Web Design Trends adopted by Web design companies in Vancouver
In this article, we will talk about the 2021 web design trends adopted by web design companies in Vancouver. You will find out which of them have remained relevant from the past years, and which has appeared new. We will tell you how to apply new solutions wisely in order to attract the user and not harm him.
Responsive Design and Mobile First adopted by Web design companies in Vancouver
Mobile traffic is getting more and more every year. In many countries, it has already exceeded the volume of desktop traffic. Therefore, it is worth paying due attention to responsive design. This will make your brand stand out in terms of professionalism and attention to detail.
The popularity of the mobile-first approach continues to grow – when companies pay more attention to the mobile version of the site. In 2021, web design companies in Vancouver have focused on creating thumb-friendly sites. This means that you need to arrange important navigation elements in such a way that it is convenient for them to reach them.
Scalable vector graphics
This 2021 web design trend is geared towards mobile users too. Both attractive multimedia content (video or gif) and static PNG significantly slow down page loading from a mobile device. The SVG format came to the rescue. It has a relatively small size and unlimited scalability, so the graphics do not lose the quality even on high-resolution screens. It also allows you to make 2D animations that load quickly without slowing down the loading of the entire page.
Colour gradients, vibrant colours and simplicity
Gradients and bright colours remain relevant. These techniques are actively used in all types of web design used by web design companies in Vancouver – especially often in the interface, branding, illustration. Many brands are already using them and will continue to do so to stand out from the competition and refresh the site. In 2021, the popularity of these techniques has only grown.
An example of a design with a gradient in vibrant colour
When it comes to simplicity, the trend will be ultra-minimalist design – when only the bare essentials are used: a very limited colour palette, simple shapes and as much negative space as possible. It helps to separate different parts of the page and prioritize visuals:
The monochrome design has also gained popularity – simplified to the use of one dominant colour.
ADVICE!
Use bright colours as an accent to direct attention.
Dark theme
A separate category is a dark theme. She has penetrated design everywhere. Many websites, mobile apps, emails are made in a dark theme. These layouts look stylish.
In order not to shock conservative users, you can invite them to choose a theme themselves, as the designers did in PromoPult:
Massive fonts and lowercase letters
Recently, more and more brands include bold heavy fonts in their projects, which can not only complement images but also replace them as the main element. Sans serif fonts are preferred. For example, san-serif. If you want to make a name for yourself, feel free to swap out traditional typefaces for noticeable, bold, and bold ones.
Variable fonts are also gaining popularity. These are fonts with a lot of weight. They allow you to flexibly adjust the parameters – width, slope, weight, serif shape.
ADVICE!
In the race for originality, the main thing is not to forget about the main characteristics of the type – readability and ease of perception. Fonts should be interesting and unusual, but if the content becomes visually less legible, consider that you have only done harm. Also, be careful when using large, heavy fonts.
A balance needs to be struck between loud typography and mobile responsiveness: Typography that looks good on desktop screens tends to be difficult to fit into the tiny screens of mobile devices. But at the same time, as we wrote above, adaptability should not be neglected. Look for balance!
Asymmetric, custom layout
Another web design trend adopted by web design companies in Vancouver in 2021 has been relevant for several years now. It brings variety and boldness to the design.
Gamification and storytelling
Gamification is the process of adding game elements to non-game products and services. It helps stimulate the user behaviour we want. For example, filling out a profile, increasing page views, adding a review, etc. We used this game mechanic for the M.Video special project to collect leads and increase brand awareness.
Storytelling is a story in design that helps the user to interact with the site as easily as possible, helps to understand the product. Characters are often used, a conflict is created that is ultimately resolved with the product. For example, Lager talks about how they create their beer.
Author's illustrations and abstract images
Illustrations are increasingly used in the interface. It is the author's pictures that are in trend. They convey individuality and make the design unique.
We picked up this 2021 web design trend which is being used by many web design companies in Vancouver and decided to update the blog. Now we always make author's illustrations for it in the same style:
In 2021, we expect to see a large number of bespoke branded illustrations that will make brands friendlier and more original.
The following styles are popular among illustrations:
- sketchy, hand-drawn images,
- flat illustrations with stroke and outline strokes,
- isometric images,
- 3D,
- textured illustrations,
- retro style,
- hand-drawn icons,
- abstract backgrounds – go well with loud typography.
Organic streamlined shapes without straight lines and symmetry are popular.
Micro animation and animated graphics
Motion design is gaining more and more popularity:
- micro animations – make the visual perception of the page more pleasant:
- parallax effect – is increasingly used in website design. For example, as on the Koox website ;
- a combination of video and animated graphics – gives interesting results:
- 2D Animation – Helps to create explanatory videos:
- 2D / 3D hybrid animation is not an innovation, but it is also worth mentioning as it is still popular:
- short 3D videos and animated posters and logos are also gaining popularity.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
VR / AR is often suggested to use a mobile phone to see additional elements of a static design (for example, a poster, banner, etc.). Designers' job is to spark curiosity and make the user feel like they are accessing something special.
Brands use this technology to promote their products and services and make the shopping experience easier.
Chatbots and virtual assistants
The chatbot imitates human behavior as an interlocutor. The main task of designers and developers is to make this process simple and gain the trust of users, explain to them what the system can do and how they can interact with it. Most chatbot companies decide to animate a virtual assistant by drawing it.
