10 Web Design Trends to Watch Out for in 2023
Design is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging every year. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten design trends that are set to take centre stage in 2023, based on industry predictions and emerging styles.
1. Retro Aesthetics:
Nostalgia is a powerful force, and in 2023, designers will be tapping into the past to create designs that evoke a sense of nostalgia. From retro typography to vintage-inspired colour palettes, expect more designs that hark back to the past. Who knows, maybe we’ll even see a comeback of the beloved comic sans font! (Just kidding…kind of?)
According to resident Giant Peach designer Joey, you’ll often find the nineties and noughties retro styles intertwined with maximalism and brutalism. “You get these sites with nineties/noughties colours or shapes, like a crude cut-and-paste nod to the skeuomorphic style of the time. The combo of shapes, colours, fonts and sizes usually then brings in either a maximalist style that’s pretty hectic or a more brutalist style which is less hectic but still slaps you in the face just as hard.”
The Y2K aesthetic has resurfaced in recent years, and it seems this jarringly colourful trend will continue to be popular in the coming year. We anticipate seeing more of this vibrant style blending with elements of brutalism, resulting in a unique and exciting fusion of aesthetics.
Example: https://giganticcandy.com/
Other designers opt for a more classic vintage feel, giving users a warming sense of familiarity through timeless design. Our recent project for a new Tweed brand and website in the Lake District pays tribute to the outdoors and adventure stickers and labelling of the 60s and 70s, resulting in an eye-catching balance of playfulness and traditional heritage influences. Get your hiking boots on and check it out here: (link)
2. Natural Elements:
In 2023, expect to see more designs incorporating natural elements such as wood, stone, and plants. This trend is a continuation of the eco-conscious movement that has gained momentum in recent years, as designers look for ways to create more sustainable and environmentally-friendly designs.
Why not add some subtle organic texturing or create some hand-rendered custom iconography for your next design project? It’s time to get back to nature, folks.
Example: https://www.apeel.com/
3. Brutalist
Brutalist web design is a returning trend that emphasises raw, unpolished aesthetics, and simplicity. The style, which draws inspiration from the architectural movement of the same name, typically features monochromatic colour schemes, bold typography, and minimalism in layout.
Brutalist websites often focus on delivering content in a straightforward and efficient manner, eschewing flashy graphics and complicated navigation menus. While this style may only be suitable for some websites, it can effectively create a memorable and distinctive online presence.
“The brutalist style is one I’m more a fan of and I think its rise in popularity is from its functional effectiveness. The creative expression of these sites can be pretty cool, playing with larger type, big areas of block colour or utilising unique shapes from whatever brand you’re working with to bring the design to life.” says Joey.
Example: https://butt-studio.com/
4. Bright Colours:
Bold, bright colours are set to come back in 2023, with designers embracing vibrant hues to add make their designs pop. From neon yellows to electric blues, expect to see more eye-catching shades alongside complimentary muted tones to break up the palette. Your eyes might hurt a bit, but at least these designs will stand out!
Examples: https://www.alexandrapalace.com/, https://the-green-house.org.uk/
5. High-quality Low-fi Photography
Stock photography is increasingly losing its appeal and owning original, high-quality photography has become a crucial component of branding. With the rise of the Naturalistic Aesthetic, this trend is not only limited to product photography but also extends to lifestyle and cultural imagery.
Thanks to TikTok’s influence, we’re seeing a surge in demand for natural and unfiltered photography that captures the true essence of individuals. These images have a raw and honest feel to them, almost as if they were taken on a smartphone. This approach to photography has made it more accessible and relatable, which in turn builds trust with audiences.
Example: It would be silly of us not to shout out our own website design for this one. We’ve opted to use natural photography of our team instead of personality-void stock images, and we’re a bit proud of it.
6. 3D Graphics:
With the rise of virtual and augmented reality, 3D graphics are becoming more popular in the design world. In 2023, more designs will incorporate 3D elements, from product packaging to digital illustrations.
Example: https://kprverse.com/
7. Micro Animations, Scrolling Effects & Mouse Interaction:
“These are three separate things but they go hand-in-hand”, says Joey.
Micro animations are small and lightweight, meaning they don’t compromise speed or consume too much data. They can be triggered by mouse interactions with buttons, scrolling, hovering, or clicking. The idea is to surprise and delight users with unexpected effects that make the site experience more memorable.
Another similar trend that has gained popularity is the use of scrolling effects, such as parallax and the combination of vertical and horizontal scrolling. Horizontal scrolling can break up content and create a three-dimensional effect, making the site feel more immersive. Scrolling effects are designed to keep users scrolling and engaged with the website.
The use of mouse interaction in web design has evolved beyond the classic pointer to something more dynamic and engaging. Simple animations that scale up and down when interacting with buttons are just the beginning. Websites are now incorporating interactive areas with graphics that move or disappear as the mouse passes through them. These interactive graphics offer a new way to showcase content.
An example website we’ve worked on to incorporate these effects is Cennox.
8. Minimalism:
While bold colours and 3D graphics are set to dominate in 2023, minimalism will still have a place in the design world. Clean lines, simple shapes, and muted colours will continue to be popular, especially in the realm of branding and user interface design.
Example: https://www.casamami.co/
9. Video
In 2023 the use of video in web design is becoming more prevalent than ever. With the rise of platforms such as TikTok and Instagram Reels, short-form video content has become the norm, and this trend has extended to web design.
Brands are using video to tell their stories, showcase their products, and create a more immersive experience for their users. From background videos to hero videos, the use of video can make a website feel more dynamic and engaging. As video production becomes more accessible and affordable, we can expect to see even more video content incorporated into web design in the coming years.
Example: https://artsandculture.withgoogle.com/en-us/
10. Mixed Media:
In 2023, designers will be pushing the boundaries of traditional design by incorporating multiple mediums into their work. From combining digital and analogue techniques to incorporating video and animation into static designs, expect to see more designs that blur the lines between different mediums. Maybe we’ll even see a design that combines a scratch-and-sniff feature with a pop-up book! The possibilities are endless.
Example: https://www.wearelaunchpad.io/
It’s clear that there are many rising trends in 2023. If you’re ready to incorporate these exciting design trends into your next project or brand refresh, we can help. Our team of expert designers stay on top of the latest design trends and can help bring your vision to life with creative, innovative solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help take your web design to the next level.