Because of the ever changing trends in web design, it can be hard to keep your website updated. If you run or own a site that’s more than two years old, then you probably have plans of re-vamping it in the near future. For a website to be appealing and profitable, keep in mind that it must be both coded properly and also visually attractive.
Ensure your website remains functioning optimally by educating yourself on the latest website trends for 2018.
1. Unique Layout
The horizontal menu on top and social icons on the footer is a popular design but this is actually outdated. Because this is such a common theme, it has somehow lost its appeal.
The latest in web design calls for unconventional layouts. Going beyond asymmetry and broken grids, the web craves for something modern like floating social bars or a hamburger menu. Going the unconventional route adds eye appeal and also gives your web designer more creative freedom. Users or visitors of the site tend to get drawn in over unexpected things and standout details that look different.
While a unique layout is central, don’t forget that user experience is still the most important. Keep in mind that however unconventional the design is, it still has to be user-friendly.
2. Broken Grids and Non-Linear Design
Asymmetrical and broken layouts started surfacing last year. Webmasters and users alike quickly embraced the trend, pushing it to the top spot of popular web trends this year.
The typical neatly lined up menu and classic icons now seem too stiff and old. Out-of-the-box designs that feature broken rows and non-linear style make the website pop out better.
3. Gradient Backgrounds
Flat backgrounds are safe and boring. This outdated trend needs to be tucked away far, far away so we can pave way to fresher, more visually stunning trends. One big trend for 2018 is the gradient background. Bold, vibrant multi-colored palettes are welcome as they make your website more eye-catching.
Aside from gradient backgrounds, 3D animations also add great depth to a site. This detail, however, can be a little risky when not done properly. If you want to be on the safer side, do a simple gradient background in a simple colorway. This would look great when set against the images and text on your site but is also not too overbearing to the point of being distracting.
4. Illustrations
Illustrations were another web design trend that was introduced last year. Popular among service websites, illustrations easily engage the users and add a fun and playful vibe to your website, which can convey friendliness and approachability. In turn, this will help you reach out to your audience better because you will be viewed as relatable.
Aside from its visual appeal, illustrations can also serve as efficient tools to explain a message. Instead of word-filled documents, which can be boring to some, photo illustrations will be much easier on the eyes.
5. SVGs or Scalable Vector Graphics
The common .jpg and .png images are slowly becoming outdated. For 2018, SVGs or Scalable Vector Graphics will be even more popular. These lightweight images offer high resolution, displaying crisp graphics on whatever screen size your audience has.
These days, personal computers are no longer the only tool people use to browse the internet. The rise of smartphones, mobile tablets and smart TVs have allowed us to go online with different sized screens and resolutions. The advantage of SVG is it easily reads any type of graphics, even 3D and animation, giving the user the best possible view, regardless of the device and screen size.
6. Voice Commands
Most new trends cover the visual aspect of the website but there is also a fresh development that is about the audibility of the site. During these fast-paced times, people demand quick, easy access to content. Websites with an option to read text out loud will be attractive to busy individuals who have no time to read long content.
Additionally, this will serve as a helpful tool for people with special needs who are not able to read text. With voice commands activated, your website will be able to reach a broader audience, pulling in more traffic.
7. Mobile-Friendly
According to statistics, more than 50% of Google searches come from mobile devices. People are glued to their smartphones more than ever and this has changed the game for web designers. The popularity of mobile gadgets gradually outdid browsing on desktop computers and this means webmasters must adjust to the trend.
This year, expect that more people will be relying on their phones and tablets for internet browsing. It is essential for your website to cater to both desktop users and mobile users. Keep in mind that both users require different setups – mobile visitors need smaller icons while desktop browsers need more dynamic images. Prepare your website to be both mobile-friendly and desktop-friendly so that you can serve a bigger market.
