The Latest Web Design Trends: What's Hot and What's Not in 2023

In the ever-evolving world of web design, staying on the cutting edge of trends is essential to create captivating and user-friendly experiences. How important is thoughtful web design? Not only does it attract customers; it boosts engagement, improves brand awareness, and has a sizable impact on your bottom line.

In short, good web design isn’t just about creating pretty pages. It can actually make or break your business.

Elevate Web Design by Embracing the Good

1. Dark Mode Offers Elegance & Easier Reading

   

   Normally being kept in the dark is a negative, but when it comes to web design, the opposite is true. If you’ve noticed a lot of sites embracing dark mode, it’s not your imagination — and it’s more than just a trend. Dark mode is a user-centric design choice that's here to stay. Its sleek and stylish interface reduces eye strain and helps other design elements really stand out and pop. Dark backgrounds set the stage for vibrant images, crisp typography, and engaging micro interactions, resulting in an immersive and visually striking experience.

2. Micro Interactions Enhance Engagement

   

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   Micro interactions are subtle digital animations that provide visual feedback and guidance. Examples include buttons that animate when a user hovers over them, or sliding notifications that offer information. These interactions create a dynamic bond between user and interface, enhancing engagement.

   Micro interactions may be user-generated or system-generated. Scrollbars, swiping, and pull-to-refresh animation are examples of user-triggered interactions, while digital alarms and screen notifications are examples of system-triggered interactions.

3. With Minimalistic Oversized Typography, Less is More

   

   Oversized typography isn't just a design statement; it's a communication powerhouse. Bold, minimalistic lettering grabs attention and conveys your message with clarity. Fewer but bigger words are key; this serves the dual purpose of looking dramatic while improving readability. This is especially true on mobile devices. How many times have you had to squint because you couldn’t read text on your smartphone?

   In addition to better readability (and the ADA compliance that goes along with that), users are likely to spend more time on your site when the content is easy to scan and digest. That can translate to more sales, especially when visitors leave positive reviews.

4. Rounded UI Elements Represent Approachability

   

   The days of harsh edges are behind us. Humans are conditioned to associate sharp objects with danger, while softer objects with rounded edges are safer and more approachable.

   Even without an in-depth understanding of biology, it’s no secret that rounded UI elements are easier on the eyes, requiring less effort to process visually. Buttons, cards, and other components with softened corners invite users to explore with ease. They also draw the eye to the center of an element so users naturally focus on these items of interest. This design choice complements other elements seamlessly, contributing to a cohesive and visually pleasing experience.

5. Scrolling Effects Create a Dynamic Journey

   

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   Scrolling effects improve the user experience in multiple ways. Scrolling is faster than clicking, eliminating potentially slow page loads, and it provides visitors with a lot of information in one easy-to-find place. As users navigate down your website, elements can fade in smoothly, parallax effects create depth, and content can unfold in a visually engaging manner.

   Psychologically speaking, scrolling doesn’t require users to make a commitment — even if it’s just clicking on a page. These effects guide users through your story and keep them engaged, transforming static pages into interactive narratives.

   Badger Color Portfolio

Bid Farewell to Outdated and Overwhelming Design Elements

1. Streamline Overcomplicated and Cluttered Designs

   In the early days of the internet, web designers often tried to cram as much information as possible onto a site, resulting in a cluttered look. Today’s users seek simplicity and clarity. Overcomplicated designs can confuse and frustrate visitors, driving them away; scavenger hunts are fun when prizes are involved, but they have no place on your website. Keep your design simple and don’t make your visitors jump through hoops to find information that should be front and center. Streamline your layout, prioritize content, and guide users effortlessly through your website.

2. Prioritize Legibility by Ditching Unreadable Text and Poor Contrast

   Text should be a joy to read, not a challenge. Unreadable text and poor contrast strain the eyes and discourage engagement. Not only that; they can cause outright confusion, making it difficult for visitors to find the information they’re looking for if they can’t see it clearly! Prioritize legibility by choosing clear fonts, appropriate sizes, and high-contrast color combinations for an inclusive user experience.

3. Embrace the Mobile Era

   

   Accessing the internet via a computer is so 2015! More consumers use smartphones and tablets to search the web nowadays, and expect a seamless experience across all devices. In today's mobile-dominated landscape, a non-mobile-friendly design is not only a missed opportunity; it can cost you business: a study by MarginMedia found that 57% of users won’t recommend a business with a poorly designed mobile website. Responsive design ensures your website provides a smooth, consistent experience across all devices — whether on smartphones, tablets, or everything in between.

   Web design may not be rocket science, but it’s still crucial to get all the elements right. Embracing good practices while bidding farewell to the outdated ensures your website remains a relevant and engaging destination and a great reflection of your brand.