The world of web design is in constant flux. As both technology and tastes change, so does web design. Keeping up with changes can be a challenge, especially given the sheer range of technologies now available to companies.
Not only do firms have access to powerful website builders, but also a host of exotic technologies, like AI, AR, and AMP.
In this article, we will look at some top web design trends of 2019. Some of these will be basic while others are more complex.
2019 Trend #1: Making Mobile Websites More “Thumb Friendly”
With most users now accessing company websites from mobile devices, there’s a drive to make their experience more “thumb friendly.” Top designers like Josh Clark suggest that business owners focus on arranging their sites so they are physically accessible to users. User’s thumbs should be able to reach all the options on the screen, meaning that menu placement may move from the top of the screen to the bottom.
The main driver of this is the effort required to touch areas near the top of the screen. Users often have to hold the device in one hand while prodding it with the index finger on their other – not ideal. Placing buttons near the bottom of the screen makes it easier for users to click with their thumbs, potentially boosting overall conversions.
2019 Trend #2: Increasing Video Content
Research suggests that video is the most engaging form of content available online. Business owners, therefore, should look for ways to increase the amount of video on their sites.
Video isn’t new for 2019. But the amount of video available on the web will increase by an order of magnitude. Also, firms will use videos as a standard procedure to make sure they engage with their users and present their products.
Users want to see the people from whom they will buy products and services, so using video can be a powerful marketing tool that boosts website conversions.
2019 Trend #3: Better Chatbots
Chatbots are an essential feature of many company websites, offering users the opportunity to interact with the firm online. The problem so far has been the fact that chatbots aren’t particularly good at responding to questions, especially those that fall outside of the norm.
However, 2019 will bring a raft of improvement to AI that should hopefully improve the website chatbot experience. Thanks to machine learning, chatbots are getting better at figuring out customer intent and responding appropriately. When there is confusion, 2019’s bots can now adapt their responses to customer requests.
Current chatbots are algorithms that show up as text messages in boxes on websites are not personable. Some experts predict that in 2019, chatbots will evolve and become more like mascots and take on visual forms. Companies may have trademark chatbots that complement their brand.
2019 Trend #4: The Rise Of Micro-Interactions
Explaining the concept of micro-interactions is a little tricky, but essentially it’s all about generating the unexpected as part of the website experience.
For instance, when a user holds their cursor over an image, the image could sparkle. That’s a micro-interaction. Likewise, a user could hover their cursor over a button, and the button could expand or rotate. Again, that’s a micro-interaction.
The idea behind micro-interactions is to create interest and get users to play with your site. The longer they spend on your website, the more they’ll interact with your brand, and the more positive reinforcement they’ll receive.
2019 Trend #5: Organically-Inspired Shapes
Grid layouts were once widespread on websites because of their simplicity. Programming for organic templates was hard, but with changes to web design trends in 2019, creating more organic designs has become easier. Businesses can avoid geometric structures if they want, and experiment with more natural lines.
We’ve already seen these design trends from companies like Freshbooks and Inkyy, but they’re likely to go more mainstream as the technology allows.
Why are companies opting for this style?
The reasons aren’t particularly clear. But some firms feel that organic shapes better reflect their brand and personality. Natural forms are also often artistic and less formal, making companies feel more approachable.
2019 Trend #6: Decorative Use Of Serifs
As any web developer will tell you, sans is for the screen while serif is for print. Some designers are breaking out of the mold and using serifs on screen too for decorative purposes.
As a general rule, you want to avoid using serifs in body text. People still don’t want to have to read through paragraph after paragraph of decorative font. Many firms find they get more engagement if they use serifs for things like headlines.
Serifs, they argue, add character and help to create more cheerful branding. Firms often pair serif headlines with sans content describing the main features of their products or services. Serifs are about emphasis, so use them sparingly.
2019 Trend #7: Greater Use Of Monotone
Businesses want to evoke specific moods in people interacting with their websites.
One of the best ways to do this is through color. In the past, companies were hesitant to use black-and-white or monotone color schemes, but now many increasingly realize that these themes make profound statements.
While black-and-white isn’t for everyone, it can complement many types of business, from photography firms to art designers, lawyers, and accountants.
Luxury services also extensively use black-and-white. Often, companies will add a dash of color to mainly black-and-white webpages for additional emphasis, like banking firm First Direct.
2019 Trend #8: More Serious Logos
Finally, we’re likely to see many companies make their website logo fonts more serious. Many companies, including Uber and Mailchimp, have ditched their twirly fonts for Helvetica – something much more formal.
A formal logo can provide a great contrast to an informal business website, evoking both professionalism and approachability.