Web design trends are quickly evolving, and there is no stopping them in 2021.  From faster website speeds to bold fonts and photography with graphics, clients are starting to embrace the new design trends. And, with the number of smartphone users increasing every year, a need for mobile-friendly websites is in demand. Let us take a look at how web design is evolving and will continue to evolve.

The number of smartphone users around the world topped 5.22 billion by the end of 2020. That is 66% of the world population according to FinancesOnline.com. In addition, there are more than 8.93 million mobile apps available on the market, according to numbers from MobileApps.com.

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When you combine these mobile-driven elements with the dramatic growth of Pinterest (which has more than 478 million users today), it all points to a shift in the way people consume their online information. It also points to how designers will design to accommodate this shift. Also, what clients will expect in this new era of a more visual Web.

Here are 9 key ways designers can evolve to meet client expectations and provide an engaging, user-friendly experience:

Content is Still King

While infographics and other forms of visual storytelling are reaching the saturation point, designing content that supports search engine marketing efforts will continue to grow. Clients want great content supported by great design and compelling visuals.

Keep It Simple and Intuitive

Many elements of design are driven by the simplicity of native mobile apps. This fresh approach is easy to consume and even easier to navigate. Many designers are now creating websites for clients with app-style interfaces. These interfaces offer a similar experience on a mobile device or a desktop.

Responsive Web Design

It takes a visitor just 50 milliseconds to form an opinion of your website.  Not only are website speeds critical, but so are mobile friendliness and security. From a 27-inch monitor to a 4-inch smartphone screen, designers must design sites that can be viewed on all devices. Responsive websites are flat on design and big on solid colors, photography, and typography.

Marrying Mobile and Traditional Web Design

These days, most clients have a mobile-friendly website or are in the process of developing one. With 3.8 billion people carrying mobile devices, designers must optimize everything they do for mobile. Designers are now embracing the ever-changing workflow. More emphasis is being placed on mobile design and to deliver the same simplicity on all screens. And, as noted on Developer-Tech.com, “Native apps will stay popular, but cross-platform application development will find more takers.”

Fixed Headers and Sharing

Web design clients want their websites to be easy to navigate and user-friendly. With the help of HTML5 and CSS3 coding, designers are also creating more fixed headers and menus. This is to keep things simple and intuitive for users.

Enhanced Scrolling

This technique is more popular in light of the success Pinterest has had through its never-ending layout. More clients will want this parallax approach to creating a sense of movement. Rather than make users wait for a new page to load.

Really Big Photography

The use of big-photo backgrounds for Web pages is gaining popularity. This is as more clients try to solicit an emotional response from visitors. They do this by using strong images that stand out on any screen. Photography with graphics has become a very popular trend.

Really Big Typography

The same design technique for photography is trending in typography. And, just like big photography, oversized typography and unique styles of font can draw users in and be unified across all screens for clients.

Sharing is Still Caring

Clients want their visitors to be able to easily share their content across the most popular social networks. While this is nothing new, more clients want unique social sharing buttons. For example, a Pinterest “pin it” button. They are requesting that these buttons be strategically placed and fixed on Web pages. In addition to the standard header and footer locations.

Web design is evolving and will continue to do so in years to come.  As of 2021, voice search and increased use of 3D visuals are becoming popular. Web designers will have to shift their designs to accommodate these trends.

What are the design trends that you look for when creating a website?

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