What were the biggest web design trends of 2017, and what will be big in 2018? As last year drew to a close, we asked leading designers and studio heads to share their views, perspectives, and predictions.
Web animation
Animation can play a huge part in making ideas and interfaces easier to understand. In a world where everyone is in a hurry and time is short, animation can convey complex ideas in a short amount of time whilst at the same time engaging and informing.
More adventurous colors
Over the past year, we’ve seen an increase in the use of bold colors being used across digital platforms. One great example is that of DesignStudio's new branding scheme for The Premier League's 2016/2017 season.Inventive typography
In the battle for eyeballs, typography is a powerful weapon, and its use on the web has broadened out this year. Typography is powerful and the bigger the better. So while neo-grotesque sans-serif styles like Helvetica remain in vogue, designers are branching out, turning to the huge variety of typefaces available.
Data storytelling
There is now a huge emphasis on effective storytelling through design, conveying often complex information as simply and as engagingly as possible to a variety of audiences. Designers are thinking outside the box with new, bespoke creations – the muted palettes of old ditched in favor of vibrant color transitions paired with minimalist yet bold typography.
Design tools standardization
In 2017, it seems like not a day has gone past without a new app, tool or feature from the likes of InVision, Adobe XD, Figma, Axure, Marvel, Vectr and others. And that includes Sketch, whose open file format update, Sketch 43, has been a real game changer.