ID3AS Blog

The world of design is ever-changing; what looks to be timely one day can look out-of-touch the next. If you want your design to look and feel relevant, you need to stay up to date with what’s going on in the world of design. Usher in the new year by updating your designs to reflect our new world.  

2020 shifted us even more towards an online world, with more people working, learning, and shopping online than ever before.  The up and coming trends reflect the needs of the customer and the world that we live in. We can expect these design trends for 2021 to not only affect the online space of web design and social media, but also company branding, logos, and overall marketing. 

Consider the following top 5 trends that are poised to sweep the design world in 2021! 

1. Dark Mode

Since the beginning of the internet, a white background was considered the best way to create empty space on a website, or on an app. In 2020 the Dark Mode trend took the industry by hold, and we can only expect to see it continue and grow in 2021! 

Image Credit: Daniel Korpai

What is Dark Mode? This supplemental mode can be used to display mostly dark surfaces on a website or app, replacing traditional white space with dark greys or black. This dark theme has the capability to save energy and is better for reducing eye strain in low light conditions. It also minimizes blue light exposure by reducing the screen glare. Dark Mode has gained popularity over this past year, largely due to more people relying on online communications for work, school, and play. 

2. Minimalism

Minimalism has been a recurring trend throughout the recent decade and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. A minimalist web design uses minimal elements, adhering to the basic design principles. This is based on only using the essential elements, such as basic shapes, clean text, and limited color palettes, creating a look that’s functional and memorable. 

In the fast-paced, multi-colored, look-at-me world that we live in, sometimes the best option is not to compete with bigger and brighter, but to head in the opposite direction with muted tones and a toned-down design.

3. 3D Typography

In 2020, we’ve seen designers pushing their creative limits with playful ideas and concepts, and viewers enjoying the change. In 2021, it’s safe to expect the artistic flow of typography designs to be transformed into 3D with realistic-looking lettering. 

Image Credit: -SAWDUST-

Running beside 3D are elements of animation, pattern, and texture in typography design. We can expect designers to utilize the most fashionable techniques and transform them into typography design in an imaginative way. 

4. Interactivity & Motion

We already know that the future is video, as it’s proven to be the most engaging form of online content. Not only does this apply to posting videos on social, but it also includes adding motion to the design of your website! Adding animation and motion to your web design is a simple way to take an otherwise ordinary website to the next level, making it more engaging and exciting. 

In the same vein, adding interactive elements to your website, including quizzes, games, polls, and surveys can add a fun addition to the online experience. When done well, adding motion and interactive elements to your website can engage your visitors, while also gaining information and learning more about them, without distracting or overwhelming your site. 

5. Design Inspired by Nature

As an effect of the current COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been an emergence and thirst for nature. People who have been encouraged to stay indoors have an urge to get out and enjoy the fresh air and beauty of nature. In design, mimicking nature with natural lights, soft, earthy tones, and natural gradients in a color scheme has been coming back into fashion in a big way. 

As we move further into 2021, there’s a big push to create natural ambiances, and in a sense, let the mountains come to you in the design of marketing materials. 

Our final thoughts? Success will come from those who press forward, adapt, and embrace the changes in the new year. We hope that these trends inspire you to think outside the box. 

Are you ready to take your designs into 2021? Reach out to the experts at D3!