds

Video backgrounds gained momentum in 2017 as web designers leveraged the power of moving images to capture users’ attention. Whether used in the hero section of a website or as a background for specific sections, video backgrounds added a dynamic and immersive element to web design.

Videos allowed brands to tell their stories in a more engaging way, creating an emotional connection with visitors. However, it was essential to ensure that video backgrounds didn’t compromise page load times or distract from the website’s core content.

Card-Based Layouts

Card-based layouts, popularized by platforms like Pinterest, continued to dominate web design in 2017. This trend involved organizing content into discrete cards or modules, making it easy for users to scan and digest information. Card-based layouts improved content organization and navigation, particularly on mobile devices.

The versatility of card-based layouts made them suitable for various types of websites, from e-commerce platforms to news sites and social media networks. They provided a visually appealing way to present content in an organized and user-friendly manner.

Custom Illustrations and Iconography

In 2017, web designers increasingly turned to custom illustrations and iconography to differentiate their websites and brands. Custom artwork allowed designers to convey unique brand identities and tell compelling stories. These illustrations often replaced stock photos and generic icons, giving websites a more personalized and memorable touch.

Custom illustrations and iconography also contributed to the rise of storytelling in web design. They helped brands communicate their values, missions, and narratives in a visual and engaging way, fostering a deeper connection with users.

Conclusion

2017 was a transformative year for web design, with several exciting trends taking charge and reshaping the digital landscape. From mobile-first design and bold typography to asymmetrical layouts and microinteractions, these trends pushed the boundaries of creativity and user engagement.

Vibrant colors, video backgrounds, card-based layouts, and custom illustrations further enriched the web design experience, allowing brands to stand out in a crowded online world.

While these trends were prominent in 2017, many of them continue to influence web design today. As technology evolves and user expectations change, web designers will undoubtedly explore new trends and innovations to create websites that are both visually stunning and highly functional.