2021 is presenting itself as quite a unique and uncertain year for us all, but it is ever more apparent how valuable the internet is; how it has shaped the way we communicate with one another, share opinions and recommendations, learn, waste time, and even shop! 2021 web design trends continue to blend aesthetics and technology.
Through the years website developers and designers pushed the boundaries with creativity, abandoning the utilitarian feel of websites, abandoning grids and stock photography, and replacing it with fluid layouts, vibrant animations and illustrations, branded color schemes and the list continues! In recent years we have also seen advancements to smarter websites that contain tools and CRMs, subtle interactions, and the development of UI and UX design.
Here are 5 Innovative 2021 web design trends
#1 – Micro-interactions
Definition: Microinteractions are trigger-feedback pairs in which (1) the trigger can be a user action or an alteration in the system’s state; (2) the feedback is a narrowly targeted response to the trigger and is communicated through small, highly contextual (usually visual) changes in the user interface. These have been the most common uses of them, but in 2020, micro-interactions will be used in more exciting and new ways, including hover and scrolling animation, chimes, and more.’
You may be asking yourself why is this a developing trend? Attention to detail is what basically differs an exceptional website from an ordinary one, and an experienced website designer will cleverly and creatively add these motions to your website to help elicit emotion from your visitors.
Here is why micro-interactions rock:
- They make it easier and more fun for users to interact with your website
- They give tips to your users
- They communicate to a user, like whether or not something is interactive
- They make the user experience much more rewarding
- They direct users attention
- And, finally, they just make your site more emotional
#2 – Chatbots
We are seeing chatbots become more and more common on websites, but they will spike in popularity here in 2020. This is partially due to the need for communicating more online than in person due to COVID-19. But the other reason we have put them on this list is due to the advancements in AI and machine learning.
The new chatbots that are showing up are tailoring their messages depending on what page of their website you are on. For example, if you are looking at a particular product on their product page the developer could program the chatbot to deliver a message such as: “Interested in product X? Our customers love this product because of X, Y, Z! If you have any questions about it, just ask!”
A developer can also program chatbots to respond depending on the visitor’s needs. If they type in a trigger word such as “Support” or “help” their messages can be directed directly to customer support, while other keywords such as pricing, could respond with a link to pricing!
Chatbots are also becoming visually customizable. Branding them with colors and logos, developing something more inviting to interact with. We can also predict an influx of friendly mascots to represent brands and give these bots a personable face!
#3 – Minimalism
This is a web design trend 2021 that is hard to execute, but when executed properly, it is a timeless trend that elevates a brand. The more you can say with the least amount of actual words and elements used, the fewer visitors will have to think.
That said, you can’t omit the important stuff to execute a minimalist design because your visitors don’t want to have to continue to search for what they need.
#4 – Video Content
A very apparent trend, as a lot of us, have found ourselves wasting time on YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, Netflix, and other streaming services, video content is nothing new and highly addictive. When using video on a webpage it caters to this same audience and provides a fresh design to another lifeless website full of text and images.
What is new is the move Google has made toward mixed search page results, featuring video content above standard web pages. This is leading websites to prioritize video production in order to make themselves easily searchable and offer content in the most efficient, shareable way!
Staying on Trend in 2021
As in any year, in 2020 make sure that everything about your website design puts the user first! Trying out new 2021 web design trends that you think look cool or interesting is fine, but only if you’re confident your target audience will respond to it as well. If you need help updating your website, or don’t have a website, and are looking for the best website design in the Tri-Cities you need to schedule a consultation with the team here at Spotted Fox Digital! We provide an affordable website design that will help set you apart from your competition! 509.792.3283
