One of my favorite things about a new year is all the predictions and top 10 lists. As a designer I can’t help but read them all and wonder what will our clients need in 2012. I compiled a list from the many lists out there of our top 15 trends for 2012 that we hope to see!
Now what might work in one industry online may not in another. So please do not try and put each and every trend on your site - instead think about what your audience wants!
Of course we won’t know until next year if these trends will last, but it sure is fun thinking about what may be ahead as we work on your site this year!
TRENDS:
1. Responsive Web Design
Responsive web design is design that uses standards-based technologies to make them more flexible, and adaptable to the media that renders them.
For more information: http://www.alistapart.com/articles/responsive-web-design/
Design examples: http://designmodo.com/responsive-design-examples/
2. Vector Art
Mostly in the form of site mascots (see Mozilla, Firefox and MailChimp for examples.)
Vector art is easier to rescale than a photograph which can help when you need this mascot on everything from the home page to a small button.
3. Circles
Not just rounded edges, but circles big and small!
Circular shapes are smooth and encourage eye contact from your visitors.
Of course I am all for this bubbly design element.
4. Custom Fonts
Breaking away from the standard fonts and being able to see them on different browsers. Check out Typekit or Google Web Fonts.
With this tool you embed a bit of JavaScript which allows you to write any custom font into CSS styles.
5. Minimalist Design
Ultimately the goal of any website is to get your visitors from point A to B as quickly as possible. Simple, intuitive interfaces are the way of our future. We always suggest you spend some time writing and drafting out ideas for your navigation, page hierarchy, headings, content area etc. Pre-planning can go a long way towards simplifying everything!
Trends #6-10 coming next week!