Top 10 Web Design Trends of 2015

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Looking to create a website or currently have a website?  Want to make your site functional as well as visually appealing?

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Whether you are a professional web designer or a novice who is entering the waters of design; staying on top of web design trends is a crucial piece in creating a top notch site.  Users and developers alike notice right away when they have stumbled upon an outdated site.  Whether you are creating a new site or just need to do a little spring cleaning on your current site, the following top ten trends will help you to create a functional and visually appealing site.

Scrolling

Scrolling is becoming more commonplace instead of linking to display content.  It is more convenient for your users to scroll rather than click for information.

Modular scrolling has also become increasingly popular in 2015.  Modular scrolling allows the user to scroll individual columns as well as pages.

Scrolling allows users to quickly digest information, instead of having to click multiple links to find what they are looking for.

Interaction

Websites are showcasing more interaction and animation as a means to showcase their content.

One example of this are sites that have opted for video instead of text to get their content across to their audience.  In an age where everyone moves pretty fast paced, videos are a great way to hold your audiences attention rather than having them read a long article.

Galleries and slide shows are also a great way to add a great deal of content in an attractive design.  Photography sites are a great example of sites that use galleries or slide shows to showcase their content.

Simplicity

Less has become more in the realm of design.  Too much clutter on a site deters your audience rather than drawing them in.  Websites that are becoming increasingly simple, are also known to be more user friendly.  This is due to the fact that the user can easily navigate a website with a simple layout and design.

By removing all of the ‘non-essential’ elements off your site, you can dramatically simplify your site.  To do this, start with the framework of your site and only add the most crucial elements back into your design.

Great use of white space is another way to simplify your site.  White space is the space between elements or text on your site.  For a great example of white space being used correctly visit Apple’s website.

Ghost Buttons

Ghost buttons are transparent and empty buttons are used frequently on minimalist sites.  They have a recognizable shape and are meant to keep from being a distraction.

Ghost buttons are a great way to subtly include a ‘call-to-action’ on your site.

Hidden Menus

Hidden menus are being used as another way of keeping ‘distractions off of the main screen.  When a user scrolls over the top or sides of the main page hidden menus appear.

Hidden menus help users to focus in on your main screen while being able to move around your site without being overstimulated by too much clutter.

Big

Big fonts.  Big pictures.  Big videos.  Bigger is better when it comes to web design, especially on minimalist sites.

A big header, a large photo, or a video that spans the width of the web page, have all become popular trends that are visually appealing to your audience.

Parallax Design

Parallax design is a current trend in which the background moves at a slower rate than the foreground. When scrolled, this will create a 3D effect for your audience.

The key to parallax design is to use it sparingly throughout your web design in order to keep it from overwhelming users.

Flat Design

Flat design is quite opposite of parallax design in that it removes stylistic options that give any sort of 3D effect.

Flat design is focused on simple, minimalist elements, typography, and flat colors.

Storytelling

Websites are now laying out their content in a way that tells a story.

This is a great way to keep your users engaged and wanting to scroll further to learn more.

Mobile Friendly

With much of today’s web viewing happening over SmartPhones, a mobile friendly version of your website needs to be created for users.

When creating a web design for a mobile version of your site, be sure it functions properly on all networks and is able to load at a quick pace.

Conclusion

Scrolling, interaction, simplicity, ghost buttons, hidden menus, large fonts, parallax design, flat design, story telling, and mobile friendly versions are ten of the top web design trends of 2015.  By incorporating the trends listed above in your site you’ll not only create a trendy site, but one that is functional, and user friendly.  These are all key elements to creating a site that will attract your target audience.

What has been your experience with incorporating the latest trends into your web design?  Let us know in the comments box below.

This article is contributed by Sarai Hansen of Objective, Utah’s Best of State Winner for Web Development offers their clients outstanding expertise in both technology and design. Right brain, meet left brain. If you would like to write for us, join eSoftload Community.


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