7 Web design trends in 2018 👨🏻‍⚖️

Although some of the trends we saw in 2017 are still around, 2018 is full of new ideas in web design. All over the internet, we find great examples of websites that a.) sell a business's product or service and b.) win their visitors' hearts with the way they are built. So let's look at 7 of the main trends this year, and we are only halfway through it!

1. Animations, animations, animations

There is no denying it: a picture explains things better than words. So even if your product or service is simple, animations help you explain to customers what you do. In today's world, where everyone is always in a hurry, an animation can be the key to getting your business's message across in a way that is captivating, informative and fun. Animated logos are on trend, and GIFs are back too, but be careful which ones you use.

2. Go for bright colours🤩

After a few years of pastel or neutral tones, it looks like bold colours are here to stay this time. Keep an eye out, especially on international websites: you will see plenty of turquoise blues, purples, cherry reds and even oranges.

3. Typography✒️

Typography is the art of creating or reinventing typefaces, often by combining letters with images, distorting them or positioning them on a web page or on paper. Get ready: this year, typography is 'the' tool for web designers. Experts say Helvetica is still in fashion and that serif fonts (those small extensions or curves at the end of the strokes of a letter) are also coming back to our screens. Combining serif and sans-serif type is also in vogue in 2018.

4. Storytelling💡

Telling stories. What web designers need to do this year (along with content creators, creatives, marketers and advertisers) is become storytelling professionals. Instead of selling your product or service on its own, what really wins over potential customers is the story behind it, whether real or not. Using some of the tricks we share here can be a good way to tell the story your website visitors want to see (or hear).

5. Flat design

Although it is not losing ground, flat design has taken a back seat lately. In 2018 it comes back strongly, with two new features: gradients and shadows. In moderation, of course. Flat design, known for its simple graphics and vibrant colours, has had a big impact on brands such as Instagram and on the design of Apple's icons, for example. Using shadows skilfully lets you create a sense of depth and so establish a visual hierarchy, especially for call to action buttons.

6.Illustrations🎈

After the rise of illustrations last year, they have arrived and made their mark in 2018. Adding huge doses of personality to websites, these drawings are visually appealing and work perfectly for getting the message across. Nobody wants to see a boring website, and with a good illustration, that does not happen.

7. The evolution of Artificial Intelligence

No, AI (Artificial Intelligence) is no longer just a subject for science fiction films. It is quickly changing the way websites are built, through technologies such as chatbots, for example. And if you think you do not use any of this, think again: how many times have you talked to Apple's Siri or Google Now? Exactly. As people get used to these technologies, building interfaces like these into websites is becoming common too. In the coming years, we will probably see even wider use of these technologies.

If you already use one or more of these tools, congratulations: your website is on trend! If you do not use them yet or want to update your website, do not hesitate to get in touch! 🎪