Happy new year! This year is bringing some exciting new trends in websites. From behind the scenes to landing pages, websites of 2021 will be visually and functionally different from those of the past. Here are the top 5 website design trends for 2021, and the 2 design standards that will continue to have a huge role.
Asymmetrical Design
The boxy, standard layout of websites will begin to give way to a more asymmetrical approach. Being balanced yet uneven in image and graphic weight makes pages visually interesting and provides new opportunities for conveying information.
Bold Color
Calm, quiet, and flat color is taking a back seat to bold and exciting palettes. Bright color combinations and everyday life views of products, verses stocky images, give new life to visual representation.
Depth and Parallax
Flat and uniform sites will begin to fade as sites with depth and movement come to the forefront. Sites will utilize the parallax effect – where the background moves at a slower rate than the foreground. Think of some of the 3D images you’ve seen posted on social media where the depth of the objects in the image seemingly changes as it is moved or scrolled. In addition, those bold colors will create additional depth through shading, resulting in a more dynamic visual representation without using additional colors. The bold color palette stays true and visually pleasing without appearing flat and lifeless.
Dynamic Questionnaires
Goodbye boring forms, hello exciting and dynamic questionnaires. As companies continue to work towards creating unique experiences for their customers, they will utilize lively and fun ways of collecting information in order to deliver a more personalized shopping experience. Think moving pages and objects, fun questions, exciting layouts, and easy navigation that will keep shoppers engaged and moving through the process.
Causes and Movements
We will begin to see a rise in websites dedicated to causes and movements in 2021. Most sites are backed by an organization, but as we see more social justice movements, environmental needs, and other important topics gain more attention, groups will begin to utilize websites in addition to social media to gain followers and spread information.
Accessibility
While accessibility is not a new trend, we will continue to see this important aspect of website design play a big role in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced everyone to utilize technology more than ever. As companies and organizations pivot to accommodate additional traffic and business, that strategy needs to include adapting design for differently-abled individuals. Interestingly, many of the visual design element trends for this year, such as bold colors and shading, pull double duty with accessibility. In addition to being beautiful and interesting, they are also very useful for the visually impaired.
Mobile First
For the same reasons that accessibility is still a strong element in web design this year, so is mobile-first design. As most of the world will continue to work remotely, socially distance, and shop online, creating a website that is mobile friendly is a must.
How Hammersmith Support Can Help
Thinking that maybe your website is ready for some updates with these exciting trends? Or are you wondering where to start with your site? Ready to finally get your site cleaned up with a monthly maintenance package? Hammersmith Support can help! Visit our Calendly page to schedule your free, 30-minute appointment to talk through all of your questions.