9 Web Design Trends and Standards in 2022

Web design

is the process of planning, creating, and building the elements of a website, which include content, navigation, graphics, images, and overall functionality. Web apps, mobile apps, and user interface design also fall under web design.

Usually, a web developer or designer completes the web design process using HTML’s markup language. The developer also builds web pages with CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) to style and layout webpages. Most websites have a combination of HTML and CSS. Some designers also prefer to code HTML and CSS from scratch, while others use a website design editor like Adobe Dreamweaver or a content management system, such as WordPress or Wix. It depends on the web designer’s skill set, experience, and style. It also depends on a web developer’s preference for web design trends and standards. In 2022, web designers can expect several web design trends to plan for and implement.

1. Quicker website load and page speed – This standard will continue to be a top priority for websites. For years, fast loading time has been an essential factor in user experience (UX) and search engine optimisation (SEO). 2022 will be no different; website performance directly impacts user abandonment rates, sales conversions, and the bottom line.

2. Bright colors with bold typography – It’s a design trend that will make brands stand out more. It’s also a refreshing take on the soft, muted, and neutral colors seen on many websites in the past few years.

3. Webpage images that evoke safety – When current events (i.e., the pandemic) influence everyday life, one can expect web design trends to follow suit. Websites with an emotional impact (e.g., reduce anxiety and offer people a safe space for online interactions) will pop out more in the coming year. For example, Polgyon Design has easy-to-scroll features and unique imagery that many website visitors find inspiring and relaxing.

4. Progressive or dynamic online lead generation forms – Whenever a website integrates its contact forms with the company’s chosen CRM (customer relationship management) tool, the CRM tool can instantly recognise the lead when they re-visit the website. The website then displays form fields on the landing pages based on the customer’s journey on the marketing funnel. This practice also lowers the chances of annoying a lead because they don’t have to fill out the same forms they’ve already filled out before. Dynamic forms also maximise sales conversion opportunities by asking and gathering specific information every time the contact visits the website.

5. Inclusivity, accessibility, and availability – Web design elements that consider the needs of people with disabilities will be one of the most crucial web design trends in 2022. Besides reaching a wider audience and boosting SEO, an accessible and inclusive website reflects a company’s attention to UX and customer service level. Some of these web design elements are as follows:

   1. Keyboard compatibility

   2. Colors and buttons with good contrast

   3. Clear layout and Design

   4. Text to speech

   5. Large links, buttons, and controls

   6. Video captions

   7. Customisable text

   8. Speech recognition

6. Virtual reality (VR) experiences – Innovative VR and augmented reality experiences help website visitors make purchase decisions. AirBnB and IKEA use these virtual experiences to excite their website visitors and mobile app users with previews. Both companies show their customers what they can experience and have before they reserve or buy, respectively.

7. Micro-animations – Playful mini animations on hero images and landing pages can enhance UX. Micro-animations can also guide users on how to navigate a website better. Here’s a collection of sites with inspiring micro-animations.

8. Thumb-friendly mobile website navigation – Thumb-friendly placements of the navigation bar, menu, contact buttons, etc. provide more comfort for smartphone users and improve UX. Web designers and developers apply what comes naturally to mobile phone users–how they hold a smartphone, swipe in all directions, and click on buttons that are within reach of their thumbs.

9. Smart video content beyond the usual embedded YouTube video – Video continues to be a must-have standard for websites. It’s also one of the most necessary tools for a digital marketing strategy. More importantly, high-quality video content, especially one that’s placed strategically on a website, encourages website visitors to stay longer and engage more.

A skilled web developer or designer can leverage these forecasted web design trends and standards for your brand’s successful business outcomes. Of course, your business doesn’t have to follow all of these trends. Instead, you and your web development team can collaborate and decide which trend works best with your brand guidelines. Your web designer can also advise which standards need to be in place so your brand can make an excellent first impression with your website and ultimately drive sales.

Need a web designer to help you with these web design trends and standards for the coming year? We can recommend a Web Developer from My Cloud Crew.