Web design continues to evolve as new technology replaces out-dated methods. From minimalist design and bold typography to Progressive Web Apps and mobile-first thinking — here's what the future holds for digital experiences.
Web design continues to evolve on an annual basis, as new technology and fresh ways of thinking replace out-dated methods. Compounding this evolution is the acceptance that a website's presence lives or dies by the whims of the search engine, with any stragglers hit with a potential drop in rankings. To put it bluntly, optional techniques become necessary the moment Google changes its rules, so it's important to keep an eye on future web design trends for your website to adapt in good time.
After more than two decades of the internet, it makes sense that websites may begin to look the same in their efforts to provide the best experience. Contrary to this, we expect to see a rise in diversity in the coming year, with more websites using asymmetry to catch the eye and big typography in place of meaningless stock photography. Companies are beginning to learn that one size won't fit all, and must strive to be memorable in order to attract new business.
Minimalist design will continue to grow too, using a combination of text, space and bold colour to provide unique visuals that break away from the popular 'black on white space' look. Couple this with the reserved use of parallax scrolling, a video background or full-screen slider and you have the makings of a site that's primed and ready for 2024.
Even if your website responds on handheld devices, it's worth checking its usability. With Google now placing greater emphasis on a site's mobile version over its desktop counterpart, a crudely designed website that's technically mobile responsive will no longer cut it long-term. The progressive web app (or PWA for short) is a fresh alternative to both the mobile web and the native app, such as one you would download from an app store.
The progressive web app uses less data than a native app, loads swiftly and can be seen in search engines because it exists on the web. We have yet to see the upper limits of this technology, but given their many selling points and few disadvantages, PWAs could easily become the most effective answer to the responsive web going forward.
It's not a faith in technology. It's faith in people.