Web design trends for 2017

Web design trends for 2017

Here are the 2017 web design trends I believe are worth watching as we step into the New Year.

Colors everywhere

More than ever, the disparity between popular colors on the web is evident. As colors are often tied to the unique branding of each company, many classic tones remain. However, we are also witnessing the rapid rise of some bold new trends that vary greatly from one another.

Human colors

Peach, salmon, pale pink, skin tones—more than ever, people are glued to their devices. Could there be a connection between this new way of life and a color palette that brings a touch of humanity back to interfaces?

aucoot
katiforner
msdsstudio
nameoflove
stefaniebruckler

Unusual combinations

With every possible color combination already tested, we’re seeing a trend toward unexpected mixes. Purple is also making a strong comeback in many designs. Some may find these results playful and fresh, while others might question the final look. One thing is clear—designers are taking more risks with colors than ever before!

loisjeans
meiofio
offf

Less is more

A trend that isn’t entirely new but seems to be resurging: using minimal color in interfaces. Just one or two colors, a more subdued look, or even a duotone effect—sometimes simplicity is the most striking.

bigsound
contractdistrict
oak
kettle

Gradients are back

The dominant “flat design” trend of recent years is giving way to subtler blends. Gradients are making a comeback, and we couldn’t be happier to see them everywhere again!

zero
fabrica
airbnb
runnable
luyu
minglabs

Sophisticated white borders

Rounding out the discussion on colors, here’s a trend we love: white borders. Leaving a white margin around a website, so it doesn’t touch the edges of the browser, creates breathing room and a stylish look. We’re big fans!

bbdakota
hellomind
dzek
camdentownbrewery

Stunning geometric shapes

A new trend? Geometric shapes in backgrounds are adding character to interfaces. These shapes bring a breath of fresh air and are a great way to stand out from competitors with strong lines that enhance the design.

stripe

Soft drop shadows

Yes, you’re not dreaming—drop shadows are back. Temporarily banished from the web due to overuse, they’re now more subtle than ever. The shadow radius is larger, the opacity lower, and they’re often barely noticeable. But these shadows add depth to designs and help clarify overlapping layers of information. Sometimes they’re even slightly colored for a creative touch.

formkeep
plasso
lingo

Artistic illustrations

Illustrations have always had a place on the web, but the overuse of stock photography is pushing many designers back to illustrated imagery. Easy to animate with new web development techniques, illustrations are poised to be a staple of 2017 trends.

intercom
coolclub
heroku
digital-profile

Animations to captivate

Animations are becoming more advanced on the web. They bring concepts to life, grab attention, and engage visitors.

striperadar
ueno
29rooms

Loading animations to reduce anxiety

English speakers call it “interstitial anxiety”—that brief moment of suspense when you click a button or menu and wait for the page to respond. To ease this tension, small animations now confirm that your action is being processed.

stefaniebrueckler
susa
hannahpurmort

Unconventional scrolling

The proliferation of unique scrolling methods has been a growing trend for some time. 2017 will be no exception. Instead of standard scrolling, there are now countless ways to navigate content. Sometimes only part of the content scrolls, while other times, only the image changes.

uber
nacachedesign
hannahpurmort2

Conversational interfaces

Intelligent messaging and conversational tools (chatbots) will be a defining trend in 2017. This is the immediate future of the web. Facebook is betting big on its Messenger app, which continues to evolve. Google has recently launched Allo. Messaging platforms will keep growing, and more businesses will offer services through these channels. Unique website designs will become less critical, with a greater focus on content and immediate value. We’ll see rapid integration of social media, mobile, and e-commerce, as consumers increasingly turn to mobile devices for transactions.

messenger
allo
uxchat

A mobile future

Fifty-six percent of the time Canadians spend online is through mobile devices or tablets—a figure that continues to rise. Concepts like “mobile-first,” conversational agents, and web ergonomics are increasingly focusing on small screens. Design will continue adapting to this new reality. While we can’t predict the future with certainty, we have a good sense of what to focus on.

These are our predictions for the 2017 web design trends. Happy New Year!