Web DesignNow that we’re a couple months into the year we’re at a good point to take stock of the biggest web design trends of the year so far and what they actually mean for your business. It’s important to continue to have an up-to-date website and stay on top of the latest trends. For more information about our earlier trend predictions, take a look at our earlier 2015 web design trends post.
The internet and web design space is constantly changing and it can be hard to stay on top of the latest updates. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you and have broken down the year’s biggest trends so far.
1. Bold Statements
Making a bold statement with your website isn’t anything new. However, the way it’s been currently done with web design has never been done before. With the increasing frequency of parallax style effects being used for websites, some designers have opted for the home screen to be nothing more than a single word, phrase or image.
This definitely takes a certain level of confidence in your messaging and the level of clarity you’re providing.
2. Parallax Style Scrolling Effects
As we alluded to above, parallax is here to stay. However, in its most recent forms there are a lot of new developments. The idea of parallax remains the same: moving the mouse around, or scrolling will cause certain elements of the page to animate.
One new feature is having animation sequences begin when the users scrolls to a certain point on the page, causing a very smooth slide-in effect. This really does bring the page to life.
3. Creative Flat Design
Flat design was a trend, but now it’s even more ingrained into our current web design principles. Flat design continues to remain popular for one simple reason, it looks good and makes sense for the browsing environment and user experience.
We can expect flat design to become more layered into the future in order to add increased depth to web pages.
4. Layered Design
The one-page website is back and very fashionable. However, the common challenge of fitting all of the necessary information onto one page still exists. Luckily, designers have been trying out layered textures to get as much information on the page as possible, without making it too cluttered or overwhelming.
Websites structured in this way seem very modern, and are able to convey a lot in very minimal space.
5. Minimalist Features
We saw minimalist design take off a few years ago, and now it’s here for good. Minimalist design seeks to do more with less, and in a crowded web space the fresh air is much needed.
Making a simple website isn’t always easy, but it will be well worth it. You’ll create a sense of ease in your visitors, and have more impact with less words and images.
Keeping your website up to date can be a full-time job. If you’re interested in improving your current website or need some help managing what you currently have, then explore our Jacksonville Web Development offerings.
by Calvin Bryant
Digital Marketing Geek
