Web Design Trends & Predictions for 2017
With the 2016 nearing a close, our thoughts are starting to drift towards the next set of emerging web design trends for 2017.
With the web design world being in a constant state of evolution, seeing what designers and developers have created over the years has been an exciting ride. From flat design and stock photography to parallax animation and video, 2016 design has shown us many engaging accomplishmenes. But what can we expect in 2017? More of the same or something shiny and new?
Web Design Experts Tell Us What They Think
Decrease in Parallax
One seemingly unanimous prediction was that parallax would start to fade out.
Why: Experts say the animation has flooded the web scene and has lost its initial wow factor. It also can lead to bad SEO design with content not easily being accessible to search engine spiders. Will this completely go away in 2017? Not likely, but it definitely will be seen less of around the web world.
Decrease in Stock Photography
Another strong unanimous prediction was that the usage of stock photography would slow down.
Why: With the over saturation of stock photography, the want for custom imagery will increase. Due to stock photography’s cold, impersonal impression it leaves on users, designers will seek out more warm and unique imagery to strengthen their client’s brand presence on the web.
Increase in the Importance and Usage of Typography
Some experts predict that web typography, over imagery, will be there design power player next year.
Why: With the web type tool kit expanding with the growth of Google Fonts, experts expect more variances in typefaces and scale. Instead of using large dramatic images to grab the viewer’s attention, why not use striking typography? As Google Fonts library continues to expand, the ever popular Open Sans may have some competition.
Appearance of Smart Navigation
An interesting and exciting prediction is that navigation will not just be responsive, but smart!
Why: Good user experience is about giving what the user wants in the least amount of steps. With that in mind, doesn’t it seem silly to send a user to the top of the page to reach navigation options? Wouldn’t it be more useful for the user to have the menu readably available? With the expanding capabilities of the web, experts are expecting navigation to do much more in 2017. One should be able to navigate from page to page easier and quicker, with more user satisfaction.
Appearance of “Semi-Flat” Design
Some web design professionals believe flat design is going to morph in to “semi-flat design in 2017.
Why: With our visual pallets being “wiped-clean”, users are now ready for something juicier. Leading design experts say that the subtle inclusion of detail and animation into the mix, “semi-design” can look brilliant to its viewers. Hand-drawn, animated graphics will become more relevant as well. Creating a warmer, more inviting environment then they flat icons of 2016.
Decline of Carousels
A few design experts believe that the use of carousels are in the outs for 2017 web design.
Why: The argument is that users get annoyed and distracted by carousels on a page. Associating them with adverts, user experience losing from the inclusion of this animated element. As the main goal for a designer is to entertain and keep the attention of the user, utilizing any creative component that will disrupt that is not a best practice.
Out with the One Page Layout; Back to Multiple
Leading professionals believe that one page layouts are going to be a thing of the past.
Why: As SEO optimization becomes more understood and crucial to the success of the website, single page layouts will shift back to multiple pages.
Conclusion
Overall it seems like the design world is looking forward to what is to come for 2017. Of course all the above are predictions/suggestions/hopefuls, but it’s good to get a jump start on next year’s concepts.
Creating a faster, more useful, unique and human centric web design will help you stand out from older ideas and bring your clients more success. Happy client, happy you!
Cheers!
Here are some design links I found inspiring and useful:
Using Capture CC (http://www.howdesign.com/web-design-resources-technology/how-to-animate-a-drawing/)
Graphic Design Tutorial: Web Design Review (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d77cDtH8bo0)
SVGs for the Web (https://sarasoueidan.com/blog/svg-tips-for-designers/)
Web Design Trends 2017 (https://www.pixelkicks.co.uk/blog/web-design-trends-2017/)
