The digital world, especially web design, is moving at such a fast pace and boundaries are being pushed with the implementation of what can be done with technology. In this article I decided to take a look at what Trends are likely to be making more of an appearance over the next twelve months and beyond. I also investigate what the future holds for the world of web design in 2015.
The Minimalist Approach
One trend that is certain to be prevalent is the concept of stripping everything back and getting rid of any additional baggage that is contained in a website design. Taking a lead from trends in print design, the use of negative space and allowing the components on screen to balance each other. Getting rid of unnecessary borders and overly worked button styles to give everything an elegance. This could be seen as brave, but giving a page more room to breathe can be beneficial.
One-page does it all
The idea of a one-page website or mini-site is far from a new one, but the use of implementing a fully integrated user experience is something that is being pushed further and will continue to do so. Being able to scroll and giving the user complete interaction can give a sense of storytelling and a journey through a long scrolling website that incorporates different media along the way. A recent example of working on a site like this, we at Creode created a mini-site for our client Opera North for their production of Wagner’s The Ring Cycle.
Photography is key
The use of stunning full width imagery is something that has been used in recent years, but this is going to keep on growing. The quality of the photography is key in my opinion, and is just important as the brand, and should never be overlooked. Especially in content managed sites, high-resolution edited images should always be used when possible. The use of big imagery complements a clean design and can add impact focusing on the brand or product.
Menu-focused
Implementing layouts usually associated with responsive websites and apps is something that is likely to be on the increase. Sliding menus and vertical navigation lend themselves to a fully responsive website as the consistency of elements remaining throughout all variants of a design. Hiding menus and minimising any on screen mess lends itself to focusing primarily on content and maximising screen real estate.
Material Design - The Future?
With the announcement of Google’s Material Design “a visual language for our users that synthesises the classic principles of good design with the innovation and possibility of technology and science.” This has the potential to push boundaries in what can be done in web. Theoretically bringing a 3D aspect to the screen but it also lends it self to the real world, adding a tactile form to the world of flat graphics.
Summary
Web design can only be pushed as far as the technology that supports it can be implemented and I can see that the use of technology can create a wider canvas for design. I can see that taking inspiration from print design in use of imagery, colour and typography to be key in the way that we see the web. The development of Material Design is exciting and I am looking forward to see how this can be integrated and executed in the world of digital design.