In 2013 it was Parallax scrolling and an increased emphasis on typography, short videos and responsive design. But if there is indeed one constant in the always evolving world of web design, it’s that nothing stays static for long.
So what trends should professional site designers be keeping tabs on for the last half of 2014? And how should they be integrating the newest ideas into their client portfolios? Check out these four concepts, none of which are necessarily revolutionary but rather resurrections of older ideas that are tried-and-true in the field.
Flat Design
Whereas many recent trends in design have emphasized the “more is more” concept, flat design, which should by no means be classified as retro, puts simple, clean and modern back on the palette. Think less clutter and more use of white space, which forces designers to achieve more with less. Some great examples of flat design are Flipboard, Path and The Next Web.
Infographics
Getting information across to the user in a clear and efficient way should always be front and center in a designer’s work, so infographics—eye-catching combinations of bold colors and shapes and a coherent typography—are ideal for intriguing viewers and grabbing attention. After all, any website should be about communication, and infographics are a great way to distill data into an easy-to-absorb form.
Newsletters
Many marketers have eschewed email-driven communication in favor of social media efforts, but don’t count out the importance of regular newsletters as a way to stay in touch with your audience. This year, experts are predicting a resurgence in newsletters simply because serious designer’s are finding way to make them more relevant, creative and exciting.
Fixed Navigation
Over-designing a site has run its course, and nowhere is that more noticeable then in menu navigation. Trending surveys and polls have discovered that searching for flash menus is a deterrence to visitors, and as such expect to see more and more sites where navigation bars are available and highly noticeable at all times. And if you’re dealing with a heavy content load, fixed navigation is a much more logical approach to design.
