Trying to juggle every digital marketing trend can often feel like a losing battle. Things are always changing, and staying ahead of the curve takes time, skill, and a lot of dedication.
This is especially true when it comes to web design trends. With over 26.5 million eCommerce websites cluttering the internet, getting yours to stand out takes a razor-sharp strategy that’s continually adapting and improving.
Feeling stressed out? Take a deep breath!
As a digital agency, our creative web design makes a point to study and share the latest web design trends – so you don’t have to sift through them all.
As we move further in 2024, here are some of the web design trends that are most likely to influence your overall website traffic and help build a strong online presence. Take a look, and if you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
(1) Augmented Reality (AR) Integration
First up on the list of web design trends is augmented reality (AR).
Chances are, you or someone you know is already using tools like the Apple Vision Pro to experiment with spatial photos and videos – but AR is no longer confined to mobile apps or games.
Nowadays, many users are thrilled to use eCommerce sites that allow them to engage with products or content in new, immersive ways. Unlike virtual reality (VR), augmented reality allows users to interact with real-world objects and virtual elements simultaneously.
Think about Amazon’s virtual product placement feature. With a few clicks of a button, Amazon shoppers can SEE how that nightstand they’re considering would fit next to their bed. This facilitates an unparalleled shopping experience (and puts Amazon ahead of its competitors).
Now, you might not have the same budget and bandwidth as Amazon, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the potential of AR web design trends. Talk to your web design agency to see how this new technology could potentially revamp your current website and user experience (UX).
(2) Voice User Interface (VUI)
According to Statista, the global volume of “smart speakers” is predicted to increase by a total of 108.2 million pieces between 2024 and 2028 – and web design trends are evolving accordingly.
You probably already own a smart speaker, or maybe even a few. If you’re like the average American consumer, you’re probably using its voice-activated features and virtual assistants to do things like search local businesses or learn about products.
From an online marketing perspective, this is one of the web design trends you need to capitalize on. Voice User Interface (VUI) has worked its way into the digital marketing spotlight, and your website should be optimized to respond to voice commands quickly and accurately.
Implementing VUI involves designing intuitive voice commands, integrating natural language processing (NLP) algorithms, and ensuring compatibility across different devices and platforms. Talk to your design team to see where you can fit these features into your current or future website.
(3) Dark Mode Optimization
One of this year’s top web design trends has taken a dark turn (literally). Although stark, white websites used to be a go-to design, more and more websites are opting for dark color schemes that are easy on the eyes and conserve energy.
This is particularly beneficial for website visitors using OLED screen devices. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 82.7% of smartphone users shift to dark mode after 10 PM. If your site can’t switch to dark mode, your website’s design might be annoying your visitors.
Our web design agency is already implementing many “dark mode” features on websites that carefully contrast colors and text. Keep in mind that it’s not just about using darker colors – it’s about making sure your “dark mode” site is visually appealing and easy to read.
If your website can flip back and forth seamlessly between light and dark mode, that’s a competitive advantage over other less flexible sites.
(4) 3D Graphic Design and Animation
When talking about web design trends, we’d be remiss to ignore the rise of interactive graphic design elements to boost client satisfaction.
Increasing numbers of websites are incorporating 3D graphics and animation, including…
- Product models
- Dynamic visual effects
- Immersive storytelling devices
- Fun, quick animations
The goal of these graphic design elements isn’t just to impress – it’s to engage. The more customers interact with your custom website, and the longer they stick around, the better.
Website owners can start incorporating these custom graphics and animations by collaborating with leading web design agencies specializing in immersive digital experiences. After all, you’ll likely need professional services and tools to create captivating visuals and animations that impress the modern user.
(5) Minimalistic Design with Microinteractions
Minimalistic design trends and digital marketing principles have been around for ages, and they’re not going anywhere. Simplicity, clarity, and usability will continue to play a crucial role in the creation of any successful website.
However – the addition of micro-interactions is new in the world of web design trends. We’re talking about injecting subtle moments of delight and feedback into the user experience.
In terms of web design, micro-interactions are small interactive elements, such as animations or visual cues, that provide feedback or guidance in response to user actions, such as button hover effects, form validation animations, or loading indicators. These interactive elements enhance usability, reinforce engagement, and contribute to more intuitive, responsive websites.
We’re not encouraging you to slap annoying little animations all over your website – but we are encouraging you to spice up your web pages a bit with fun little features to tickle visitors.
(6) Personalized User Experiences
As far as web design trends go, this one is hardly new – but expectations are changing. It’s not just enough to provide tailored social media marketing or product recommendations. Today’s users are looking for more.
For example, innovative custom design features can now help you showcase location-specific events or promotions, based on your visitor’s geolocation. Some websites are also offering flexible options such as adjusting the layout and design elements per individual user.
No matter how you slice it, personalization is a cornerstone of digital marketing. The more your web design agency can customize and tailor your site to your site visitors, the more satisfied they’ll be.
(7) Accessibility-First Design
Poor website accessibility is a huge UX problem. Truly user-friendly websites cater to visitors of all kinds, including those who may have different or limited abilities compared to the average user.
Accessibility-first web design involves implementing principles and coding practices that prioritize inclusivity and usability for all users. This includes considerations such as…
- Proper color contrast for readability
- Keyboard navigation for users who cannot use a mouse
- Semantic HTML markup for screen reader compatibility.
Adopting an accessibility-first site design not only complies with legal requirements but also demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. From a digital marketing perspective, web design trends like this also boost your search engine optimization (SEO) strategies and improve your reputation in Google’s eyes.
The bottom line: more accessible, interactive websites are something everyone can appreciate (even search engines).
(8) Green Web Design
We’ve already got eco-friendly trends in cosmetics, retail, and even cars – why not in web design trends?
As environmental awareness grows, businesses are increasingly incorporating sustainability into their web design vision and online marketing. The concept of “green web design” focuses on reducing the environmental impact of websites by optimizing performance, reducing energy consumption, and adopting eco-friendly hosting solutions.
Techniques such as optimizing images and code, implementing lazy loading to conserve bandwidth, and choosing renewable energy-powered hosting providers contribute to a greener digital footprint.
Embracing green web design trends doesn’t just benefit the environment – it enhances brand reputation, especially among environmentally conscious consumers. You’re showing website visitors that you care, and that’s powerful.
In Summary
Well there you have it – eight of the top web design trends that are dictating how we create and optimize our websites in 2024.
Things are always changing, but the more you stay on top of the latest regulations and expectations, the better your brand will perform. And don’t worry – as a premier digital agency, Platinum Consulting is here to help you capitalize on all the latest web design trends.
Get in Touch With Platinum’s Web Designers
Our web design agency specializes in a wide range of services, from search engine optimization to graphic design and social media marketing. We’re also proud to create websites that put digital businesses at the forefront of their customers’ minds.
If you’re interested in learning more about any of these web design trends, or if you’re hoping to update your website (or build one from scratch) in 2024, let’s talk.
Our web designers are standing by to discuss your needs. Contact our digital agency today to set up a free consultation.