Latest Website Trends for 2023
Photo Credit: Rodion Kutsaiev
“A trend is a trend is a trend. But the question is, will it bend? Will it alter its course through some unforeseen force and come to a premature end?”
I talk a lot about the importance of having a website that drives traffic through SEO strategy and writing effective content. But today I’m going to throw all of that out the window and focus on the importance of having a visually aesthetic website design. That’s right! Take off your strategist hat and put on your designer hat while we take a look at the latest website trends for 2023.
Trend No. 1:
Overlapping Images & Text
An easy way to highlight new projects, new products or upcoming events is overlapping images and text like the example shown here.
Important to note: These images are consistent in color and theme (home decor) and are juxtaposed to a bold, legible font that stands out with a coordinating text element. Good design is in the details. So make sure your images complement each other in aesthetic and represents your brand message.
Trend No. 2:
Background Textures
Texture and dynamic backgrounds can help elevate your website’s pages beyond plain solid colors while conveying personality and engaging more visitors.
Important Note: If overlapping a product image over a background, be careful with the overall design so as not to detract from what you’re actually promoting. You want to visually excite your visitors, not turn them away with a cluttered mess.
THIS IS SCROLLING TEXT
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THIS IS SCROLLING TEXT ﹡
Trend No. 3:
Scrolling Text Elements
An eye-catching effect like scrolling text can definitely add a dynamic animation element to your website. Creative use of scrolling text gives you the control to set the pace, delivery and interactivity of your content. Featuring a new product? Use scrolling text to highlight a specific selling feature. Recognized in your industry? Use this design element to mention your new award or mention.
A2 Type Foundry Website Example
Trend No. 4:
Brutalism
Brutalism in web design has a deliberate crudity and plainness that prioritizes functionality over form and effectiveness over aesthetics. It has a very simplistic and extremely minimalistic approach.
This monochromatic approach to web design is inspired by a style architecture from the post-WWII era. Perfect for quirky brands wanting to push boundaries.
Some classic examples of brutalist web design:
MONOCHROMATISM
SOLID BACKGROUNDS WITH LITTLE TO NO DECORATION
GEOMETRIC SHAPES & SHARP EDGES
DIVIDING LINES
TEXT HEAVY CONTENT
Trend No. 5:
90s Nostalgia
Think MTV! Around-the-clock music videos, pop culture at its finest, funky animations, loud geometric shapes, humor and a cool, fresh, inventive vibe. 90s nostalgia is making its comeback in a big way with this website trend.
Trend No. 6:
Rave
Ever been to a rave? If so, you’ll know this organized underground dance scene is full of electronic music, neon light shows, and psychedelic or distorted aesthetics. Carry this into your web design with dark backgrounds, distorted text or glitch photo effects.
Designer & Trend Forecaster, Angela in the Fields
Trend No. 7:
Metaverse
Thinking beyond into a multi-dimensional world of design aesthetics. Liquid metals, 3D shapes, mixed media collages. Or maybe go so far as to explore ways to leverage virtual reality technology to promote your product or service.
No matter your industry, monitoring new trends and forecasts can help small business owners stay current and informed in this ever-changing market. Trends provide insight and give direction as to where your industry is headed. I mean, think about it. If you’re a kitchen designer and you’ve done your research, made observations, had conversations with industry colleagues, and you know that illuminated countertops are the new and upcoming trend, you may want to consider that option for a new kitchen client. Knowledge is power and helps you establish leadership and credibility.
Website trends are part of that puzzle of keeping your business current and “in the know.” So consider these most recent design trends the next time you update your website…which, by the way, should be more often then you are probably doing. That goes back to my SEO strategy comment in the beginning. See?! It comes full circle.
