Online trends continue...
11. Ribbon and Banner Graphics
Beta testers often use these ribbons to classify the current release version of software and mobile apps. Additionally you’ll find banners wrapped around free downloads or featured articles in blogs.
example: http://365psd.com/day/2-23/
http://designmodo.com/design-ribbons-badges/
12. Hand Drawn Designs
To contrast the slick look of computer generated graphics, sometimes the imperfections of something hand drawn can tell your audience what it needs to know about your company or product.
13. Mobile
This is going to be hard on all the designers out there. Keeping in mind how a site looks on a nice big flat screen AND on a cell phone screen. While you may never have every single screen look beautiful (with most project budgets) you can make sure users can surf your site anywhere.
14. QR codes
They are completely free to create, and many more people understand how they work. Considering how many people have cell phones these graphic codes are quite handy vs. writing down a site address. We have seen them everywhere from real estate signs to burger joints to rock bands!
15. Freebies!
From icons to desktop patterns, who doesn’t like a freebie now and then?
Two current favorites are Download PSD and Designmoo, both of which get updated frequently. Additionally the Hongkiat Freebies archive has plenty of treats to check out. This is an easy way to download free web interfaces, layouts, logos, banners, and practically any other type of PSD/AI file - a great resource for limited budgets.
Check these out:
http://downloadpsd.com/
http://designmoo.com/
http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/category/freebies-online/
What trends will stick? What trends do you like?