21 Jan Web Design Trends to Look Out For

2014 was a cutting edge year for emerging web design trends, including parallax effects, code-free platforms and single page sites.

As the range of devices on which we view websites continues to grow, designers must constantly adapt their workflow to meet the dynamic changes that are occurring in web design. Here are some trends to keep up with these changes.

Flexible fonts

We already know that web type is very different from print type, but as of 2014 we haven’t broken free from designing “print” fonts on websites. Text can no longer continue to look small and squeezed together, and we certainly shouldn’t be writing small novels, either.

Research has repeatedly demonstrated that larger text sizes are conducive to easier reading on the web. It is also crucial for text to always look its best, regardless of what device it’s viewed on.

Goodbye coding

Designers and coders used to be separate positions, but today designers can create full websites without ever writing a line of code. This is a huge shift. Coders, don’t worry about your job, though – there will always be a place for you. It’s just that it is transitioning away from front-end work.

Responsive is a must

We consider a responsive design as one that works on PCs, tablets and smartphones. In 2015 we have smart watches, TVs and more to keep in mind with website design and functionality.

But on a smart watch, for example, even the navigation system has to be completely rethought to accommodate how we use the device. Watches won’t be able to use smartphone site designs, and a site optimized for laptops won’t necessarily work when viewed on a smart TV.

It’s surprising that so many websites aren’t using the most basic of responsive themes today… it will take some time to meet the challenges of all platforms. But 2015 will see that success.

Bigger pictures

Large images used to be frowned upon due to limited bandwidth and slow load time, but this is changing. As a result, large images have taken the internet by storm.

In 2015, images will take center stage, including the use of images as backgrounds.  Blur and color filter overlays will allow text to “float on top” without compromising usability.

As designers come to terms with being able to use huge images in their designs without compromising site functionality, you can expect to see larger and larger images everywhere.

What website design trends do you see for 2015? Share by commenting below.

image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net