If you’ve been involved with web design, you may already know how much the industry is changing every year. 2017 has been no different and we’ve seen a major shift in how people approach web design due to many changes in the marketplace. Here are five examples of how web design has changed in 2017.
1. More People Have Moved to a Mobile First Approach
While last year was the year of accelerated mobile pages and Google crackdowns on non compliant sites, this year was probably the first where companies started putting more emphasis on mobile sites. This shift can be largely attributed to the fact that for the first time in history more searches are conducted on mobile devices than anywhere else. Brands are now focusing on how sites look on smaller screens and are scaling up, not scaling down like it used to be the norm to do not too long ago.
2. More Focus on Responsive Design
Responsive design is another facet that appeared as a result of the increasing importance of mobile friendly sites. More now than ever, brands are using responsive CSS code that allows them to build single adaptable websites instead of separate sites for mobile and desktop users. This was mainly done as a response to recent Google algorithm changes which rewarded sites that provided an optimised mobile experience.
3. Increased Use of Bespoke Illustrations
Illustrations are one of the easiest and most efficient ways to give your site and brand a unique personality. They allow you to make an almost instant connection with your readers and are great attention grabbers. In a world where brands are trying to carve themselves a niche in a more and more crowded marketplace, illustrations can play a major role in increasing brand recognition.
4. Bold Statement Making Typography
Illustrations are not the only tools that can be used to infuse personality into brands. Powerful typography is also a great way to set a tone and create an emotional connection with the reader. As monitors become more and more powerful and fonts easier than ever to read, we can expect brands to keep pushing the limits of what is possible with typography.
5. More Authentic Photography
Stock photos are slowly on their way out and brands are trying to show a more authentic image of who they really are through their pictures. Less are relying on generic stock photography and are shelling out a few extra dollars on professional photography nowadays. It might still be a while before cheesy stock images are completely a thing of the past, but brands nowadays understand now more than ever the importance of putting a face on their brand.
Conclusion
Design has changed in many ways in 2017, some more subtle than others. Businesses are now for the first time in history putting more emphasis on mobile and responsive design. They’re also attempting to establish a more personal and genuine connection with their users. We can expect 2017 to bring even more changes, most of them revolving around better user experience, interactivity and forming a truly unique brand identity.
