Top Trends in Web Design
With the astronomical growth of internet use globally and the variety of devices with the ability to access the web, design and functionality are becoming as important as SEO and Social Media Marketing. In 2016, there are several trends that web designers are using to maximize a visitors experience. Simplicity is the overriding theme. Websites are being designed for efficiency and effectiveness. The days of information overload is history.
These are the trends that I believe must be incorporated in your web design to produce a successful site.
Responsiveness
With the incredible increase of people using devices other than their Desktop PC or Laptops to browse the Interwebs, it’s extremely important to build websites that are responsive to particular devices and screen sizes. Smartphones and tablets of all configurations and operating systems are becoming the “electronica of choice” to explore the web. From email, search and social media, mobile devices will dominate how everyone accesses their personal information. Your website must have the ability to adapt. Responsive Web Design (RWD) will allow not only text elements, but images and videos to be sized appropriately.
Interactivity
Keeping your customer/visitor interested enough to spend a significant amount of time on your website finding the information he needs to make a decision is extremely important. By using engagement techniques to entertain your potential client, the greater the chance is he’ll commit to your product or service. Images, videos, internal and external links gives the website visitor the necessary knowledge to make a choice. Internet web design features that are interactive are the use of media lightboxes, slideshows and eye-catching graphics. If you consider that most web browsers will enter and exit a site in 30 seconds, any type of interactivity will increase your visibility and the probability of converting your visitor to a customer.
Usability
Scenario: Stassi's interested in establishing a personal website to promote herself professionally. She googles “internet web designers in Deep Ellum, Texas”. The search produces several design firms in the area. She clicks on XYZ Web Desgn. Exploring the site, Stassi becomes frustrated trying to find information to make her decision. She immediately returns to the search results to find another area design firm. Ease of use and logical navigation are essential to a successfully designed website. As a internet web designer, you have a responsibility to give each and every visitor to your clients website a pleasurable experience. Information should be easy to locate, understandable and accurate. These elements give your potential client confidence in choosing your product or service. Spare the clutter and disorganization. Simplicity and functionality are the key.
Minimalism
I'm a firm believer in minimalism when designing websites. Clutter is a thing of the past. Too much content, media or ads detract from the visitors experience. By providing just essential information and graphics you avoid distraction and confusion. Don't misunderstand, attractiveness shouldn't be overlooked. A website that is pleasing to the eye captures the visitors attention. By using bolder creative font instead of the traditional choices, your minimal content will look more appealing but not crowded.
If your an e-commerce site, break your pages into smaller presentations to hold your customers attention. Sometimes, a single page design or continuous scroll will aid in simplicity and ease of navigation.
Efficiency and Effectiveness
In conclusion, these trends will definitely be around for years to come. As technology (the development of new devices) and internet use continue to grow exponentially, it'll be crucial to follow these guidelines. Websites that are responsive to all available electronic devices, that are user friendly and contain accurate informative content will receive the most web traffic. The ability to access content wherever and whenever a person wants will demand design techniques that accommodate these consumer desires. Understanding these principals will produce very aesthetic websites that are minimal but remain efficient and effective.