7 Web Design Trends for 2018

Web design is an ever-changing field, but some trends come and turn the Internet on its head – particularly in the user interface department. Some emerging trends in 2017 may prove to be transformational for the industry and will continue into 2018.

Here are the trends we're seeing and why they may continue into 2018.

1. Bold and Expressive Typography

In 2018, typography will be more than just an element in a design – it will take center stage. Artistic, bold and colorful fonts are now taking the place of images on a website.

Images add bulk to a site and impact performance, but typography is lightweight and easy to scale to any size. Smart use of typography also makes CTAs and logos stand out on the page.

We're now seeing bold and wide headers that immediately tell you what the page is about, and that trend will likely continue into 2018.

2. Illustrations

Typography isn't the only thing replacing images on websites; we're also seeing a shift toward illustrations, which tell their own stories.

The use of illustrations will continue into 2018 simply because they are so versatile. They can be simple or elaborate; they can be playful or dead serious. When animated, illustrations can create an interactive experience for visitors.

3. Vivid Colors and Gradients

Along with bold typography, we're also seeing vivid colors and gradients used that bring life to a page. That trend shows no sign of stopping before the new year. People are craving fresh and unique designs with bright colors.

4. Full-Screen Video

Video is still an important part of the visitor experience, and they convey stories without forcing visitors to scroll down or read walls of text. Taking videos full-screen immerses viewers and keeps them engaged. In a world where viewers have the attention span of a goldfish, this is a trend that will continue into 2018 and beyond.

5. Cards

Cards have taken center-stage in the design world, and that is a trend that won't be changing anytime soon. Pinterest-style or grid-style websites and blogs are becoming increasingly popular. Cards are very effective for small screens, like those on mobile devices. They're also a great way to collect information without having to take up a lot of space on the page.

Google's incorporation of cards into their own design ensures that this trend isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

6. Storytelling

"Both your visual branding and the way you communicate with your customers should tell a story," says web designers at The Cardiff Graphic Designer.

Storytelling is becoming an integral part of the branding process, and that trend crosses over into the company's website. From the layout to the colors, logo and the way information is presented, a brand's story plays an integral role in the design of a website.

Storytelling as part of web design will continue into 2018 and well beyond.

7. No Rules

In 2016, web designers stepped outside the box and threw the rules out the window. The no-rules-apply trend is not likely to change anytime soon. UI is being rethought and minimized. With voice controls becoming increasingly common on mobile devices, UI may become a thing of the past.

These seven trends made a big impact in 2017 and will continue into next year – maybe beyond. Look for big changes in user interface as the move toward mobile changes the way we use the web. Bold colors and text will continue to be at the front and center of designs, and changes in video presentation will keep users engaged. Card formatting is more suitable for mobile devices, and storytelling will increasingly become a part of the design process.