Trends - Page 3

Stay on top of the latest design trends, see what’s popular, and learn how to create design work that feels modern, current, and up-to-date.

The Bento-Style Rounded Corner Trend: Explored & Explained

Trends / 24 Jul 2023

The Bento-Style Rounded Corner Trend: Explored & Explained

Softer, rounded corners are one of the biggest trends in website design right now. This bento style is visually pleasing, easy to accomplish, and takes some of the sharpness out of your design.

There are also plenty of different ways to use this trend so that your projects have a distinct look and feel.

Here, we’ll explore the bento-style rounded corner design trend and all the ways you can make it work for you. Plus, there are plenty of examples for design inspiration.

Design Trend: Cartoon Elements for Design Themes

Trends / 23 Jun 2023

Design Trend: Cartoon Elements for Design Themes

If you have noticed more cartoon-style design elements lately, you aren’t alone. Quite a few projects are using design themes that feature cartoon elements, making this a trending design style.

There are plenty of ways to use the trend, from a full cartoon aesthetic to smaller elements throughout the design.

In this guide, we will dissect the different ways cartoon elements can be integrated into designs, demonstrating their versatility.

Whether you’re just dipping your toes into this trend or planning to plunge headfirst, we aim to fuel your creativity with practical insights and stimulating examples.

Design Trend: Sticker-Style Icons and Emojis

Trends / 12 Jun 2023

Design Trend: Sticker-Style Icons and Emojis

Website design with a hint of nostalgia. That’s what you get from the latest design trend that makes you think of childhood with sticker-style elements, including icons and emojis, that add a little something extra to projects.

This design style is popping up everywhere and includes everything from a full design theme to smaller elements sprinkled throughout.

What’s great is that for a certain demographic, this look has a feel that’s a distinct throwback to the sticker books we had as kids, making this design trend interesting and engaging.

Here’s a look at everything you need to know about the sticker design trend.

Design Trend: AI-“Models” in Images or Hero Areas

Trends / 5 Jun 2023

Design Trend: AI-“Models” in Images or Hero Areas

Can you spot AI-inspired imagery when you see it?

There’s a trend in website design projects with hero images that feature models who maybe aren’t quite human. But then again, maybe they are.

The line between reality and artificially created images is beginning to get blurred all the time. In many projects, there is a look and feel that’s supposed to contain an element of AI.

Here’s a look at that website design trend.

10+ Examples of Web AR Experiences Done Well

Trends / 11 May 2023

10+ Examples of Web AR Experiences Done Well

Web-based augmented reality is a growing trend in website design that allows users to interact with realistic experiences from desktops or phones in-browser with no additional app required. This technology takes a little bit of everything and often includes HTML5, Web Audio, WebGL, and WebRTC to develop.

The result can be pretty impressive and leads to a level of engagement and interaction that keeps users wanting more.

WebAR is short for Web-based Augmented Reality, and it’s a relatively new technology that does not require a mobile application to function. Users can access AR experiences directly from their smartphones using the native camera and mobile web browser. This seamless user experience is one of the main reasons WebAR is rapidly growing in popularity.

Here’s a look at some examples of websites using Web AR to inspire your projects.

The Geometric Design Trend: Patterns, Fonts, and More

Trends / 20 Apr 2023

The Geometric Design Trend: Patterns, Fonts, and More

One of the design styles that’s been gaining popularity is the use of geometric elements including patterns, geometric fonts, and other elements to create a design scheme. Often these patterns and elements are rather simplistic, but they can have complex elements as well.

Geometric shapes and elements can be used for almost any part of a design, from a hero element to the full aesthetic.

Here, we’ll take a look at this design trend, characteristics, and tips to help you use it well.

Design Trend: Blockchain’s Impact on Design and Branding

Trends / 23 Mar 2023

Design Trend: Blockchain’s Impact on Design and Branding

Sometimes a design trend can start from an unlikely source. Blockchain, a technology designed for secure information transfer, has impacted the online community.

From Bitcoin to NFTs to everyday design projects, you can see some of the impact in projects that have nothing to do with blockchain itself. Here’s a look at how blockchain is impacting design and what it means for you.

While not a design or branding technique, this digital business tool is already changing the landscape of design. Let’s dive in and find out how.

Are Grids Dead? Why Do So Many Websites Seem to Not Have Them?

Trends / 27 Feb 2023

Are Grids Dead? Why Do So Many Websites Seem to Not Have Them?

Design elements just seem to be all over the place these days. They respond in a number of different ways, moving up and down, left to right, and even diagonally. Is anyone using a grid anymore?

All of these design schemes really got us thinking about grids and their use in modern website design. Is the grid dead? Why do so many projects look like they are designed off of a grid? And have there been any fundamental changes in the last few years?

It’s a pretty complicated topic (and one that doesn’t have a super clear-cut answer).

Design Trend: Text-Only Homepages

Trends / 23 Feb 2023

Design Trend: Text-Only Homepages

Where did all the images go? There’s a major trend right now, where designers are creating homepage hero areas that only include text, but with no images or video.

It’s an interesting aesthetic that puts a lot of focus on words and lettering. It can be elegant and beautiful or turn disastrous quickly. And it requires quite a bit of nuance and craft to get right.

As you notice more of these trending sites, you can decide how you feel about them. Personally? We think, when done well, they can be a beautiful example of design on the web.

Candy Pastels: A Soft and Soothing Graphic Trend

Trends / 16 Feb 2023

Candy Pastels: A Soft and Soothing Graphic Trend

Softer colors, soothing palettes, and a lighter vibe are what the candy pastels design trend is all about. More projects are using this color scheme to create a subtle and softer feel for projects, a distinct shift from many of the bold, bright colors that have been popular for the last few years.

Usually featuring pastel shades of pink, blue, yellow, green, and purple, it’s a calm and comforting collection of colours. Inspired by sweets and confectionary of old, it’s dubbed “candy pastels”.

Here’s a look at the design trend and how you can make the most of it.

Design Trend: Experimental Typefaces & Fonts

Trends / 13 Feb 2023

Design Trend: Experimental Typefaces & Fonts

One of the biggest trends in website design is experimental typefaces. These funky, unique, and always special fonts can serve as the backbone of a project or provide a special spark.

Experimental typefaces come in a variety of formats from handwriting styles to interesting serifs to color or animated fonts. There’s something for everyone with fonts that are a little bit different (or even customized).

Here’s a look at this design trend and how to make it work for you.

Tropicalism: A Design Trend Coming Back in 2024

Trends / 6 Feb 2023

Tropicalism: A Design Trend Coming Back in 2024

Tropicalism is a design trend that we are already seeing quite a bit of in 2023. You’ll know it thanks to bright colors, fun illustrations, and a breezy feel that makes you think of summer (and maybe a cold drink).

It’s a trend that draws inspiration from tropical landscapes, flora, and fauna. It is characterized by bright, bold colors, patterns featuring tropical leaves and flowers, and imagery of exotic birds and animals. The trend often incorporates organic shapes, textures, and materials to create a lush and tropical atmosphere.

The design trend extends to all elements of design, including website, illustration, and printed materials. Here’s a look at the trend and how to make the most of it in your projects.