5 WEB DESIGN TRENDS LEADING THE WAY IN 2017

Today visitors to websites are sophisticated, savvy and very demanding. That said quality web design is absolutely essential to making a lasting first impression. Studies have indicated that visitors to websites can be expected to make a judgment about the credibility of a site in as few as 50 milliseconds. Even more alarming is that 20% of website visitors who are unimpressed and that click away from a website will likely never return.

Without question, the best way to spike the interest of website visitors is to design with current web design trends always in mind. Impressing your audience within the first five to 10 seconds of their initial visit is critical to producing high conversion rates and building brand awareness. In light of these important facts and the ubiquitous nature of the Internet, we have uncovered and compiled some of the most cutting-edge emerging web design trends of 2017. Take advantage of these timely up-and-coming fresh design elements as a way to greatly enhance your online presence. Here are 10 of the newest 2017 web design trends that will get your website noticed.

2017 WEB DESIGN TRENDS

1. RESPONSIVE DESIGN FOR A WIDER AUDIENCE

Few discussions about web design trends would be complete without talking about responsive design. While previous years have seen a growth in responsive design becoming the new standard, 2017 will see this trend only accelerate even further. In short, responsive website design guarantees the largest possible viewing audience. A mobile responsive website design is intended to look the same regardless of the type of device being used to view the site. Businesses with older websites that are non-responsive are leaving the door wide open to the competition.

2. GO BOLD WITH YOUR TYPEFACE CHOICES

The old days of dull and uninteresting typefaces are long gone. In fact, the last few years have seen new and dynamic kinds typefaces steadily emerging. Going forward, 2017 is no different in that new bold, big and stylish typefaces are quickly entering the mainstream of web design. Unique and attention grabbing typefaces are perfectly suited to be used as a text overlay on the large bold hero-style images that are so popular today. Most notably, serif typefaces will likely be the text design tool of choice for enhanced readability in the new year.

3. DARKER BACKGROUNDS ARE BACK IN VOGUE

While the last few years have seen a trend towards light and stylish types of backgrounds, 2017 is shaping up to be a year where dark backgrounds are the new standard. Designers should take note that using this kind of background requires leveraging the right accent colors in order to provide good contrast. Colors that “pop” will draw attention and engage visitors encouraging them to remain on-site longer. With darker backgrounds, it is possible to use contrast to your advantage as a way to portray a website as current and relevant.

4. PROMOTE SIMPLICITY WITH FEWER MENU OPTIONS

Last year there was a steady move towards redesigning websites with simplified primary navigation elements. In 2017 we expect to see this trend intensify and mature. Older site designs typically featured 5 to 7 menu options. Going forward into 2017, web designers stand to gain the most from building sites with only three or four menu options at the most. The reason for this approach is that when visitors have fewer choices they find it easier to make decisions. As a bonus, fewer menu options makes it far easier to navigate a website.

5. WEBSITE MOTION ADDS MEANING

A clear and undisputed trend in web design moving into 2017 is that of having dynamic motion elements inherent within websites. As mobile applications and traditional websites continue to evolve, motion focused websites will only further grow in popularity. As a note, motion elements must be purposeful and meaningful to have real value. For example, well-placed “motion” should focus attention and help to maintain continuity. Motion elements can include everything from text that flexes to text that slides into view. In addition, sliding images can be used for dynamic menu options while a multitude of other effects will likely be released as the year progresses.

CONCLUSION

Even though the Internet is in a constant state of flux, 2017 is shaping up to be an exciting year in web design. As with previous years, web design trends in 2017 must seize the opportunity to always meet the user’s needs. Designers must remember that form follows function and that keeping visitors on site and engaged is always the main objective. With today’s business climate as competitive as ever, gaining the online advantage as a way to increase revenue and build brand loyalty is more important than it has ever been in the past.

Web designers wishing to give their clients the greatest advantage in the marketplace must stay ahead of the latest trends in stylish, unique and captivating web design techniques. Whether incorporating more simplistic menu options or parallax scrolling or even virtual reality, one thing is certain and that is that modern up-to-date trendy websites deliver better performance for businesses. This is especially true of companies that continually have an eye on profit margins. Use these emerging web design trends of 2017 to effectively outperform the competition and to deliver in terms of web design excellence that is second-to-none for your valued clients.