Digital experiences will begin to surpass real-world expectations by creating experiences that are immersive. This will be done by using spatial and rich, elaborate visual effects. 

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

As a consequence of the challenges and opportunities presented in 2020,  the landscape of the digital design industry has developed some major themes that will guide web design throughout 2021. These themes were identified by Shaping Design – Editor X's online design blog. The themes are largely centered around customization, blurring the boundaries between real and virtual, and social activism.   

Web Design Trends 2021

https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2021/01/web-design-trends-report-2021/

Smashing Magazine: Web Design Trends 2021: The Report


Users, more specifically consumers, are increasingly willing to provide details of their preferences to create a personalized experience. This typically takes the form of allowing users to pick dark/light modes, color themes, sizing of text and elements, and increasing accessibility in general.  

Theme 1: Your UI, By You

Web design in increasingly being used by brands and designers to convey their values and principles. Using bold and iconic visuals, protest graphics and visuals calling for racial, political, and environmental justice are being used to convey educate, empower and raise awareness on existing issues.  

Theme 2: Design Activism 

The global reset of 2020 forced us to rethink our values, connections, and views with people and brands that we care about. This is expected to manifest in calm, uplifting, and playful tones in web design. Using color and typography, digital designs that are lighter, brighter, and more authentic are going to be used to create safe and inclusive web spaces. 

Theme 3: Sensitivity and Optimistic Voice

Digital experiences are moving away from the flat, minimalist designs to incorporating new contemporary, retro ways of adding depth to online experiences. This includes incorporating objects from personal life, creating slightly more quirky and less predictable layouts, patterns, and graphics. 

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