Web design trends also often change with little or no notification because they are driven by such a diverse and interconnected ecosystem of external influences. These influences include consumer habits, search engine algorithm updates, privacy regulations, artificial intelligence, and the rapidly expanding set of digital marketing tools.

Businesses are required to not only understand these changes, but also to anticipate, prepare for and then respond to them effectively. Additionally, businesses have to respond effectively enough to outsmart and outperform their competitors. Failure to act on these trends will begin to hurt the bottom line as Internet users have increasingly high expectations for the design and functionality of websites.

Trend 1 | Responding to Google’s Algorithm Update

In May, 2021 Google will be releasing a core update that heavily prioritizes on-page experience. While this update will affect more than just website design, we’ve included it in this article because it also affects so many digital marketing trends and priorities by altering the ability of a business to have their website appear at the top of search results.

There’s no way to avoid the impacts of this update; it will affect all websites that rely on Google for organic traffic. For context, Google describes a core algorithm update as one that is intended to “ensure that overall, [Google is] delivering on [their] mission to present relevant and authoritative content to searchers.” Google’s impending update will purportedly make a significant effort to holistically improve the user’s on-page experience.

Trend 2 | Video and Animation

Video and animation continue to lead trends in website design, and these types of content increasingly comprise a majority of all Internet content. Additionally, video has been clearly established as the preferred consumer method of engaging with brands.

In particular, video and animation are becoming more prevalent in the navigation and integrated user experience of websites. This is achieved by making video a core part of the site’s content, including calls to action, navigational features, and other key website components. This tactic is particularly effective at “slowing the scroll” of page visitors and getting their attention on a specific message or CTA.

Trend 3 | Color and Graphic Design

Trends in popular colors and graphic design for websites have changed significantly in the past 18 months. Many of these changes are positive and do a better job of prioritizing the user experience by incorporating softer colors, simpler designs, and a cleaner layout. Together, these simple design changes can produce a superior website that doesn’t distract, confuse or frustrate visitors with unnecessary visual clutter. In fact, many websites that have successfully capitalized on these design trends are pleasant to use and measurably increase customer satisfaction.

Trend 4 | User Experience

We should all be thankful that web designers like our team at HENCE SOFT are creating more enjoyable and intuitive websites by focusing on simplicity. The mantra for success with this trend is, without a doubt, that less is more. Less imagery, less graphics, less CTAs and less distractions. Not overcrowding pages, over designing graphics, or adding too many elements on a single page will all help users focus their attention on what really matters. The drive for simplicity is occurring across industries and is also a central eCommerce design trend (particularly for health and wellness).

Trend 5 | Advanced Website Design Trends for 2021

Beyond just meeting the baseline for website design trends in 2021, some brands are going even further with advanced features and functionality. These more advanced trends are especially prevalent in industries where it’s important for visitors to fully experience the appeal of the product, visualize the complexity of the service, or otherwise be drawn in by the on-site experience as part of the conversion process.

As you might expect, it doesn’t make much sense to incorporate these more advanced features in websites that visitors frequently visit to perform routine functions, check data, interact with other users, etc. as it would likely prove frustrating. It’s all about a proper balance of form and function.

Trend 6 | Accessibility, Inclusivity and Privacy in Website Design Trends for 2021

This trend comprises a few major movements in digital marketing, but is not specifically represented by a single tool, tactic, or outcome. Instead, this trend incorporates a mix of social sentiments, legal regulations, and general consumer preferences that are prompting many companies to re-examine their online presence. This trend affects corporate websites but also extends to all marketing channels, including social media, email, and even traditional practices like print and display.

Tackling new website design trends head-on does not have to be overwhelming, time-consuming, or cost-prohibitive.

If you’d like to discuss how to update your website, contact us today to get started. 2021 will only see the acceleration of these trends, and the time to act is now!