Top 3 Web Design Trends for 2012
- by Matthew McNairy, January 10, 2012
Trends are exactly that. Yesterday’s fashions are tomorrow’s punch lines. Flash is, well, Flash.
Where I feel minimalist design and grand photography will still dominate the Web landscape, a few other trends will be more prevalent.
A new year is upon us. With that in mind, here are my top 3 web design trends for 2012.
1. Bigger and Better Social Networking — Any site without all the core social networking portals built in is obsolete. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, and so on — they’re all integral to creating the most engaging, well-rounded site you can deliver. If you’re not part of the growing social network, you may as well shut down. Maybe that’s a little harsh.
2. Interesting Typography — The old standbys just don’t cut it anymore. Web designers need to use fonts that fly. Designers should experiment with lines and shadows and look for something new. I love that charge when I see an interesting font in an unexpected environment. In 2012, I think the boundaries will continue to expand.
3. Art for Art’s Sake — Some of the best sites I’ve seen recently showcased orginal art and illustrations. The web comic aesthetic opens up so many new doors. With original illustrations, your options are unlimited. After you take a look at something that features glorious originality, the basic stock images just don’t cut it anymore. The everyday graphic is riddled with unappealing nostalgia. Designers are really going to get creative in 2012.
Here are some other Web trends to consider.
What do you see on the 2012 horizon? What trends do you see popping to the forefront of Web design?