10 Web Design Trends to Consider in 2018
Web design is driven by numerous factors. There’s the need to innovate, to stay ahead and to create responsive web pages while ensuring users enjoy browsing. If this wasn’t enough, the growing mobile demand is forcing web designers to create websites that work equally well on small mobile screens as they do on laptops.
As you work to accommodate these diverse requirements, you must at the same time pioneer new ways of keeping up with web design trends in 2018.
1. Mobile Traffic Is Growing
Phones and tablets are becoming more capable and consumers are increasingly using them for internet browsing, entertainment and online shopping. According to Statista, the use of mobile devices for accessing the internet doubled between 2014 and 2017. Additionally, mobiles account for 23 percent of ecommerce spending. This ongoing trend shows that mobile devices will soon become preferred for accessing the internet. Google’s planned 2018 rollout of its Mobile First Index will also give precedence to mobile websites.
These factors are driving web design trends 2018 as developers seek to provide better mobile user experience.
2. Responsive Design
The time to load web pages and how pages appear on different platforms are crucial to performance. The use of Accelerated Mobile Pages to load pages quickly will increase. There’s also the need to rescale websites easily so they look right on different platforms.
3. Micro-Interactions
The increased use of micro-interactions will be a noteworthy web design trend in 2018 that enhances the user experience. These features make it possible for users to provide feedback, perform unique tasks or actions and select functions, all without reloading webpages. This seamless interaction makes for faster response, thus keeping users engaged.
4. Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG)
Scalable vector graphics will increasingly replace older file formats, including GIF, JPG and PNG, for many applications due to their ability to scale while retaining image quality. This important feature readily accommodates different screen sizes and resolutions. SVGs can also be used to create 360-degree views, 3D images and animations. Because SVGs don’t make HTTP requests, their use doesn’t limit page speed.
5. Scroll Triggered Animations
Although not new, scrolled animation encourages users to scroll down webpages while being fed additional information during the process. A minimalist approach seems to work best, and if used carefully, enhances the user experience. It’s also an easy way to provide additional information while keeping clients engaged.
6. Bright Colors and Bold Fonts
Taking advantage of increased screen resolution and color gamut of mobile devices by using bold and bright colors will continue to be a feature of web design trends in 2018, and it will build on the progress made in 2017. The combination of bright colors and clear, arresting fonts attracts user attention and draws them into web pages. Rather than choosing flat colors, use color gradients and multiple colors.
7. Asymmetrical Grids
The move from a formal fixed grid structure to an unconventional grouping of asymmetrical grids that started in 2017 will continue. It gives an unusual but distinctive appearance that, when properly structured, ensures everything is in balance. The freedom created by asymmetrical grids opens up numerous creative options. A variation of this technique is the use of split screens, a feature that works equally well on desktops and mobiles.
8. White Space
White space, or more accurately negative space, helps content stand out. It makes it easier to read the content and navigate the web site. Naturally, white space does not need to be white and it works well with bold colors and asymmetrical grids. The important point is that web pages should not appear to be cluttered a lot of text and images, but easy to traverse navigate.
9. Bottom Sticky Elements
The bottom of the screen is where mobile users, and to an extent PC users, navigate their devices. This means it’s a better location for scrolling sticky items (those elements that remain on the page even after scrolling up or down). Additionally, the bottom of the screen is highly visible but not in users’ faces to the same extent that banners at the top of a screen are.
10. Voice Commands
Siri, Alexa, Echo, Cortana, Google Home are just a few of the voice-activated devices just a few of the voice-activated tools being used for searching on the internet. Their popularity indicates that they won’t be going away any time soon, so making sure your website is compatible is advisable. (See our related blog on Voice Search for more tips.)
Let Philadelphia SEO for Growth Help You Keep Up with Web Design Trends in 2018
Web design trends in 2018 are moving towards simplicity, functionality and responsiveness, all of which improve the mobile user experience while not detracting from the desktop UX.
Philadelphia SEO for Growth can make sure your website performs effectively in 2018 and beyond. Contact us today to learn how we can maximize your online presence!