It can be tough to keep up with the latest design trends but understanding what's popular can help you create websites that are both visually appealing and user-friendly.
In this blog post, we take a deep dive into last week’s webinar Design Trends 2024. We'll draw on the insights of Chris and Georgia from the StudioForty9 Design Team.
Accessibility
In today's digital age, accessibility is no longer a mere recommendation but a necessity. The European Accessibility Act will apply from June 2025. The act will ensure that websites must be accessible to everyone, irrespective of their abilities. This includes users with visual impairments, hearing impairments, cognitive disabilities, and motor limitations. By adhering to accessibility guidelines, such as using proper colour contrast and providing alternative text descriptions for images, designers can ensure that their creations are usable by everyone. This not only fulfils a moral obligation but also widens your target audience and strengthens your brand image.
At the forefront of any design discussion is user experience (UX). Regardless of the prevailing trends, UX should always be the guiding principle. This translates to designing websites and applications that are intuitive, effortless to use, and cater to the specific needs of your target audience.
User expectations for web interactions also change over time. Designers need to keep up to date with these expectations and ensure their creations provide a seamless and enjoyable user experience.
During the webinar, Chris highlighted the difference between an early Apple web page and their more recent designs. The old pages were busy, with lots of text and graphics however nowadays websites are much more minimal, avoid overcrowding,and have clear CTA’s.
Personalisation
Personalisation is transforming the way users interact with websites. By leveraging first-party data and analytics, websites can tailor content and recommendations to individual user preferences. This creates a more relevant and engaging experience that fosters user loyalty. This targeted approach is far more effective than generic product listings and increases the likelihood of conversions.
Micro-Interactions
Micro-interactions are small, yet powerful, design elements that can significantly enhance user experience. These subtle animations or interactions can provide users with valuable feedback and make websites feel more interactive and engaging.
For instance, a progress bar that indicates loading time can keep users informed and prevent frustration. By incorporating well-designed micro-interactions, designers can elevate the user experience to a whole new level.
3D Shapes and Gradients
The use of 3D shapes and gradients is making a comeback in web design. Over the last decade or so,the design focus has been mainly on flat design. However, this comeback allows designers to push boundaries a little further and try new things they possibly haven’t done before. 3D shapes can add depth and dimension to a website, while gradients can create a sense of vibrancy and movement. When used strategically, these elements can elevate the visual appeal of a website without compromising usability.
Design Trends: Use with Discretion
It's important to remember that just because a design trend is popular doesn't automatically mean it's the right fit for every project. Blindly following trends can lead to websites that look trendy but fail to achieve their intended purpose. The strategic use of trends can further enhance the user experience. A well-crafted design strategy will leverage these trends thoughtfully to create a website that is both visually appealing and functionally effective in the digital landscape.
You can watch the full webinar below or download the slides here.
Ready to Design for the Future?
The design trends covered in this blog offer a glimpse into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. However, translating these trends into effective website design strategies can be a challenge. This is where StudioForty9 comes in. With our teams' expertise in UX design, accessibility, and creative approaches, StudioForty9 can help you craft user experiences that are both beautiful and functional.
