What can we expect from the new year? Keep reading to learn more.
The new year is settling in rather fast. With the holidays behind, many industry experts are already talking about the most common web design trends of 2019.
The most intriguing development in the world of design actually continues right where 2018 left out. This year, it is going to be all about mobile users, faster speeds and functionality vs. aesthetics.
Keep on reading to find out more about five of the most notable web design trends to hit the scene in 2019!
1) Mobile optimisation
As of last year, well over half of the total online searches were actually performed by mobile users. This trend speaks loud and clear. It is a powerful indication that an increasing amount of people are relying on their phones and tablets to surf the net. As opposed to using their computers, people are choosing to navigate with their phones and tablets. This is the reason why web designers are placing a particularly strong emphasis on mobile optimisation. Modern websites should be fast, responsive and easy to navigate. This rings particularly true for mobile phone users…no pun intended!
The perks of mobile optimisation are notable. For instance, many people actually use their phones to shop. If your website is not optimised for online customers, you’ll be giving up on a significant chunk of sales.
Mobile users tend to spend more time on a given website than computer surfers. If you seek higher retention rates, you should definitely consider riding on the growing bandwagon of mobile optimisation for websites!
2) More focus on user experience.
Over the past few years, user experience has grown into one of the most significant trends in the world of web design. There are many reasons why talented web developers care about user experience. A bad navigation experience can reflect on the brand in a negative way. A sketchy web page that’s outdated, clunky, and hard to navigate will turn people away in no time. As a result, any company with a poor website will be missing out on sales, visitors, and more. Being conscious about the user experience is all about balance. It is important to strike a balance between aesthetic features and functional implements.
User experience is almost like the Hydra of web development..it has so many different heads! Its importance touches areas as diverse as aesthetics, branding, technical development, sales, user retention, and a lot more.
3) Better interaction between aesthetics and features.
As mentioned earlier, it is actually very important to achieve the perfect balance when it comes to design. Many web designers aim to combine appealing aesthetics, and useful features, going for a win-win scenario. In 2019, design trends are moving towards the concept of avoiding frills and unnecessary ornaments. However, this doesn’t mean that websites are becoming sterile and one-sided. On the contrary, aesthetics are becoming more integrated with functionality. This means that what looks “beautiful” is also useful for the user.
4) Voice-search optimisation
Voice tracking and vocal recognition apps are becoming more popular by the day. Many users are warming up to these devices, particularly in public spaces. It has been estimated that over half of search engine inquiries will be performed via vocal control by the year 2020! For this reason, web designers are going to great length to make sure that their websites will be more conducive to voice navigation.
This particular development also touches on SEO and online marketing. For example, the regular use of keyword will transform and take on a more “conversational” nature. People are more likely to type “Best restaurants Brisbane.” However, they’re more likely to say something like “What are the best restaurants in New York?” with vocal control.
5) Website speed optimisation
There are actually many websites that take 8 to 10 seconds to open up the proper way. This is actually an excessive amount of time since the average internet user has an attention span of about 3 seconds. Most users actually expect websites to load within that specific timeframe or less. Many websites are way overloaded with stock images and other content. As a result, they can be visually attractive, but also quite clumsy and a lot slower.
Having a fast-loading website has many benefits. For instance, Google is quickly updating their SEO algorithms in order to prioritize websites that are quick to load. As stated above, websites with a slow loading time can actually have a negative impact on the audience. For instance, they can decrease the conversion rate and give people a negative impression.
It has actually been estimated that slower websites may lead to a 20% drop in traffic, as well as leading to a 1% decline in sales. The latter might seem like a small issue, but it can actually be quite notable in the great scheme of things!
BONUS MENTION: Interactive content and “game-ification.”
Interactive content is going to be one of the year’s hottest trends. Just think of the recent success of Netflix’s “Bandersnatch” Black Mirror film. The movie allowed users to actively direct the storyline, making their own decisions on screen. Such interactive trends are quickly making their way in the business world as well.
Virtual reality, artificial intelligence and “game-ification” are becoming very popular. They can add a dynamic feel to various tasks, and more. Many people in the industry consider them engaging ways to add a unique vibe to a website. They can also keep the users engaged and entertained. Once again, this is really all about user experience.
