New year, new web design trends
As always, keeping up with trends is a crucial aspect of your business success; and with technology rapidly changing, we are giving you a helping hand by collecting our Top Ten Web Design Trends that you should be looking out for and incorporating to drive your business in 2024.
1. Focus on UX Design (User Experience)
One of the leading trends to carry on through from 2023 to 2024 is User experience. UX is not just about creating a visually appealing interface; it’s about understanding and meeting the needs of users to create a positive interaction with your service or products. Combining the aesthetic and function can be difficult. However, investing in UX Design certainly wouldn’t be a waste. A strong UX design:
- Improves user satisfaction
- Encourages Customer Loyalty
- Gain a competitive advantage
- Increases conversion rates
- Enhances a positive Brand Image
When it comes to UX in 2024, the focus should be on the layout and structuring of your site itself. How clear is it? Where are your ‘call to actions’?
We’ve also seen the rise in focusing on Customer Experience (CX) – this is threading ‘UX’ principles into overall customer communications. The concepts of Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Consumer (B2C) are well known, but really, we need to consider Person to Person (P2P) – we’re still human, after all…
2. Use of AI
And in contrast to UX and P2P – AI has already revolutionised various sectors, and web design is no stranger to its influence. In 2024, we will see a huge integration between user experience and AI. The ability to create custom graphics based on user data opens up a new realm of personalised user experiences, fostering stronger connections and increasing user satisfaction.
However, it doesn’t just stop here with generated images. With AI continuing to develop, look out for other opportunities such as Chatbots and Virtual Assistants, Fraud Detection and Security, and E-commerce Recommendations.
Stay in the loop – because in the world of AI, yesterday’s update is today’s nostalgia!
3. Accessibility
In 2024, your website should be accessible for anybody.
Following on from our previous trend, Accessibility and AI can work hand in hand. Advancements in AI can enable computers to understand and interpret the information in different ways, allowing for individuals with disabilities to interact with digital devices.
And let’s be clear: accessibility is not a ‘trend’ – it should be a fundamental part of a web build, and in the United States, it is required by law.
In the world of web design, this includes features such as speech-to-text or text-to-speech. Once again this all leads to a better user experience and in turn a good user experience leads to returning loyal customers and brand credibility.
The good news is that the sites we create all follow certain standards around accessibility, but it’s always worth a check.
4. Scrolling
It’s official: sliders and tabs are out! With the rise of mobile devices being used, scrolling has taken a leading role.
Having a website that is not mobile-friendly or scrolling-friendly is outdated. Scrolling is faster and less effort than clicking, and therefore allows the user to view more information without the page load slowing down.
53% of users will leave a mobile site if the page takes more than 3 seconds to load.
However, in 2024 it is more than just speed. Scrolling is an effective way of ‘storytelling’. Scrolling can take you on a journey, creating a connection between the user and the business. This can elevate your content and brand as it gives it purpose in the user’s journey.
5. Parallax Scrolling
What is Parallax Scrolling? Parallax Scrolling is a technique where background images move past the screen at a slower pace than the foreground images.
Not only is Parallax scrolling visually appealing but it also adds a storytelling aspect to websites and therefore contributes to an engaging and dynamic user experience. However, it is important not to overindulge in parallax effects as it can often be too overwhelming and lead to a lack of functionality.
Balance is key!
This awesome example above from The Goonies transitions from the z-axis to the y-axis beautifully – very immersive and engaging, but not too much.
6. Dark Mode
Dark mode is a feature that can now be used on most social media platforms and other web designs where light-coloured text, icons and elements are placed on a dark background.
‘Dark Mode’ has gained popularity over 2023 and is predicted to carry on through 2024. Dark mode not only looks cool, but it also increases battery life, reduces eye strain and provides a sleek and modern look to your website.
Check out one of our super minimalist sites: Future Interiors
7. Minimalism
‘Less is more’- a philosophy bound to continue and thrive in 2024. A minimalistic design can often be associated with sophistication, simplicity, and clarity. Visual clarity helps users engage and eliminate stress in cognitive efforts.
A minimalistic site can create soft and inviting spaces, easy navigation, and overall an uncluttered design that feels draws focus to text and image content.
In the fast-paced world that we live in, complex designs and poor site navigation can delay loading times and therefore put off users staying on your website.
8. Typography Experiments
As digital tools are rapidly improving and changing, typography follows closely! Ranging from irregular fonts and sizes, animated type, to multi-dimensional shapes and motion-incorporated text.
Handwritten fonts are also predicted to become more popular in 2024. Handwritten fonts are a way of conveying personality, individuality, and a sense of honesty.
Motion typography also presents a sense of personalisation. Moving text is engaging and can make consumers spend longer on your website and help you stand out from the competition with a unique edge.
9. Immersive / interactive elements
A UX design trend continuing to gain popularity in 2024 is VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality). These immersive tools help customers to visualise products in more detail and in their own environments! This can reduce doubt in the customer encouraging them to purchase your item! Immersive elements can also help users to feel involved with your company and involved with the business which creates a positive user experience.
The endless possibilities with AR and VR can open up creativity and move your website into the future, giving it a modern and up-to-date feel.
Image Credit — Uxdesign
10. Micro-interactions
Micro-interactions are small and subtle user interface elements on a website that respond to actions, for example clicking on a button or hovering over an icon or photo.
In terms of web experience, they are designed to enhance user experience, making the site more engaging and efficient.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can evidently say that as we enter 2024, creativity and innovation continues to drive the industry forward. From minimalistic designs to the development of AR and immersive elements, one thing remains constant- the importance of user experience.
By staying attuned to emerging trends and incorporating them thoughtfully, your website can create a captivating space for your users, driving your business forward. Here’s to a year of digital success!
