25 Web Design Trends to Jump on in 2023

A website is a crucial business tool that every forward-thinking business invests in to build its brand presence, drive web traffic, and, importantly, house all the essential information about its business and services/products. Nowadays, businesses have become more passionate about getting their web design on par with international standards and global trends.

A survey by Top Design Firms found that 50% of users believe website design is essential to an organization’s overall brand. Your company website is the face of your business and a digital equivalent of your physical store, so you want to ensure the website is designed correctly to give your website visitors/potential customers a good customer experience and brand image.

How do you go about this? Where do you start? What should your website design include to drive your business success positively? The world of the web and technology is constantly evolving; an easy and effective way to create a top-notch website is to research and incorporate new web development tools, technology, and trends as they come and go every year.

This way, you keep your website new, updated, and trendy, making it easy for your customers/visitors to have a better customer experience. To help you with this, we did our little research and compiled our 25 best web design trends, from AR/VR to motion design, AI, chatbots, etc., that web developers can jump on to keep the look and feel of your website clean and fresh.

1. Parallax Scrolling

Parallax scrolling is a popular web design trend designers use to make different web page sections more dynamic or create dynamic web experiences. Parallax scrolling is a form of animation triggered by scroll action. The image or video changes as the user scrolls past it, making it appear as though the image is placed behind the neighboring sections.

Parallax scrolling is often used in full-width applications alongside an image, video, or texture imagery that adds depth to a web page to make the content more engaging. These scrolling effects are widely used to engage web visitors, arouse their curiosity when using interactive websites, encourage them to keep scrolling, signal a break in content, and create a three-dimensional web experience.

An example of a website with a parallax scrolling effect is Engineered Floors. This site combines vertical and horizontal scrolling to show web visitors the different 3D experiences of their products to stimulate and encourage them to continue scrolling.

2. Organic Shapes

After the massive popularity of geometric shapes in 2020, organic shapes have become one of the top web design trends that many web designers use to create trendy, modern web designs. Organic or fluid shapes are asymmetrical shapes that don’t have straight lines and are inspired by natural world elements like rivers, raindrops, mountains, hills, and their winding nature.

Organic shapes are an excellent way to break up website sections without using harsh angles or lines. They add personality to a website’s content without distracting the readers/visitors from the main content. Organic shapes minimize practices that are great to use in a website background and can make the website look more modern and classic.

Spring Invest is an excellent example of a website that effectively incorporated organic shapes into its home page. The shapes reinforce the brand identity and value proposition to shape the future of commerce, where the yellow dots acts like a cursor that forms the company logo.

3. Website Load Speed

Website load speed is a crucial web design element that always tops the list of web design trends no matter the year. This trend has topped the chart for many years, and we don’t expect to see it go anytime soon. A fast website load time is among the essential website design standards, especially for UX design and SEO.

One of the utmost prerequisites to make a website rank high on search engines is its load speed. Unfortunately, existing studies have found that many website users expect it to load fast, primarily within two seconds of clicking the link. As a result, if your site takes more than three seconds to load, you will likely lose those visitors forever.

In fact, research by PORTENT found that about 70% of web users claim that a website page speed impacts their willingness to purchase from an online retailer. Beyond just a trend or aesthetic, website loading speed is crucial for website functionality and good user experience and directly impacts a company’s bottom line.

Research by Radware found that the fastest website on the Internet is Mercado Livre, a Brazilian online marketplace owned by eBay.

4. Motion Design Trends

As technology evolves year over year, web designers increasingly take a more dynamic approach to create more immersive and engaging web experiences for their users using motion design. Motion design uses powerful visuals and interactive elements like animated cursors, kinetic typography, and movement effects to aid navigation, engage an audience and enhance web usability.

Of all the latest web design trends dominating 2023, motion design creates immersive and exciting user experiences, adding creative interest and leveling up your web design approach. In addition, adding motion design to a website can increase brand recall due to its visual nature, considering that videos are easy to engage with and aid memorability with higher retention rates.

An excellent example of a website with motion design is Le Petit Salon’s home page which enables users to check out different aspects of the site, revealing and recoloring images to give them a glimpse of the French nightclub.

5. Neo Brutalism

Website design trends constantly evolve, allowing web visitors to interact with the sites engagingly and excitingly. In 2023, web designers breathe new life and asymmetrical, nonconformist visuals into decades-old web design with the Neo Brutalism trend. Adapted from the Brutalist architecture movement, Neo Brutalism in web design reintroduced some popular millennium interfaces with an ultra-modern twist.

Many designers use brutalist design to create out-of-the-world structures to create a tidy, organized website that stands outs and sets a website apart from others. The brutalist plan prioritizes simplicity and functionality to create better user experiences. For many, neo-brutalism can be hard to explain. However, you are likely to identify it when you see it.

Neo-Brutalism features bold modern futuristic typography, significantly brighter colors, harsh contrasts, and no gradients. A good example of a website neo-brutalist design is Butt Studio. Butt Studio is an art direction and animation studio with a portfolio-like website that introduces visitors to their project from the first scroll.

6. Typography

Typography is the structuring of letters and words in a way that improves the readability, legibility, and navigation of a website. To aesthetically appeal to web users, you must consider the type size, typeface, color, line height, and letter shapes to give life to text in a design and provide a pleasant reading experience.

Typography has always been a top web design trend designers use to keep users entertained and add a creative touch to a website. Although the exact type of typography dominating the web design space changes as website design evolves, modern web designers have always found ways to break every rule of traditional typography to make it the center of attention.

Here are some top typography trends to leverage when creating outstanding websites.

• Kinetic typography refers to using animated or moving text on your web pages to grab your user’s attention and help them comprehend your brand message. An example of this is Sway Chain.

• Structured typography: these are widely used by many companies to headline home pages and tell the visitor’s eye what exactly they should be looking at. An excellent example of this website is Awwwards.

• Emotive typography refers to using fonts connected with the exact word’s emotional representation and, for example, fire element and red for anger-related text. The idea of emotive typography is to help viewers connect with the webpage content emotionally. An excellent example of this website is Nawze’s design.

• Typography hero page: This involves using no images and video but only text on the hero page. It helps to make your message bold and straight without any distractions from images. Safari Riot, an LA-based company specializing in artist development, is an excellent example of this.

7. Interactive Websites

Interactive websites have become increasingly popular in recent years as the Internet has evolved from a static collection of web pages to a dynamic platform for engaging with content. Interactive websites are designed to provide a more immersive and engaging experience for users, allowing them to interact with content in real-time rather than simply consuming it passively.

One key trend driving interactive websites’ popularity is the growing use of mobile devices to access the Internet. With more and more people using smartphones and tablets to browse the web, websites must be optimized for smaller screens and touch-based input. Interactive websites are particularly well-suited to mobile devices, as they allow users to interact with content using intuitive touch gestures, such as swiping, tapping, and pinching.

Another trend driving the popularity of interactive websites is the rise of social media and other online communities. An example of an excellent interactive website is The Cool Club, with interactive cards on the home page.

8. AR/VR

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are emerging technologies becoming increasingly popular in web design. These technologies are changing how people interact with websites and opening up new possibilities for creating immersive and engaging online experiences.

AR and VR are technologies designed to simulate or augment a real-world environment with digital information. AR overlays digital information in the real world, while VR creates a fully immersive digital environment that users can interact with. Both technologies are typically accessed through specialized devices such as AR/VR headsets, but they can also be experienced through web browsers on desktop and mobile devices.

AR and VR are still emerging technologies, and there are some challenges to implementing them in web design. However, as these technologies become more widely adopted, we expect to see more innovative and creative uses of AR and VR in web design. An example of a website is Showroom by Little Workshop.

9. Thumb-friendly Navigation

Thumb-friendly navigation is a web design trend that has emerged due to the growing use of mobile devices with touch screens. With more and more people accessing websites on their smartphones and tablets, designers are realizing the importance of creating interfaces that are easy to use with one hand, particularly with the thumb.

Thumb-friendly navigation is all about designing interfaces that prioritize ease of use and accessibility for mobile users. This means creating intuitive and easy-to-navigate layouts, with buttons and links placed within easy reach of the thumb.

By prioritizing ease of use and accessibility, designers can create interfaces that are both functional and enjoyable to use, helping to improve the user experience and drive engagement. For example, the Free Now website is an excellent example of a website with great thumb-friendly navigation.

10. Animated Cursors

Animated cursors are a web design trend that involves using animated images as cursors on a website. These cursors can add a touch of personality and interactivity to a website, making it more engaging and memorable for users. By animating the cursor, designers can make it more noticeable and help users to locate and interact with essential elements on the page.

Animated cursors can also be used to reflect the brand identity of a website, using custom-designed cursors that incorporate the company’s logo or other visual elements. This can help reinforce the brand image and make the website more memorable. While animated cursors can be a fun and engaging addition to a website, using them sparingly and appropriately is essential.

Too many animated cursors can be distracting and overwhelming for users, so it’s best to use them in moderation and with a clear purpose. Additionally, designers should ensure that this web technology does not negatively impact the site’s usability and that they are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. An excellent example of a website with animated cursors is the Advanced Team website.

11. No-code Tools

No-code tools are a web design trend allowing designers and developers to create websites and applications without writing code. These tools typically offer a drag-and-drop interface and pre-built components that can be customized to meet specific design and functionality requirements.

No-code tools are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of use and accessibility, making it possible for non-technical users to create sophisticated websites and applications. Additionally, no-code tools can save time and resources for businesses and organizations, allowing them to develop digital products quickly and efficiently.

However, it’s important to note that no-code tools may have limitations in terms of customization and scalability and may not be suitable for complex or specialized projects. As such, it’s essential to carefully evaluate the capabilities of no-code tools before using them for a particular project. An excellent example is jomor.design with web flow animation features.

12. Smart Video

Smart video is a web design trend that utilizes advanced video technologies to create more interactive and engaging video experiences on a website. This trend involves using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript to incorporate interactive elements like clickable hotspots, annotations, and calls-to-action within video content.

The smart video also leverages personalization and analytics to improve the user experience. Personalized video content can be customized to the user’s location, browsing history, and other factors. In addition, analytics tools can be integrated to track user engagement and behavior, providing valuable insights that can be used to optimize video content.

In addition, smart video is designed to be responsive and adaptive to different screen sizes and devices. This ensures the video content looks great and functions well on any device, from desktops to mobile devices. An excellent example of this is Shopify Plus.

13. Dark Mode

Dark mode is a web design trend that uses a website’s dark color schemes and backgrounds instead of traditional light-colored backgrounds. This trend has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its many benefits, including improved readability, reduced eye strain, and extended battery life for devices with OLED screens.

In addition to its functional benefits, the dark mode can create a modern and sophisticated look for a website. It can be particularly effective for websites that feature visual content such as photography, art, or design, as it can help to make the images stand out more prominently.

Designers should consider the contrast between text and background when implementing dark mode to ensure the content is still readable. They should also ensure the color scheme is consistent throughout the website to provide a cohesive user experience.

Finally, designers should allow users to switch between dark and light modes to choose the best mode for their preferences and needs. An excellent example of a website with dark mode is the MasterClass website.

14. White Space

White space is a web design trend that involves using empty or blank space on a website to create a more minimalist and spacious design. Also known as negative space, white space can draw attention to essential elements on a page, improve readability, and create a more balanced and organized layout.

By using white space strategically, designers can create a more visually appealing and engaging website. This trend involves carefully considering the placement and spacing of all elements on a page, including text, images, and other design elements. White space can be used in various ways, such as creating margins around content, adding space between paragraphs or images, and using large sections of empty space to separate content.

This approach can help to create a sense of elegance and sophistication while also improving the usability of a website. White space is a powerful web design trend that can significantly enhance the user experience on a website.

By creating a more minimalist and spacious layout, designers can create a more visually appealing and engaging website that is easy to navigate and read. An excellent example of a website with unique white space is HYS INC.

15. Pastel Colors

Pastel colors are a web design trend that uses soft and muted hues instead of the more traditional bold and bright colors. This trend has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its ability to create a more calming and soothing effect on users.

Pastel colors can be used in various ways, including as a primary color scheme or as an accent to other design elements. They can also create a more gender-neutral or sophisticated look for a website.

When implementing pastel colors in web design, designers should consider the contrast between the background and the text to ensure the content is still easily readable. They should also provide consistent colors throughout the website to create a cohesive user experience.

By using soft and muted hues, designers can create a more visually appealing and engaging website that is easy on the eyes and easy to navigate. An example of this website is Weedensenteret or The Weed Center.

16. Gamified Design

design is a web design trend that incorporates game elements into the user experience of a website. This trend involves using techniques such as points, badges, leaderboards, and other game mechanics to create a more engaging and interactive user experience.

Gamification can encourage users to complete specific tasks or promote social engagement on a website. It can also give users a sense of achievement and progress as they navigate a website. When implementing gamified design, designers should ensure that the game elements are seamlessly integrated into the website’s overall design and do not detract from the usability or accessibility of the site.

They should also provide users clear instructions and feedback to ensure the game mechanics are easy to understand and engaging. By incorporating game elements into the design, designers can create a more engaging and interactive experience that encourages users to stay on the site longer and engage with the content more deeply.

An excellent example of a website with a gamified website is the Interland website, a gamified learning initiative by Google.

17. Experimental Web Design

Experimental web design is a trend that involves pushing the boundaries of traditional web design to create new and innovative approaches. This trend uses unique and unconventional design elements, layouts, and techniques to create a more engaging and memorable user experience.

Experimental web design can take many forms, including using non-standard navigation, incorporating interactive animations, and using unconventional color schemes and typography. This trend often involves breaking away from the traditional grid-based layout to create a more dynamic and visually stimulating design.

It is a powerful trend that can create a more unique and memorable website experience. However, designers should be careful to balance experimentation with usability and accessibility to ensure that the site is still easy to use and navigate for all users. An excellent example of this is the Google Cloud Health design by Martin Ehrlich.

18. Custom Illustrations

Custom illustrations have become popular in web design as they provide a unique and personalized touch to a website. These illustrations are tailored to the brand’s identity, messaging, and overall aesthetics, which helps create a consistent visual language across all digital channels.

Custom illustrations can enhance the user experience by guiding users through the website’s interface and providing visual cues. With the rise of digital art tools and techniques, designers can create custom illustrations quickly and cost-effectively, making them an accessible option for businesses of all sizes.

This trend will continue as companies seek new ways to stand out in a crowded digital space. An excellent example of this is DrawKit.

19. Personalized Content

Personalized content web design is a trend that involves tailoring website content and user experiences to individual visitors based on their preferences, interests, and behavior.

This can include personalized product recommendations, customized landing pages, and targeted messaging. This trend aims to provide a more relevant and engaging experience for website visitors, which can lead to increased engagement, conversion rates, and customer loyalty.

With advances in technology and data analytics, personalized content web design is becoming more accessible for businesses of all sizes. As a result, it can be a powerful tool for improving the effectiveness of their website and overall marketing strategy. An example of a website with personalized content is Netflix.

20. Frosted Glass Effect

One of the most significant developments in web technology is the frosted-glass effect on websites. This involves using the blurry appearance of elements behind the frosted glass overly a website, allowing you to add color to an area while also allowing texts or objects to appear over the image and make it readable and legible.

The frosted glass effect has recently become very popular in a designer’s toolset and is widely used as a background in place of gradients. An example of a website with a frosted glass effect is Fedrigoni.

21. 3D Visual Effects

With the growing rate at which desktop and mobile screen resolution constantly improves, 3D has become one of the best web design trends designers use to engage and hold web visitors longer on a website.

Existing studies have also found that people spend more time on websites with moving three-dimensional elements. Every time they touch or click on the screen, they get a new experience that creates a visual interest that drives their curiosity.

An example of a website with 3D visual effects is Chirpley, an AI-powered marketplace connecting brands with micro-influencers. It has a home page filled with three-dimensional cartoon visuals.

22. Accessibility

Web accessibility is a significant design trend that focuses on creating websites that are easily accessible to users with disabilities. It ensures that all users can easily interact with and use a website regardless of their abilities.

The trend has gained prominence due to the increasing number of people with disabilities who use the Internet. The accessible design includes various elements such as color contrast, proper heading hierarchy, keyboard navigation, and alternative text for images. It also involves adhering to web accessibility guidelines such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.

Designers who prioritize web accessibility can help create a more inclusive and equitable online experience for all users. An excellent example of a website with accessibility is Mighty Networks, a community-building platform.

23. Text-Only

Text-only web design is a trend that involves designing websites with minimal or no visual elements, focusing mainly on text content. This approach is intended to make websites more accessible and user-friendly for individuals with visual impairments, including those who rely on screen readers.

The text-only design also benefits users with slow internet connections, as it reduces page load times. Text-only design typically involves using high-contrast colors and straightforward typography to ensure readability. However, it may not be suitable for all websites, particularly those that rely heavily on visual content, such as e-commerce sites.

The trend highlights the importance of accessibility in web design and the need to cater to a diverse range of users. An excellent example of a website with text-only features is Design Declares, a growing group of designers, design studios, agencies, and institutions here to declare a climate and ecological emergency.

24. Ultra-minimalist Design

Ultra-minimalist web design is a trend that emphasizes simplicity and minimalism in website design. This approach aims to create a clean and uncluttered user interface that focuses solely on the essential elements of a website. Ultra-minimalist design often features plenty of whitespaces, minimal use of color, and straightforward typography.

This design trend typically relies on solid imagery, negative space, and typography to convey the website’s message. This approach can be particularly effective for businesses that want to convey a sense of elegance and sophistication.

However, it can be challenging to balance minimalism and usability, and designers must ensure that the website remains easy to navigate and use. An example of this website is We Ain’t Plastic.

25. Micro-interactions

Micro-interactions are a web design trend that refers to subtle animations, visual cues, and haptic feedback that enhance user engagement and interaction with a website or application. These tiny interactions can include anything from a button changing color when a user hovers over it to a notification popping up when a user receives a new message.

Micro-interactions aim to create a more engaging and interactive user experience, making it more fun and rewarding for users to interact with a website. This trend highlights the importance of designing for user experience and creating an emotional connection with users through small but meaningful interactions.

An excellent example of a website with micro-interactions is MA True Cannabis, with a large, animated product and a few floating 3D-rendered objects.

Get Ready To Transform Your Websites With the Latest Web Design Trends For 2023

The above web design trends reflect a growing emphasis on user experience, accessibility, and simplicity. As a result, designers are increasingly focused on creating websites that are visually appealing, easy to use, and accessible to all users.

The trend towards accessible design is particularly noteworthy, with designers prioritizing color contrast, proper heading hierarchy and keyboard navigation to ensure that websites are usable for all users, including those with disabilities. The emergence of micro-interactions and ultra-minimalist design highlights the importance of creating engaging and interactive user experiences while maintaining simplicity and usability.

As technology and user expectations continue to evolve, designers must stay on top of these trends to create effective and engaging websites that meet the needs of today’s users.

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