They say that the only constant is change. Whoever “they” are, they’re right! As we move out of 2022, it is important to look at the horizon and see what the new year has in store for us and for web design.
When it comes to the most innovative web design trends in 2023, brands need to be on the cutting edge in order to meet their prospects’ and customers’ high expectations in terms of usability, speed, functionality, and aesthetics – and to maximize their results.
What are the most exciting design trends for the coming year?
We expect to see the following play a big role in web design:
Design matters. Here’s why: Most people (94%) judge a site – and by extension, a brand – on its responsive design, and about half view it as an indication of credibility. If a site has too much content packed into it, 38% of people leave, and 80% leave if it displays poorly. The good news: the majority of consumers engage more meaningfully with a well designed site.
This is your opportunity to use your website to deliver what your target audience wants. This includes ultra-fast page load speeds, fully responsive design, mobile-first or mobile-friendliness, intelligent chatbots, clean, streamlined layouts, and easily navigable, intuitive interfaces. Integrating these elements creates a seamless, engaging experience for your customers.
How many websites have you visited with blocks of text and a few random stock pictures thrown in to liven it up? Endless sites rely on generic images… which creates the impression that your brand is generic. Blah. Boring. Devoid of personality or originality. So, the resolution for 2023: No more stock photos! Consumers expect more authenticity from brands, and they need to build a connection in order to feel comfortable taking the next steps towards a purchase.
Commissioning unique images and visuals does cost more, but it will make your brand stand out from the pack. It helps create a one-of-a-kind site that rings true and resonates with visitors.
This is far from a new trend, but we’ll see minimalism evolve. Designers have long used white space to create a cleaner interface. It also happens to dovetail perfectly with other innovative trends, such as the use of 3D and pseudo-3D elements (more on these in a moment). While making designs with more dynamic layouts and more intense visual interest. White space keeps users from becoming overstimulated and overwhelmed. Instead, designers focus on leading people from one relevant element to the next seamlessly.
When it comes to web design trends in 2023, we are excited about the incorporation of more 3D (e.g. text, logos, buttons, etc.) and pseudo-3D (layers, floating effects, shadows, etc.) that create a highly dynamic appeal. Thanks to advances in VR, AI, and other technologies, it is easier to integrate them into brand websites. These features can also enhance usability. For example, a floating menu can stay static without disappearing as a user navigates a website. This way, they can easily guide themselves around.
Parallax scrolling is a next gen version of dynamic scrolling (where users could scroll down infinitely). It is a design method in which the foreground moves at a different rate than the background, which is much slower. When done well (and subtly) this adds depth and a sense of moment. It is a highly effective choice for brand storytelling.
Speed and design is critical so the movements are not jarring or overstimulating. Again, when done effectively, it keeps users more engaged and creates the feeling that they are moving through different pages while staying on the same one (reducing bounce rates).
Traditionally, designers used a sort of “invisible” grid to layout and organize a website’s elements. The grid is getting an update. One technique we will see more of in 2023 is split screens. Here, the screen is divided into two displays of related content. The split may be asymmetrical or blurred – or replaced altogether with elements with which the visitor can interact (e.g. switching from light to dark modes, layered before and after images, etc.).
Remember “choose your own adventure” books? Interactive video is a 2023-worthy version of this concept. With interactive elements, users are no longer passive. They are actively involved in the action and make decisions to further the story, if you will. We will see these emerging this year and becoming a more accessible and widely-used strategy in the coming years.
The importance of a beautifully designed website cannot be overstated. It can be your single most powerful marketing asset – so make sure that you capitalize on all of the opportunities. Work with an experienced web design marketing company in 2023 that stays on the cutting edge of innovations and advancements. Contact THAT Agency for more information about what we can do for your business.
Tags: Digital Marketing
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