Continuing on from part 1 -here are the top website design trends for 2017 to have a look at before committing to a new design. Some are really new and innovative, while others a continuation of trends we saw in 2016:
Micro-animations and micro-interactions
Have you noticed yet that the why you, and your visitors, experience a website is by dozens of ‘micro-interactions’? As an example, will you go onto your Instagram account you instantly see the red symbol notifying you that you have received a new message and you immediately go there to see who has sent you a message. This might seem like a simple thing but it’s actually more complex. It’s a habit loop which was created by providing a cue to you, which then prompted you to click on the box – therefore it created a routine which is reinforced by a reward – the ability to message with that person.
In 2017 most websites with high usability incorporate dozens of micro-interactions to ensure that site navigation is more functional and more enjoyable for the user. Micro-animations can be used to draw attention to important element, reinforce the brand experience and shape the makeup of the user interaction. Have a chat to your website designer about how micro-animations and micro-interactions can be implemented on your new website to improve the user experience and therefore conversions.
Voice recognition
So while we are not quite ready to roll this design element on most websites, some are already experimenting with audio to increase engagement. It’s exciting to think about how voice recognition has the potential to transform the way users interact with websites.
Immersive experiences
With virtual reality and augmented reality becoming more mainstream and with digital experiences beginning to move off screen, on-screen experiences, such as website, will need to be more immersive. Think about combining three-dimensional geometric shapes and motion graphics in order to craft a stunningly immersive user experience.
3D elements
The flat design of 2016 has been updated with 3D elements that add depth to a page to increase engagement.
Geometric shapes
The use of geometric shapes to create standout three-dimensional shapes is a new trend for 2017. It’s also known as ‘low poly’ – a technique first used in 3D models and computer games, it is now a popular aspect of design for websites.
Colour
Bright colours will continue to be a popular website design choice in 2017. Vibrant colour palettes help to strengthen brand identity and create contrast allowing other elements to jump off the page.
Shadows
With the uptake of material design which is characterised by bright colours and muted backgrounds, the use of deep shadows has also been on the rise. Think solid, vivid background and your main product which seems to jump off the page due to the use of deep shadows and attention to lighting.
Fluidity
The illusion of fluidity is another hot trend for 2017 website design that will only increase in popularity with the rise of unified experiences across multiple devices. The illusion of fluidity can be achieved on flat, 2D screens through the use of subtle animation which is activated by the users’ clicking, tapping and scrolling actions.
Typography
Also an area of great debate each year, typography in 2017 will be the ‘bigger and bolder the better’. Think customised typography and make it a central design element on your home page.
Gradients
Gradients are also making a comeback in 2017. As garish as last time they were popular just won’t work this time around; think stylish and subtle.
Overlapping elements
Another way to add depth to a design and make it feel like it is jumping off the page is to use overlapping elements. This website design element can greatly help with engagement and recall.
Illustrations
Custom illustrations are another design element destined to be popular in 2017 website design in order to catch people’s attention.
Need a website design and development team that can help you make the most of the 2017 website design trends, just call us at Website Design Centre.
