Web design trends constantly evolve as technology progresses and our personal tastes change.
In the past year, web designers have refined the popular minimalist aesthetic approach, streamlined desktop to mobile interface, and pushed the boundaries of what modern technology and design are capable of. In a recent article, Sam Hampton-Smith, front-end designer/developer and freelance author for CreativeBloq, describes the top web design trends to look out for in 2016.
Cinemagraphs
Cinemagraphs, moving images reminiscent of the Harry Potter films, are growing in popularity. With technological advances like the new iPhone 6s and a wider usage of HTML5 Canvas, these types of images can be rendered in real-time without a loss of image quality. There are even websites fully dedicated to producing cinemagraphs, such as Flixel. This year, be on the lookout for a lot of photos that have movement while continuing to offer the benefits of a static image.
Illustrations
This year, web designers will begin to stray away from dull photos and replace them with vivid illustrations. Creative illustrations tend to engage users in a more personal way, unlike plain photographs that depict composed models. Modern websites will also feature wide photo headers that span the width of the entire web layout using illustrations.
Bold Color and Typography
Color and typography are undeniably important marketing tools that express brand values and messages. Now more than ever, brands feel a growing need to be bolder than the competition. Web fonts have also become more widely accessible. Expect 2016 to be full of vibrant hues and inventive typographical treatments throughout the web, not just in headlines.
