It’s been 30 years since the world’s first website launched in 1991. It’s incredible how fast the computer science industry has grown within that short time frame and even more fascinating to see how much it’s evolved. Today we live in a multi-screen society where information is quite literally sitting in the palms of our hands and is only a “swipe up” away. So, what does this mean? It means that you have to keep up with ever-changing trends.

Not all trends are new or go out of style, and responsiveness is one of them. Have you ever accessed a website on your smartphone and found yourself scrolling for five minutes to read the information? Have you had to turn your phone sideways to access the site menu? If you answered yes, then you were on a non-responsive site! In short, a responsive website automatically scales its content and elements to match the screen it is viewed on. Having a responsive site not only improves user experience, but also enhances your search engine optimization and flexibility.

In the evolving landscape of web design, the footer is an indispensable component. It serves as a navigational anchor and a strategic tool for keyword exposure. Including links to essential pages, social media profiles, and contact information in the footer not only enhances user experience but also bolsters internal linking which is a crucial aspect for SEO. Footers can also become a central spot for important links which supports navigation, ensuring visitors can easily find what they are looking for even after scrolling to the bottom of a page. Adding footer navigation has become a standard for nearly all major companies which reflects how effective it is in maintaining a cohesive and user-friendly website structure.

One of the most compelling web design trends for the new year is the integration of chat boxes and AI. As people increasingly seek instant communication, chat boxes offer a convenient way for users to get in touch with someone or receive immediate answers from a chatbot. The rise of AI integration is also transforming this space. Implementing an AI setup with access to a comprehensive FAQ page can significantly boost customer satisfaction by providing precise and timely information. This not only enhances the user experience but also demonstrates a commitment to leveraging advanced technology to meet visitor needs.

Organizing and prioritizing menu options is important to a successful website. A condensed menu that is user-friendly and will enrich the layout and design. This helps keep the header clean and easy to navigate while avoiding any unsightly text wrapping that can occur during optimization if there are too many menu options.

While the functionality of the site is certainly the main priority, the look and feel of each page are equally impactful. Working with a website team that focuses on both design and development is extremely advantageous. A graphic designer and web developer should work hand-in-hand to create a site that is not only functional, but aligns with client branding. A designer’s eye can arrange the content in a way that guides the user straight to the information they intend for them to view first. Utilizing the various weights within a font family, consistently adjusting font sizes throughout the pages, and strategically placing copy and photos from top to bottom are just a few ways to achieve this.

Piggybacking off of #5, colors and textures matter! Neutral colors often evoke feelings of happiness. As our brains associate emotions with colors, it’s important to have a website that flaunts an inviting, fresh palette. However, companies who have brand colors that are brighter can still integrate a more neutral color palette by using the bolder shades as accent colors. This serves as a complementary balance to the eye while staying within brand guidelines. And, an effective way to add texture could be something as simple as a gradient background, which truly adds life to the page without causing disruption to the content.

Visuals are everything to consumers, from colors to photo quality, because they can convey a message that is not written. An alternative yet successful way to catch someone’s eye is to consider including animated gifs. This is highly recommended by our web developers as gifs can be customized to your brand and are much smaller in size compared to other large format files such as videos that could potentially increase your site’s load time.

If your website is not something you’re bragging about, it may be time to give it the attention it needs! A knowledgeable web design team can help explore how sprucing up your website could benefit the way your consumers view your company and brand. Whether it’s a refresh or complete overhaul, a smartly designed website can attract — and keep — the attention of your audience.