Trends in web design are cyclical, but 2022 may stand out for various reasons. Yes, current events like the pandemic come into play. Still, in addition to that, mobile devices continue to become more powerful, and privacy and safety have become top of mind for many people.
With more excellent technical capabilities, we’ve seen a lot of complexity added to websites over the last few years – but web designers and developers need to respond to cultural phenomena like economic recovery, privacy and safety. We think 2022 is the year in which sites that course-correct toward clarity, openness, and simplicity are the sites that will gain traction in the market. HITS has continuously pushed for greatness in its web projects, delivering finished designs based on the best styles and methods around. If you require a website that can stand the test of time, then make the call to us today.
Sharing Not Telling
Is it a trend, or is it simply timeless advice? Inspiring people with your message means drawing them in with visuals and interactions that surprise and engage. In 2022, you’ll see more background videos and animations that engage your visitor’s mind and will add gentle motion to your page, decrease bounce rate, and help visitors engage with the words and messaging.
Micro-interactions and micro-animations are also ways that give pages life and energy. Making them subtle but noticeable adds a level of detail that your visitors may not be able to articulate, but that helps you stand out.
Simplicity
Businesses are undergoing serious challenges going into 2022. For example, creating roadblocks to customer engagement isn’t feasible if your company wants to grow. So how does that translate into web design?
Fewer words, calming colours, vivid imagery, and clear calls to action should be all the rage in 2022. Page design will trend toward lighter weight experiences that encourage users to explore deeper, rather than putting everything up front on one page. They’ll be simplified messaging that encourages visitors to want to learn more, rather than complex conversations that leave them feeling information overload.
While a few years ago, the trend was toward things like infographics – tightly designed, typography-driven, space condensed – design in 2022 will incorporate more space and gentle motion. This still lets you convey information – but in a way that reveals and expands, rather than being so condensed and overwhelming.
Safety first
People are overwhelmed! And while everyone is figuring out how to engage with the new world after 2020 and 2021, design trends are evolving to help people feel safe and ready to hire again. Much like offices and interior spaces are seeing restructuring to coax people back to in-person work, websites are adapting the design to give people freedom, reduce anxiety, and feel comfortable and safe.
We see web pages integrating more imagery that evokes outdoor spaces and design inspired by home decor. Combining natural, organic shapes helps the page feel unique, inspiring, and alive. We want to help our visitors feel that they’re in a new space – but they are just as safe as at home.
Customisation & Accessibility
On the topic of accommodating – accessibility is an ever-more-important element of web design, as our devices create more accommodations for visitors with visual or auditory impairments. Web design over the years has added multiple “do this first” concepts – mobile-first, shift left on security – but ultimately, accessibility needs to be integrated into the design process from the start, just like security and device agnosticism. Web development is a holistic process where content and technical needs are met, and accessibility is equal to security, design, and content strategy for getting your message to everyone.
More websites are integrating theme and font customisations for various reasons, and accessibility is at the top of that list. Supporting operating system features such as dark mode (so your website doesn’t hurt your eyes when you’re surfing the web at night) and accessibility features like font scaling and contrast adjustment are becoming much more widely implemented.
Positive Mindsets
Cultural mindsets motivate design trends. There are a lot of negative thoughts and perspectives that obscure and confuse the modern Internet. Information overload is prevalent and hurts our ability to cope and understand our experiences.
Successful websites in 2022 and beyond will counter this by creating experiences that help users generate positive thinking and goodwill. The themes of recovery and growth are fostered with explicit messaging and inspiring imagery. These trends are all about helping your visitors rather than directing them, which will help them think positively about your site and their relationship with you.
Is Your Business Prepared For The Coming Year?
The following 12 months look exciting for web design and development, as consumers are finally put first, and businesses look to break away from established norms. However, the future of web design won’t come without its challenges, which is why it’s essential to have an online presence that’s attractive, modern and presents your business in the best possible light.
At HITS, we are very excited as we look to 2022. We love what we do, and we love working with our clients. So if you’re thinking of launching or re-launching your site, we’d love to hear from you!
