
Web design trends for 2015
Here’s an overview of the web design trends for 2015 to keep you in the loop.
Responsive web design
Responsive design optimizes websites to function seamlessly across all platforms (desktop, tablet, and mobile). With mobile device sales continuing to rise in 2015, ensuring compatibility between websites and mobile devices is no longer optional. Non-responsive websites will become increasingly sidelined, as users shifting between devices expect consistency and ease of use. That said, some sites may still prefer dedicated mobile apps for specific purposes, and these approaches are not mutually exclusive.

Mobile first
It’s no secret that mobile devices are becoming the primary means of browsing the web, a trend accelerated by the rise of phablets. The “mobile first” approach prioritizes creating ergonomic interfaces for mobile devices before adapting designs for desktops, enhancing the user experience (UX). Designing for the constraints of smaller screens forces simplification and clarity, a trend that continues to shape web interface ergonomics.
Single-page sites with parallax effects
Single-page websites with parallax effects peaked in 2014. Parallax refers to a design where background images move at a different speed than the foreground content. This trend will likely decline in 2015 due to overuse and its inefficiencies, such as poor SEO (single metadata set) and slower loading times caused by heavy images. Instead, designers are encouraged to focus on subtle animations to capture attention.

Modular Web Design
Modular design, using grids and blocks to display content, works exceptionally well for responsive websites because of its scalability and stacking flexibility. Major platforms like Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest use block-based systems. This approach pairs well with other trends, such as minimalism and fullscreen web layouts.

Flat design and Material design
Flat design, the dominant trend of recent years, will continue growing in 2015 due to its clean, simplified style that performs well on mobile devices. This trend may evolve into Google’s Material Design, a revolutionary visual language designed to unify interfaces. Material Design combines flat design principles with animations, creating intuitive and natural navigation through innovative and distinctive interfaces. Features like lighting diffusion, depth, gravity, and spatial positioning elevate interactivity to new levels.
Scrolling over clicking
With the rise of mobile web browsing, scrolling through content is becoming a preferred interaction method. Scrolling is intuitive, faster, and more efficient than clicking, reducing load times and creating a more dynamic user experience.
Large background images and videos
Large “hero banners” have replaced traditional carousels and will remain prominent in 2015. A key design principle is contrast—a minimalist text overlay on a large photographic or video background can make a powerful impact, emotionally connecting with visitors. Video backgrounds, in particular, are gaining traction as people prefer watching over reading, allowing brands to tell their stories and evoke emotions more effectively.

Menus inspired by mobile
Menus are increasingly influenced by mobile design. Hidden, sliding, or perspective menus are transforming navigation. Some mobile-first sites even retain mobile-style menus for their desktop versions, enhancing consistency.

Ghost buttons
First seen in 2014, ghost buttons will remain popular in 2015. These transparent, flat buttons with simple outlines often appear larger than traditional buttons and are strategically placed in central locations to attract clicks.

Typography
Typography significantly impacts readability, accessibility, usability, and aesthetics. As screen resolutions improve, larger fonts are becoming more prevalent on the web. Services like Typekit and Google Fonts provide high-quality, modern typefaces that align with web design trends.

Colors
Pantone declared Marsala as the Color of the Year for 2015. In the short term, Pantone’s Spring 2015 palette suggests fresh, vibrant, and saturated colors. On the web, pastel tones are gradually giving way to flashier shades.

SVG Animation
SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) is a vector format that retains sharpness regardless of scaling. These SVG animations, powered by SMIL modules, allow dynamic effects that can be manipulated with CSS and JavaScript. While browser support is robust, Internet Explorer remains an exception, which can be mitigated with libraries like Snap.js.

Micro-interactions
Micro-interactions will be one of 2015’s most popular trends. These small interactions help users perform simple tasks like displaying statuses, toggling settings, or liking content. They foster engagement and make otherwise static websites more interactive. Additionally, they are invaluable for evaluating usability, performance, and user reactions.

In conclusion
These are the top web design trends for 2015, but new developments will undoubtedly emerge throughout the year. By staying ahead of these trends, Kryzalid’s team is ready to guide you through these shifts and take your digital strategy to the next level.