Technology and online design trends move quickly, so for today’s web designers to stay on top of the game it’s important to have one hand in the present and the other in the future. With 2014 looming in the distance, it’s time to start predicting the trends that will be used by every web designer next year and start incorporating them now. This will ensure that your site is ahead of the curve.
Responsive Layout
Responsive web design has already been used by practically every web designer New York or London in 2013, but this trendy layout looks like it’s here to stay. Using a responsive layout allows designers to use one set of content for each type of device, eliminating the need to create completely different designs for smartphones and computers. The responsive design is able to adapt to the device being used, creating an ideal viewing experience even at different resolutions. This type of design can be easier to develop than a separate site for mobile users, providing a cost-effective solution to a current problem.
Flat Design                         Â
Two-dimensional or “flat” design is another hot trend that you can expect to see everywhere next year. This involves using the constraints of a 2D screen, eliminating the texturing and drop shadowing that is currently used to try and make websites look three-dimensional. By getting rid of these details, the website can look simple, clean, and modern. It automatically makes the website more mobile-ready, with a faster loading time and images that are easier to scale down to size.
Emphasis on Typography
You can expect designers to go back to basics in 2014, playing around with the unique capabilities of font and typography. With most consumers now using smartphones or tablets, clean layouts and smooth lines are more appreciated than in the past. Unique typography can be used to create a classy, modern, and bold layout. Some designers are incorporating multiple fonts into websites. This can be tricky to execute successfully, but when it works it can create a unique, aesthetically pleasing look for brands.
Single Page Minimalism
One traditional tactic to improve on page SEO was to create as many pages as possible to incorporate keywords on each page. However, today’s websites have been streamlined in an effort to improve the user experience and provide quality content. One trend that seems to be picking up steam is using a single page for the full website, rather than several different pages. The user can then scroll up and down to find the content that they’re looking for. This type of design also tends to work better on mobile platforms, rather than waiting for each separate page to load.
Improved Mobile Optimisation
The end goal for many of these other trends is an overall improvement in mobile websites. Designers are using tools like single page screens and responsive design to create a more fluid and seamless transition between computer websites and those designed for the small screen.
With online consumers becoming increasingly savvy, it can be difficult for websites to stand out from the crowd. Clean layouts, responsive designs, and high quality content can all go a long way in 2014.
