Web design & development trends in 2021

Posted:

28 Jan 2021

Author:

Helena Hubbard

Approx read time:

4 minutes

Start your 2021 in style!

We know how important it is to feel like your digital presence is up-to-date and shoulders above competitors, so here are some web-based design & development trends to keep an eye out for in 2021.

Dark Mode

More and more websites are being developed so that their design can be transferred into dark mode at the touch of a button ... but why?

Dark mode allows the user to invert the colour scheme. Not only does this make colours pop, but studies show that using dark mode actually reduces the 'digital strain' on our eyes and helps to save battery life!

Some digital systems, such as the operating systems Apple's Mac products use, even provide the option to automatically switch to dark mode within certain hours of the day; all to help the user view the content better based on their individual environment.

There is a debate as to whether dark mode is better for everyone, but most websites are now providing clients with the option to switch back and forth based on their individual preference!

Increase in functionality and accessibility

Increase in functionality and accessibility

It's not surprising that we'd be excited about this next trend! At Minted Box, we are passionate about making every process smooth and easy for our clients when it comes to website design. The functionality and accessibility of a website is key when it comes to its overall efficiency.

The use of bold colours, show-stopping backgrounds, big buttons, and easy to read copy, are all elements that can help lead and guide a customer through your website, creating a hierachy of important information you want to get across. We are excited to see this becoming a trend in 2021!

Do you want to know how you could be getting more from your website? We wrote a short article on this very topic, click here to read our post about how you can master your web content.

Mixing mediums

The idea of mixing mediums, backgrounds and creating collages is becoming more and more popular within the world of website design. With the use of different colours, movements and patterns, the website design community is bringing the idea of modern art into the digital world.

You can find great examples of these wacky and wonderful websites here:

XXIX?

City Circus?

While some may find the design hard to follow or even controversial, the style is still arguably user friendly, and would be hard to miss!

Minimalism

On the opposite side of the trend track, minimalistic websites are a trend to watch out for in 2021. Showing only essential products, simple text and large open spaces, minimalism is quickly becoming an attractive route for businesses and their websites.

With easy to read typography and responsive design, this trend definitely remains user friendly and engaging to use for anyone!

UI Trends

3D effects!

A brilliant new trend is taking over the digital world and customers are shown to be enjoying this new form of 3D graphics online. Providing a fun and creative way to showcase products on your website, 3D objects definitely help to boost some light-hearted recognition to your online presence. A great example of this can be found here.

Colourless

In contrast to the use of bold colours previously mentioned, other designers are making their mark on the world by introducing the idea of not using colour at all! This modern and chic looking effect elimates the use for colour by instead putting their empasis back into the use of bold lines and shapes, careful placing of text as well as a variety of illustations and images. By re-focusing our eyes away from the colour, to find the meaning behind the placement of graphics and lines, this trend is certainly a curious one to look out for in 2021!

Here's an example.

Glassmorphism

This is when a designer uses a glass effect to help with the visuals on their website, whether that be reflecting a page or helping to categorise information, this icy-looking background not only helps the layout look more professional, but also helps to add a level of intrigue to your website. You can find an example of this cool effect here.

UX Trends

Advanced Micro Interaction

This fun and interactive tool is a trend some UX designers are incorporating into their work. With the use of a small action being rewarded with a quick and captivating movement or motion from the website, makes it an engaging experience for the user.

Some designs are using the action of simply clicking through to the next screen, to take the opportunity for their current webpage to fall down or fade away whilst the other takes its place.

What other fun ways could you think of to take your website to the next level?

Feeling Inspired?

Do you want to step your digital presence up a gear ready for 2021?

Whatever your need, we'd love to help! Our highly-skilled team are ready for a challenge and would be very excited to hear from you about your ideas or goals. So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us today!