Imagine you’re chatting with a friend who’s super into the latest tech and design. They lean in and say, “You know if you’re running a business, your website is kind of like your digital handshake. It’s the first thing people see.”
The digital world is changing faster than ever, so staying on top of web design trends isn’t just cool – it’s crucial. It makes you stand out and ensures your site vibes well with today’s tech-savvy crowd.
In the post, we’ll cover the following trends:
- Animation-Based Websites
- Illustrations over Photography
- Monochromatic Sites
- Neumorphism
- Embedded Video
Let’s dive into some of the most compelling trends you should consider for your next website redesign.
Make it Animated
First off, micro animations are all the rage. Quickly becoming a cornerstone of modern web design, these animations significantly enhance user engagement. In response to this evolving trend, Google announced a new metric as part of its Core Web Vitals called Interaction to Next Paint (INP), which measures the time a user waits for another interaction to occur on the page.
Micro animations and animations at large create interest and engagement that no stock photo could ever match. Visit the Beyond Beauty website to see a real-life example of animation at work.
Illustrations Win Over Photographs
Then, there’s this shift towards illustrations over photos. While high-quality photographs add visual appeal to a website, they can also slow it down. In an era where speed is king, thanks to Google’s Core Web Vitals, more designers are turning to illustrations.
Not only do illustrations load faster, but they also offer unique branding opportunities, allowing for greater customization and a distinctive visual identity. Notion is nailing this, using custom graphics that make you feel right at home.
Embracing Monochrome Websites
The monochromatic design trend, characterized by its clean and simple aesthetic, is gaining traction. This style often incorporates illustrations or animations and uses a singular pop of color to highlight calls-to-action, helping to direct user focus where it’s needed most.
A prime example of this trend is the Asana website, which uses a monochromatic background with strategic color pops to guide user interaction and emphasize important elements.
Get to Know Neumorphism
Neumorphism represents a shift towards simplicity and minimalism in web design. This trend utilizes subtle shadows, light, and gradients to create a soft, almost 3D effect, offering a new take on skeuomorphism.
It emphasizes cleanliness and content-focused design, reducing visual clutter and highlighting key website elements. For a taste of Neumorphism in action, check out the Stripe landing page above. It’s a perfect example of how brands are using this style to illustrate the UI of their products.
Embedded Video is Still Splashy
Video content remains queen in the digital domain, with embedded videos in website headers setting the stage for an immersive user experience. This approach both captivates visitors and communicates your brand’s message in an engaging, dynamic format.
Wilmington Marathon approached Sage Island with one request: a more dynamic and compelling way to present their race information. Our expert web designers knew that a looping race video in the header would create the dynamism the client was seeking. Instead of static photos of yesterday, visitors now get a bird’s-eye-view of the marathon participants running on the course.
Trends Come and Go – Why Should I Update My Site?
Updating your website with the latest design trends is not just about keeping up with aesthetics; it’s about ensuring your brand remains relevant and resonant with your audience.
Regular updates can improve site performance, enhance user experience, and positively impact your site’s Google rankings. Importantly, integrating new trends doesn’t always require a complete overhaul. Strategic updates can refresh your site’s look and functionality without starting from scratch.
Rely on Sage Island for the Latest in Web Design
For businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve, Sage Island offers expert web design services that blend the latest trends with best practices for creating engaging, high-converting websites.
Our team is tapped into the evolving landscape of web design, so you can trust your site will look modern and perform flawlessly across all devices. Whether you’re looking to incorporate micro animations, leverage custom illustrations, or explore the latest in video content, Sage Island is your partner in creating a website that stands out from your competition.
Updating your website for 2024 is more than just a cosmetic upgrade; it’s an investment in your brand’s digital presence and user engagement. With Sage Island, you can rest assured that your web design is in the hands of experts committed to delivering cutting-edge, effective solutions tailored to your business needs.