It’s a question every small business owner asks: how often should you redesign your website? The answer might surprise you. Experts recommend redesigning annually and reevaluating every three months.
That’s probably much more often than you were hoping for. If it’s been longer than a year, it’s safe to say it’s time for an overhaul.
These seven cutting-edge web design trends are both fresh and forward thinking. Creating a beautiful but user-friendly experience has never been so simple.
If you’re ready to give your site a facelift, test out one of these trends. They’ll help you bring your web design into the present and beyond.
1. White Space Creates Roominess
One of the most noticeable trends in web design for 2019 has been ample use of negative space. In design, “negative space” is also called “white space.” It’s empty and provides contrast to images and other design elements.
White space gives other design elements room to “breathe.” If you’ve ever felt a design was cluttered or claustrophobic, it didn’t have enough white space.
Negative space can also create a sense of luxuriousness and space for the viewer. Web designers have been experimenting by including ample empty space on pages. While white space allows the eye to rest, so much of it makes it a focal point.
This is an easy design feature for small businesses to include in an updated web design. Better yet, it’s unlikely to look dated or outmoded any time soon.
2. Go Retro
Design trends 2019 are likely to be dominated by nostalgia. Designers have been reaching back to the past for inspiration.
One of the biggest retro trends has been the adoption of patterns and neon colors. This nod to the late 1980s and early 1990s is apt for small businesses appealing to Millennials. Some designs even include inspiration from the early web itself.
Some designers have reached back even farther to find their inspiration. Motifs from the 1950s and 1970s are also making an appearance in web design.
It’s difficult to say which decade is going to dominate, but one thing is clear. Going retro isn’t going out of style any time soon.
3. A Black and White Affair
If the trend toward day-glo colors doesn’t suit your brand, you’ll be happy to know that one of 2019’s web design trends is the black-and-white palette.
Black and white are always in style, and they provide stark contrast to one another. Using various shades of gray can give you more variation.
If you want to be even more daring, you can try adding a single color, such as a red or yellow. This bright pop of color against a black and white backdrop makes a bold statement for your brand.
4. Typography Breaks the Mold
Some of the most interesting website design trends concern typefaces. People tend not to think about typeface, but they can influence how the reader perceives the text. They can also assist with legibility.
That may be one reason serif typefaces are making a comeback. Serifs help the eye move from letter to letter, which can make reading easier.
At the other end of the spectrum, web designers have been experimenting with bold typography. Some designers are adding animations that activate when users interact with type. Others are turning 2D type into something almost 3D.
If you do nothing else with your web design in 2019, get creative with how you use type.
5. Web Design Trends Go Off Grid
If you’ve done any design work, you’re likely familiar with the idea of the grid. Everything in your design should be aligned to a grid. This helps ensure symmetry, which increases visual enjoyment for the viewer.
Print design has long challenged the use of grids, and today’s web designers are breaking up with the grid. Changes in CSS technology are allowing designers to bring more print sensibility to the web.
Broken layouts and asymmetrical designs are gaining popularity as a result. Couple them with a retro motif for an inspired design for your website.
6. Accessibility and Inclusivity on Deck
One interesting thing about website design right now is the focus on accessibility.
The push for more inclusivity isn’t new. Web users have different needs, and they’ve been pushing for design that supports more people. The difference is web designers are finally embracing the call.
One major factor in this has been the rising importance of responsive websites. Since websites are now being viewed across a wider number of screens, flexibility is a must. They also have to have fallbacks in place to make them easier to use in a variety of contexts.
You can think about an app that requires the user to tap buttons and swipe screens. What if someone has their hands full? What if a user requires assistive devices to perform those tasks?
Voice technology is another good example. Apps that allow people to ask questions must account for those who can’t speak and those who have accents as well.
The good news is many design trends are already helping small business owners create accessible websites.
7. Illustration Goes 3D
One of the leading website trends of the last few years has been flat design. “Flat” illustration went along with it, often with bright colors and odd shapes.
There are several illustration trends in 2019, but one of the leading ones is a departure from 2D images. 3D illustration appears to be leading the way in 2019.
If you’re looking to spruce up your design, some new illustrations might be just the way to do it.
It’s Time for a Website Makeover
Giving your website a facelift can help your business stay current. Stay on top of the latest web design trends with advice from our blog. We have all the tips to help you through your next website redesign. One thing is clear—the steady push towards user-designed websites will continue. Web templates make it easy for everyone to make their site and be their designer. Here’s another excellent resource on the latest website design trends to see.
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