Coby Tishler is spending some time here at Roundpeg while attending classes at Ivy Tech. She has been working behind the scenes on researching information and trends on social media for some of our clients. Today I asked her to turn her attention to our industry and give us a snap shot of trends she has found that are relevant for us.
Digital
Say goodbye to regular old squares and circles. Free form, organic shapes and lines are the name of the game in 2019. Many web pages have the consistent pattern of flat, clean lines, but replacing those with shapes and images you see in nature and everyday life makes for a more visually inviting aesthetic. Original designs don’t have to be eliminated completely, but incorporating these new eye-catching elements really steps up the game of web design for the new year.
More minimalistic looks can also be achieved, as monochromatic or black and white designs are also on the rise. Limiting a theme to one color or black and white can seem restrictive, but it can actually give a site a rejuvenating boost. If this concept seems too conservative, adding a pop of an accent color isn’t out of the question.
Site navigation is also getting a refresher this year. There are many different ways to experiment with navigation, but this year’s common theme seems to be accessibility. Large, easy-to-use site navigation is all the rage, and making it thumb-friendly is a plus for mobile users.
Social
2019 is all about user documentation. A typical part of the creative process involves presenting a veiled message in a unique, organic way. Stock images have become obsolete because today’s users and creators present these messages through their own documentation. Many creators are used to playing a more private role when it comes to their work, so for some, documenting themselves and their work on social media can be something to get used to.
Scrolling through web pages and social media can get boring after a while. Recently, gifs are making a huge comeback. Gifs have made a comeback as a fun, quick way to tell a story or get a message across. Incorporating gifs can infuse life and make any message more eye-catching, depending on how they relate to their users.
Text comments aren’t always seen, and emojis don’t stand out anymore. Stickers, like gifs, are a quick, eye-catching way to react to something or convey a message. Stickers can be used all over a website or social media platform; some examples include a commenting/reaction based context, or in navigation, menus, etc..
Graphic
Serif revival is an up and coming trend. These vintage-inspired fonts can stand out on print or on a screen. Many big brands, such as Google, Spotify and Airbnb have updated their logo fonts to Sans Serif. They are readable and work well with a variety of design and style choices as well. Go bold or conservative — Serif will make it work.
Plastic is a hot button issue these days. Consumers and brands alike are on the lookout for more environmentally friendly options when it comes to products. Eco packaging is a popular way for brands to reduce the use of plastic with biodegradable materials.
Augmented reality is questionable to some, but one can’t deny that it’s making a splash in graphic design. This tool can be accessed through mobile devices, making this interactive design at your fingertips. Brand experiences will be taken to the next level through augmented reality — and it’s only set to grow more in the coming years.