The Changing Face of Web Design
When you spend as much time online as we do researching and looking at new ways to develop and improve our clients businesses (as well as our own!) We can’t help but see new web design trends taking shape before our eyes. The way we view content online is constantly evolving and companies are doing what they can to try and keep up and stay ahead of the competition.
It is not enough now to get your website up and be done with it, you have to constantly refresh your content and review your site regularly to keep up customer interest and to meet their expectations as new facilities become available. Sites are now expected to be responsive over all platforms whether it be Desktop, Mobile or Tablet, and the technology game is certainly keeping developers on their toes to make sure that these needs are being met!
The pressure is also on designers to create a “back end” is simple to use for non-technical people and allow the website owner to manage their own content without needing coding expertise. Luckily, over the past few years leaps and bounds have been made in these areas, and now anyone, no matter what their level of computer knowledge has the opportunity to get online.
So, what are some of the design trends we are seeing in 2014?
Large Content Blocks - We are seeing many sites adopt large content blocks on their homepages, rather than the traditional menu bar, the result, a visually appealing, modern and clean look.
Minimalist Design - Clean white spaces and clear cut images with minimal background have become a popular way to showcase product – The Scandinavian minimalist style is big at the moment and this is echoed in site design. Product images are large and are the hero of the space. It creates a high end and clean feel.
Strong Imagery - The use of browser filling imagery and minimal content has also come through as a trend, it helps to create a more personal feeling and brings out the emotion in a brand. The below example is for handcrafted bridal accessories and jewellery.
Video content - Video content is becoming cheaper and easier to use and we are starting to see a lot more of this coming thorugh. Check out the Spotify Website to see this in action: www.spotify.com/uk/video-splash/
Playful fonts and graphics/Flat Design - These encompass simple graphics or flat style animation. Using playful and bold fonts create fun and interest. This is a cute example fromwww.wehearttrees.org
This is just a very small handful of some of the trends coming through! There are so many more and you only have to start exploring online to see more of the endless possibilities!
There is a misconception that getting a new website is expensive. It doesn’t have to be! There are a myriad of online tools that can help even the tightest of budgets achieve a great result. If you haven’t updated your website in a while, or have been looking at taking your business online, give us a call! We can help and we would love to hear from you.