What are the biggest trends in web design that you’re seeing in 2024 – 10 Experts Share their thoughts

There are a lot of reasons for this., but a few key issues are:

1. Technological Ease – it is getting easier to create a website. We already have cloud systems like WordPress.com and Wix but soon, AI systems will create websites from top to bottom. Design, Code, Content – it will all be done for you. Whilst this has undeniable benefits from a technical perspective, most small business owners will end up with a generic website that just does not do the job well enough from a marketing perspective. They won’t have anything that helps them stand out. They won’t have truly compelling messaging. The site won’t work from a marketing and lead generation perspective. 

2. Lack of planning  – websites have a complicated job to do because they have to bring all your marketing together and then turn that into new business. Yet, most websites are thrown together, figured out as they go, with no real planning. We see that when a website is planned properly, and we have our website planning system we call Alchemy, it delivers much improved results. A website should be thought of as building your marketing house; you need to do the architectural blueprint first – or you are building a house of cards! 

Use a professional to plan, design, build and create the content for your website and you will stand out from the crowd who will just use the path of least resistance! 

It’s about crafting immersive experiences that build brand love and drive performance. Here are 3 key trends I’m seeing in design that also work from a marketing perspective.: 

1. Maximalist Immersion: Think of bold visuals, rich textures, and layered storytelling. While this trend can boost engagement, designers must prioritize user experience by optimizing assets for speed and responsiveness. I’ve seen a lot of cases where designers go overboard with putting visuals ahead of the user experience, which is a big no-no.  

2. AI-powered Personalization: Dynamic content and tailored experiences powered by AI can boost conversion rates and engagement. I encourage designers to collaborate with technical teams to ensure seamless integration. The possibilities are endless here; just imagine using targeted ads to drive traffic to a specific demographic and having AI design and language tweaks based on that incoming traffic. I haven’t seen a ton of work here yet, but early development is exciting. 

3. Storytelling & Brand Worldbuilding: Captivate users with a cohesive brand narrative woven into the design. Designers should consider the user journey and emotional impact while ensuring straightforward navigation for optimal performance. In my latest book, ‘Transform Your Marketing,’ I dedicate the first half to developing a solid brand strategy; this should be your first stop when designing or refreshing your brand. If you don’t understand your brand deeply, executing a story-based brand is hard. 

Remember, performance and brand goals go hand-in-hand. By working together, marketers and designers can create beautiful and practical websites.​

Some of the most notable web design trends include a shift towards minimalism with lots of white space and increased mobile-first and responsive design to accommodate growing mobile usage. There’s also a move towards designing with accessibility in mind from the start to support users with disabilities. The use of bold colours, playful shapes, and hand-drawn illustrations provide a friendlier vibe for many sites as well. Many web designers are increasingly adopting design systems and style guides to allow for faster iteration and ensure consistency across site pages and states. Web design in 2024 aims to create intuitive, inclusive sites tailored to users’ needs.

Web design in 2024 is all about immersion and user experience. Expect richer graphics, AI-powered customization, and interactive elements like motion effects and storytelling. Y2K vibes are back with a twist, alongside bold colors, organic shapes, and clear, functional layouts. Websites are becoming more dynamic and engaging, while still prioritizing user-friendliness.

• Immersive Experiences: Websites are moving away from flat, static designs towards richer graphics, animations, and interactive elements to create a more engaging user experience.
• AI-Powered Design: Expect to see more use of artificial intelligence to generate design elements, personalize content, and create dynamic user journeys.
• Y2K Nostalgia: Web design is embracing a touch of the late 90s and early 2000s with vibrant colours, geometric shapes, and retro effects.
• Micro-Trends: Small design details like custom cursors, scroll-triggered animations, and oversized text add a touch of personality and interactivity.
• Focus on User Experience: User-centered design remains a top priority. Websites should be easy to navigate, accessible, and provide a clear path to user goals.

1. Dark mode and low-light designs are gaining popularity, offering a more comfortable viewing experience and reducing eye strain.
2. 3D elements and illustrations are being used more creatively to add depth and visual interest to websites.
3. Minimalistic design continues to be a trend, focusing on clean layouts, ample white space, and clear typography for better readability.
4. AI and machine learning are being used to personalize user experiences, providing tailored content and suggestions.
5. Voice user interfaces (VUIs) are becoming more prevalent, allowing users to interact with websites using voice commands.
6. Sustainability and eco-consciousness are influencing design choices, leading to more environmentally friendly web design practices.
7. Microinteractions are being used to enhance user engagement, providing subtle feedback and animations for a more interactive experience.
8. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are being integrated into web design to create immersive experiences and showcase products.
9. Accessibility is a growing focus, with more websites prioritizing inclusive design practices to ensure equal access for all users.
10. Responsive design remains crucial, with websites optimized for various devices and screen sizes to provide a consistent experience.

web design trends are centered around creating immersive experiences that prioritize user engagement and brand storytelling. Dark mode and neumorphism continue to be popular for their modern aesthetic and reduced eye strain. Motion design, including micro-interactions and animated illustrations, adds depth and interest to websites. AI and machine learning are being used to personalize user experiences, while 3D elements and augmented reality enhance visual appeal and interactivity. Responsive design remains crucial, with an increasing focus on accessibility and inclusivity. Overall, the trend is towards more dynamic, user-centric designs that blend creativity with functionality.

• Denser, richer graphics: Expect layered visuals, textures, and patterns for a more captivating experience. Think beyond flat minimalism and embrace complexity!
• AI-powered personalization: Dynamic websites adapt to user preferences and behaviors in real-time, offering unique journeys for each visitor.
• Interactive elements: Microinteractions, animations, and even AI-powered chatbots add a layer of engagement and fun.

Visual & Typographic Innovations:

• Handmade illustrations: Ditch stock photos and add personality with unique, custom illustrations.
• Bold typography: Play with large, expressive fonts, overlapping text, and mixed media for a statement look.
• Visible borders: Improve clarity and navigation by using clear borders around elements, especially images and product photos.

Other noteworthy trends:

• Bento box layout: Divide content into digestible sections for easy navigation and mobile responsiveness.
• Full-page headers: Make a memorable first impression with impactful visuals and clear calls to action.
• AI-generated imagery: Experiment with ethically sourced AI-generated visuals for a fresh look.
• Custom cursors: Add a touch of whimsy and interactivity with unique cursor designs.
• Collage style: Combine diverse elements like photos, textures, and illustrations for a dynamic and eye-catching effect.

Remember, these are just some starting points. To get a deeper understanding, explore real-world examples:

• Websites: Check out award-winning designs or websites of innovative companies in your industry.
• Design blogs & articles: Stay updated with industry trends and predictions.
• Dribbble & Behance: Discover inspiring work from freelance designers and agencies.