Update Oct. 2021: Web Design Trends 2022 are officially out raising the game. Check them out.
Web design trends – the pressure is on. Evermore competitive, evermore innovative, as we look to kick 2020 well and truly into the long grass, web designers are racking their brains for where the trends are likely to be. There is certainly no shortage of inspiration on the web, experimentation with new styles, adaptation of old styles all helped by new technological advances and developments are pushing the boundaries. And designers are not working in their own artistic bubbles, clients also want to stand out from the crowd and grab their share of the increasing market. Design trends are not new designs for design’s sake, we are looking at what the design gives to the site in terms of sensation, ethos, brand memorability, and cutting edge style. Some awesome examples of creative genius from a growing number of amazing designers that will make the web design trends of 2021 throw off the shackles of a year most would like to forget.
Top Web Design Trends in 2021 are:
Want to view more trends? Graphic Design Trends 2023 is officially out raising the game. Check them out.
Web Design Trends Video Overview:
Check out the video we’ve made with the web design trends for 2021:
1. Cartoon Illustrations in Web Design
Cartoon Illustrations, one of the new web design trends for 2021, not exactly but always popular and always trending. Over the years cartoon animations on TV have always represented the artistic trends of the day, and they still do. So the growth in the use of cartoon illustrations in web design was a natural progression. Illustrations give designers a license to run free and let their imagination take you to places you wouldn’t dream. The trend of use in web design has been growing for a few years and looks like it’s here to stay. Cartoon illustrations are incredibly flexible, can be used as a focus of the site or decoration, and form a natural bond with the viewer. The selection of examples below shows a multitude of styles and uses, all good, all-mighty cool, and all 2021 web design trend ready.
Website example: www.HelloNesh.io
Website example: www.DesignModo.com
Website example: www.Zonketech.co.za
Website example: www.TheStoryofBabushka.com
Website example: www.aDesignersManifesto.webflow.io
Website example: www.H3P.com
Website example: www.Rideshur.com
Do you want to see 37 amazing illustration styles? Take a look at The Best Character Illustration Examples and Ideas [Mega Inspiration]
You may also be interested in some of these design bundles by GraphicMama:
2. 3D and Depth Effect in Web Design
The web design trend is looking more and more like 2021 is going to be the year of 3D, big time. Better design software has helped create this trend, a true example of design and technology working hand-in-hand. We are seeing a rise in 3D everything, from typography to images. The depth and a totally immersive feel created by 3D, draw to viewer into the design. Gradient coloring, shading, and shadow effects create great definition and plenty of interest to hold the browser on the page. When added to other trends like movement and animation, the sites are set to become more and more hypnotic. Find out exactly what we mean by looking through this fine, fine set of examples.
Website example: www.Hoang.moe
Website example: www.Delassus.com
Website example: www.ListeningTogether.AtSpotify.com
Website example: www.GlobeKit.co
Website example: www.AdidasChile20.com
3. Distortion, Glitch, Noise in Web Design
Distortion, glitch, noise – let’s add mismatching, randomness, flaws, malfunction, blurred, out of focus, – in short CHAOS. A heavy vibe for web design trends for 2021 is going to be evoking the sense that not all is how it should be, or is expected to be. A reaction to these strange times, design reflecting reality- we don’t need to go too deep but suffice to say this is a fantastically interesting move. We will see mixed typography, randomness to spacing and images, strange color themes ( or actually lack of any themes) sites held together by the very fact that they are not held together. It’s not exactly anti-design but that’s a sense. 2021 delivers a potentially huge statement about the state of our lives today, challenging the viewer to make their own sense of what is given. An exciting web design trend, check the group below to be intrigued and perhaps turned on to this darker side.
Website example: www.SheldonStenning.com
Website example: www.Summer.VelocityDanceCenter.org
Website example: www.Adasokol.com
Website example: www.Hyperverve.com
4. 90’s Experience in Web Design
Times of uncertainty often results in a thirst for nostalgia, the old days, rose-tinted glasses of a time when everything was hunky-dory. Whilst not exactly vintage, the ’90s are definitely old school, the rise of Windows, computers marching forward and changing the scene, far enough ago for us to remember the good things and not long enough ago for us to forget it’s foibles. 90’s style integration into web design is a real contender for the most creative use of retro around today. There is something inherently cool about it, bizarrely alien to the younger generation, and still familiar enough to bring a knowing smile to the fave of the older ones. These do exactly the job, of stylishly combining the very basic structures and codes of the then with the technology of the now, ingenious. Will 2021 be the year that this hits the mainstream, we hope so.
Website example: www.MeloMayhem.com
Website example: www.Boards.Boldare.com
Website example: www.Ash.ms
Website example: www.Zach.dev
You may also be interested in Retro Design in Modern Times: An Ultra Inspiring Collection
5. Micro Animations and interactions in Web Design
Improving UI and UX are not trends, they are essentials that won’t go away. The use of micro-interactions has been an often unnoticeable element to ease the user into the simple, processes required. These interactions in 2021 are going to be animated. From tiny buttons, call-to-actions, page-turner instructions, cursors, products, pop-up illustrations, or photos if they are there (and they should be) then they should move. Subtle but interesting, useful but playful, 2021 will see a greater emphasis on micro animations to represent interaction. Tiny design elements that make an enormous difference. In search of great inspiration, look no further.
Website example: www.Noclima.com
Website example: www.AirOceanCargo.com
Website example: www.Kikk.be
Website example: www.RouserLab.com
Website example: www.Laurabize.fr
6. Colors Experiments in Web Design
No web design trends article is complete without mentioning color trends and we don’t want to disappoint. 2021 will not be overtaken by color trends as such but more a move to experiment with mixtures of strong colors, often grading from one to another (to another and to another). Strong, deep blues, purples, and reds are used in combinations to create dramatically different effects. 2021 will also see a move towards initially dull or plain colors that transform into other much stronger, brighter ones. To get the gist of where this is going, check out the spectrum below.
Website example: www.Idweaver.com
Website example: www.StMartin.agency
Website example: www.Bmsunited.com
Website example: www.Frenchbutnice.design
Website example: www.Omsom.com
Website example: www.Special-offer.studio
7. Bold Fonts in Web Design
If one area of design is affected by changing trends it’s fonts and typography. Web design in 2021 will be big, bold, beautiful, and brassy. There is no hiding the fact that these fonts want to be seen and need to be seen. Full page, pushing off the edges, animated, flying around, grabbing center stage, 2021 will be the font versions of the attention-grabbing child… Look at me, look at me, look at me!! And when they are this cool, who can blame them.
Website example: www.GoProjectShift.com
Website example: www.Abhishekjha.me
Website example: www.Angelamilosevic.com
Website example: www.Eye-sprint.com
Website example: www.PrimalTrainingClub.co.uk
Website example: www.SixMoreVodka.com
Website example: www.experiments.p5aholic.me
Website example: www.Vazquez.nl
8. Hand-made style Web Design
There is always something rather cool and interesting about a contradiction in all designs. It’s like finding a delicious food combination that really shouldn’t work but somehow does. Web design trends of 2021 will take the inherent computer style of the web and mess it up with a looser handmade effect that can be beautifully and elegantly effective in going that personalized feel that sometimes the coldness of a computer can take away. 2021 may well be the year that this homemade style that has been bubbling under for a number of years really takes a step forward. Losser, freely, less formal, even friendlier. Look at the use of handwritten style fonts, doodled images, marker underlines and emphasis, personal photos, diary, or journalist entries all carefully crafted to create an uncrafted look. Something homely and inviting, you need to check through the marvelously stylish examples below.
Website example: www.Lessnoros.com
Website example: www.PencilAndPaper.io
Website example: www.Passionevino.co.uk
Website example: www.Dvein.com
9. 3D Illustrations and Animations
We’ve said it before (just above actually) 3D is here, 3D is cool, 3D is the design trend of 2021. Illustrations and animations using the 3D techniques that are relatively easy to achieve these days are going to create a wow effect in 2021. The flat design seems to have been flattened and 3D, playful or realistic has risen from the shadows. We are seeing super cool illustrations and animations really taking over web design. With loads of flexibility and opportunity for real creative flair 2021 will be the year of 3D and 3D illustrations and animations – mark our words. Struggling to believe? Check out these great sites and you can’t fail to see the direction of travel and why.
Website example: www.dgStudio.com
Website example: www.DorePartnership.com
Website example: www.Beans.agency
Website example: www.Inboda.com
10. Minimalism in Web Design
An old favorite that never seems to go away, and why should it. Minimalism takes the ideas of simplicity that we mentioned earlier to the extreme. Seldon has the time been more appropriate for a chaotic, mad, mad world to take a step backward. In 2021 there is every chance that this web design trend favorite will again float the boats of many people. Minimalism is what it is, confident enough to show you just what you are getting without the frivolity and foolish gimmicks. Direct, simple, and stripped back to basics, often stunningly stylistic, and quietly cool. To make the most creative and invigorating use of minimalism in 2021, get some ideas from our carefully chosen top websites.
Website example: www.Gnb-Architects.com
Website example: www.Baruchpi.com
Website example: www.Rezo-zero.com
Website example: www.Kern.inc
Website example: www.Pchico.es
Final Words
Web design trends in 2021 are going to be as creative as ever before, this is no time to stand still. Even moving forward, you’re going to have to try to lengthen your stride. Web design is straddling the bars between art and user experience, user interaction, and expression, functionality, and practicality with interest and engagement. It’s a tough role but if you are not up for it, somebody is coming along behind whom will be. Take heart from the fact that the market is stronger than ever, let the competition motivate you, let the inspiration challenge you, and let the web design trends of 2021 drive you and your clients forward.
You may be interested in these related articles:
- 25 Convenient Mobile Apps for Graphic Designers (Android, iOS)
- The Best Image Formats to Use in 2021
- The Best UI/UX Design Software: Complete Comparison Guide
