Even considering the sheer number of websites that currently exist, it’s still possible for yours to be totally unique. But how can you make sure that’s the case? Getting the basics right is important – like having fast load times, for instance – but that won’t matter much if your site is boring to look at. Users don’t just want accessible information or services; a well-designed website will provide an experience that keeps users’ attention engaged from start to finish.
That’s where web design comes in – to express your brand’s aesthetic, inspire confidence in your message, and simply keep people on your website long enough to figure out what you’re all about. It’s a lot more than just the background pictures; it’s part of your online image, which means you want to get it right. Some people rely on templates or their own experience to create the web designs they want, while others take advantage of a web design service. Whatever you decide to do, the first step is to figure out which type of web design would work for your website. With that in mind, here are a few of 2022’s trendiest web designs for you to check out.
- Huge fonts
There are plenty of ways to draw someone’s eye to a certain part of the page, but few are quite as direct as oversized text. If you make your titles a focal point (whether it’s on the home page, product pages, or anywhere else), the users will have a strong starting point for whatever they’re trying to find out. It’s also just a cool look if you do it right, which is probably why so many websites have incorporated this particular web design.
- Embedded videos
Attention spans are famously short these days, which is why embedding a video in your home page makes such an effective attention-grabber. Many people associate screens with entertainment, so why not use that association to your advantage? Plus, videos are actually a great way to visually communicate your brand’s message without bogging users down in the details. Fuse Animation’s website redesigned by WebCitz hits the nail on the head by using their own graphics on their homepage – not a bad way to let people know what they have to offer!
- Monochromatic color scheme
It’s common to use color to grab someone’s attention, but monochrome web designs can be just as effective, sometimes even more so. For example, an “act now” button usually stands out because it’s in a color that contrasts with the background. But imagine how much that brightly colored button would stand out if it was set in a field of black, white, and gray? Then it would really pop – and the rest of your website would probably look quite distinguished as well.
- Minimalism
This is the “less is more” approach. Every element of the minimalist web design has to be strong, so users know where to go even with less overt structure. This type of design can work for a wide variety of purposes, from lifestyle-oriented blogs to house-cleaning services. It isn’t just a matter of aesthetics; it’s also a matter of efficiency.
- UX-driven animated lines
Imagine you were navigating a website, and there were line-based animations literally pointing out the way for you – that’s the essence of this web design. Diagonal lines, in particular, can lend a dynamic feel to the animations. Users aren’t necessarily absorbing information from these graphics, but the visual part of their brains is staying busy, meaning they’re less likely to click off in search of something more interesting.
- Creative color-coded branding
If a brand can get customers to associate products with colors, that means the customers are more likely to remember the products in question. Microsoft has done it, beer brands have done it – and you can do it too. You may not remember what Microsoft Excel is called, but you do know that the spreadsheets program you liked was “the green one”. By the same token, you could get people to remember your website, service, or products by simply using colors.
- Customized illustrations
There are all kinds of hoops that websites jump through in order to optimize their ranking with Google, and one of those hoops is load times. With that in mind, some sites are choosing illustrations rather than photographs. They consistently load faster than photos, plus a high-quality illustration will steer your website away from the “stock photo” vibe.
- Cartoon characters
How many iconic cartoon characters can you think of right now – and how many of them are associated with commercial brands? Mr. Clean, Kellogg’s Tony the Tiger, and the Green Giant are just a few of many cartoon representatives that companies have used over the years. You don’t have to come up with your own company mascot; you could simply use illustrated characters in your web design to create brand identity, without the backstory or catchphrases.
- Non-traditional scrolling
Vertical scrolling is pretty much a fact of life – or is it? Some websites are utilizing horizontal scrolling, and users seem to appreciate the change of pace. It does sort of re-invent the wheel, but why not? Horizontal scrolling is forward-thinking and fresh, without being overly complicated.
- Rotating animations
This is what you want if you simply can’t decide on a single animation for your home page. Instead, you could pick several, and let fate decide which one each user sees! Visitors will see a new animation each time they revisit or refresh the page, and you’ll get to showcase your taste in web design to each and every user.
There’s something out there for everyone, so if you don’t see it here, all you have to do is keep looking!
The great thing about web design is that it’s supremely adaptable. You could have a website that simply needs a facelift, or you could be starting from scratch – the main thing is to find the right web design, and then let it do the talking for you!