Everyone knows the proverbial importance of a good first impression. People can take just seconds to decide how they feel about people as well as businesses and products. This is why good web design is so important. Your site is likely the first thing new customers will see, and it will be the base for their opinions of your company.
If you’re looking to create or update a website in 2016, follow these design trends to stand out from the competition. Any style will provide the information customers need, but don’t forget to make your content useful as well.
With that said, the hottest trends for 2016 are:
Microinteractions. These are primarily used in mobile platforms but can be handy for desktop versions too. Small actions help engage the user, who can also tailor the experience to their preference, such as a muting content quickly.
Cards. Sites like Pinterest use these small, complete sections to organize large amounts of content. They’re especially handy for sites that include content generated by their users. Making them clickable makes them more interactive too.
Minimalist design. Less is more. If your content is the focus of your design, you won’t have distractions pulling away your viewers’ attention. Apple is a perfect example of clean, sleek, and minimized style.
Layers. Combining a base of flat content and layers over the top makes your site feel life-like and interactive. Small shadows project the content forward and create a nice sensation of depth.
Animations. From small symbols on your loading screen to moving backgrounds, adding motion can make your experience far more engaging. It also helps you steer the attention of your viewers exactly where you want it.
Bold typography. Use unique fonts to tie your brand together and make incredible statements. The size and shape of your text can change the entire mood of your website.
Vibrant colors. Last year ushered in a bevy of wild shades, but this year the colors will be more dramatic. Gradients can complement minimalistic sites and make your content much more memorable.
Extended scrolling. Sites that utilize this motion are inherently familiar because they feel like mobile sites. It also enables dynamic storytelling since you can strategically place your content.
Anytime you need to redefine your website, you don’t have to do it alone. At SteerPoint, we do more than just design. We’re here to help you with search engine optimization, social campaigns, and more.