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Current web design trends. Pragmatic view
All sings in design sector suggest that in the approach to graphic design we will observe continuation of trends that were developed in many areas during past months. It shouldn’t be expected that “flat design” will be abandoned, same with simple color pallets trend or increasingly wider selection of fonts used helping enhance project uniqueness and personality. On the top of that, we still observe animations and explainer videos (frequently created uniquely for specific communication needs, which successfully replaces plain text areas on the website).
All these continue to impact graphic design trends, which still continue to develop and morph. It is however meaningful that those trends don’t stay aside from technologies that determine them and are strictly connected with them. Mobile devices and their manufacturers set technological area, in which a lot of space is booked for interface created by UI/UX designers. That is why in the well-established responsive approach more and more frequently influence of project’s mobile version can be observed in desktop versions. In such case most of the graphical elements remain consistent and unchanged comparing with “mobile” version, differences are outcome of scaling particular blocks of entire “puzzle”. More and more frequently desktop version of the projects use touch menu interface, seemingly meant only for mobile version, what can be observed for example in the following projects:
These are examples of mobile standards used as an effective navigation forms in desktop version of the projects. Of course, “mobile” form of navigation will not always fit in “desktop” variant; however there is no reason to completely resign from such solution. “For” argument are, among others, aesthetic issues and having user accustomed to a particular form of navigating he/she is get used to. This is one of many examples of blurring differences between what is seen on mobile and desktop screens.
In practice, combining flat design, simplified design forms, block layout and big images or videos let the message become clear and easily understood no matter what device we use. Compromise and right balance between information/content and what is heavily visual, will surely be kept also in upcoming months.
Other examples that reflect aforementioned modern web design trends:
Mobile First. Convince your Client before it’s too late
Mobile First design approach coined by Luke Wroblewski is great option for both, the Designer and Coder responsible for implementing the interface concept. It allows not only to save time but also to avoid series of misunderstandings and mistakes that are likely to pop up during design process.
The core idea of Mobile First is that we start with the most important elements and information presented in mobile version of the project; this approach gives us higher certainty in terms of meeting its objectives for each resolution. It might be problematic however to convince Client to the approach in which all starts with mobile version, which is treated as a base for creating version for tablet and finally for desktop. For many people it is hard to imagine how ultimately their website will look when displayed on one of popular monitors used at home or in office, based on the mobile project only. Idea, although pertinent, in many cases may not work.
Most likely Wroblewski’s approach will be used in many internal projects of interactive agencies: here frequently for information architecture and interface sketching process same teams of specialists will be responsible, that are also involved in further stages of the project (graphic design creation and implementation). It’s very likely that together with greater Client’s awareness (in which large role plays middleman between Client and Designer), number of websites developed with Mobile First approach in mind will increase. Therefore strict connection of this approach with simple and clear design will turn out highly effective in some cases.
Creativity in getting good final result
Having in mind key tendencies prevailing in contemporary “web design” we must not forget about the creative approach. Trends keep changing depending on the directions defined by technology industry leaders. This happens in order to increase functionality, attractiveness and sales of the products. It is similar in web design. Modern and attractive content presentation is the main reason why clients reach for our services. Available tools and technologies give us wide range of possibilities in this area, however technology has its limitations. Tablet, smartphone and finally high resolution monitor - these are key fields to be used by a web designer in clear and concise manner. Design process based on specific grid is completed successfully when we manage to reach compromise between creativity and technological possibilities. Minimalism in web design is one of the effective measures leading to achieve that goal. This approach is mobile-devices-friendly and has positive impact on designs in higher resolutions, providing simplicity and clarity in the receipt of information. Clear message together with intuitive, easy access to desired information are key factors, which designer should provide in order to have users’ attention. With all that it is important not to forget about aesthetic impressions. Minimalistic approach certainly makes it easier to meet the goal and reach compromise.
Mobile = more important?
When starting a new project we should always keep in mind the “lowest” resolution version of the website (usually displayed on mobile devices). The basics in this case is to create - at the start - functional, logical and clear project wireframes, what will streamline web designer work at a later stage and reassure consistency of entire responsive project.
How current trends in web design respond to that? They admittedly facilitate to meet the above conditions: simple design forms and minimalism is a solid ground that is conducive to the good results of project work. Nonetheless, Client’s approval and good understanding for such approach is necessary from the very beginning.
It can be expected that this will be one of the greater challenges faced by web design teams in near future.
Navigate the changing IT landscape
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