Here are some web design trends to keep an eye on for 2019
We’ve all heard the popular phrase, “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” But did you know that when it comes to your website design, you actually only get 50 milliseconds to make a first impression? This statistic comes from the researchers of a study published in the journal, Behaviour & Information Technology. Three studies were conducted to determine just how quickly someone forms an opinion about a website’s visual appeal. The result? Just 50 milliseconds (or 0.05 seconds).
What makes people stay? Initially it’s strong, eye-catching web design. For every search query, there are numerous search results that fit the needs of the user. If a user clicks on your website and isn’t immediately hooked, they’ll just move on to the next one. In this post we highlight the top website design trends for 2019, so you can make the most out of the 0.05 seconds you have to make users want to stay a while.
Less is more With Web Design
As web designers, we’ve always preferred simpler layouts (depending on the client), with greater amounts of white space, instead of cluttered designs. White space is basically the empty (or negative) space on a page. Using white space to separate the different sections on your pages makes it easier for users to read and allows them to focus on one section at a time, rather than being bombarded with a lot of clutter. The existing space doesn’t necessarily need to be white; you can use whatever color you like, but the main idea is to have a minimum of images and text to give your website a more elegant and classy appearance, while still getting your message across.
Designs containing gradients
Web design is also trending away from flat colors and embracing the use of gradients. A gradient is the gradual transition from one color to another, or from one shade to another. In website design, it’s used to create bold statements, depth and 3D elements. Search the Internet and you’ll notice than many web designs are utilizing gradients in creative, attractive ways.
Pitney Bowes, Instagram and Spotify are just a couple of companies hopping on board the gradient trend. Click here for an example.
Adding animation to your website design
Adding movement to your website adds instant visual appeal for users. That’s where background videos, custom html animations, scrolling effects and animated GIFs come into play. While you may think of as those LOL animated images shared throughout the Internet, these animated graphics are a powerful tool in the right context. GIFs can add a sense of interactivity and eye appeal to websites. Done right, they can convey complex ideas in a short period of time while being engaging and entertaining.
Thinking outside the box or outside a set grid
For a long time now, website design has been focused on designing within a set grid system. This allows designers to manage alignment and consistency through their work. However, designers are increasingly beginning to break outside of the standard grid and opting for asymmetrical layouts instead. Asymmetrical design contains elements that don’t create a mirror image.
There are several perks to using asymmetry in design, including evoking movement and feelings and grabbing attention to bring the viewer’s eye to the focal points.
As web designers, this gives us more creative freedom to develop intriguing layouts that’ll ultimately help our client’s business or brand stand out from the masses. Click here for an example of a homepage designed in an asymmetrical design.
Use of more chatbots
Once you’ve caught the attention of users with a visual “wow” factor, having user-friendly features is essential. Chatbots (or virtual assistants) are software applications designed to make you feel as though you’re talking to a real person. Brands and businesses are increasingly using bots as a customer service tool; chatbots can answer questions, provide information, book appointments, solve problems and even help consumers make purchases. They provide greater convenience by giving users instant responses and directing them to the appropriate contact based on their issues.
Despite some early growing pains, chatbots are getting more sophisticated all the time. Popular brands such as Sephora, Starbucks, Staples and Whole Foods (to name a few) are using chatbots to improve their interaction with their customers.
Need a little more convincing on why you need to pay attention to your company’s website design in 2019? Check out the following statistics:
- 38 percent of users will not interact with a website if its layout is unappealing.
- 75 percent of user judgment about your business’s credibility is based on your website’s design.
- Colors increase web recognition by 80 percent.
Updating your website’s design will have a dramatic effect on your brand and revenue.
Whether you’re a small or large business, keeping up with the latest web design trends in 2019 can be mindboggling (not to mention time consuming). For help on which trends are right for your brand, contact us today and let one of our web designers with experience in web development be your guide.
