The world of web design is constantly evolving. If you want your website to stand out among the countless others you are up against, you will have to evolve with the trends and make an effort to produce a visual design that continuously lures new users in rather than turning them away. Not sure if your web design is up to par? Check out the web design trends you should utilize in 2016 to have the most impact.
Large Background Imagery
While some would argue that minimalism in web design can have a strong impact, large background imagery is becoming increasingly popular (ex: Grain & Mortar). However, not all photos are going to be effective. Most users browsing the Internet are easily turned off by photos that appear cheesy or staged. They tend to respond better to intriguing, unique, high resolution photos. It is always ideal to use your own photos if they meet these standards. If not, don’t worry – the use of stock photos is an unavoidable part of digital communication. Try using Unsplash (which we used for the image above as an example) or Gratisography for free high resolution images.
Video Backgrounds in Web Design
Sometimes making a visual impact means going beyond the scope of a photo. The use of video backgrounds in web design in expected to increase in 2016. People on the Internet are constantly gravitating towards video content (consider the continued growth and success of YouTube). If you think the idea of a video background in your web design seems strange or off putting, check out how Bloomberg Media incorporates this method with seamless aesthetic appeal here.
Focus on Personal Branding
Your web design is a form of personal branding that you can utilize to your advantage. Are you a current website owner who just thought, “Oh wow, maybe I should start branding myself!”? We’ve got news for you – you already are. Even if you haven’t taken intentional steps to brand yourself in a specific way, your current web design is saying something to users about your identity and image. A popular trend in personal branding campaigns is to include a compelling or personable photo of yourself paired with a concise, bold statement about you, your mission, or your business. Including this combination in your web design in an area where it can’t be visually missed by your users will make an impact. For a good example, check out how Tobias van Schneider markets his brand.
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