Well, it’s that time of year again. 2017 is coming to a close, making it the perfect moment to reflect on the past and make plans for the future — a practice just as beneficial for businesses as it is for individuals. In an industry as dynamic as hospitality it can be hard to know what to prioritize, but make sure a quick evaluation of your website is on the list. It’s your most powerful marketing tool after all. And if you decide a website redesign is in the cards for the new year, then read on for a little inspiration. Here are a few of the top web design trends for 2018.
Flat Design 2.0
Flat design has been around a for a while and is showing no signs of slowing down in 2018. With a focus on minimalism and utility, this design concept is a stark departure from the skeuomorphism that dominated web design in the past. Flat Design 2.0 (the most recent and relevant iteration of the trend) takes the simplicity of original flat design but offers much more flexibility. Subtle use of drop-shadows, gradients, and highlights — which would traditionally not be included in this aesthetic — make websites more intuitive and user-friendly. It’s a solution that will carry this design trend through 2018 and beyond.
Creative Typography
The minimalism currently in vogue means web designers need to find creative ways to showcase the unique identity of a brand. In 2018, typography will be one of those solutions. Fonts are a powerful branding tool, capable of setting a distinct tone for your site. While typography choices have traditionally been subject to strict design rules in the past, this new year will see designers leaving those conventions in the dust. Expect playful designs, the mixing of font families, and experimentation with spacing and weight.
Bold Color Choices
It isn’t just typography conventions that will be broken in 2018. Web designers have been (and will carry on) experimenting with color. Vibrant colors, bold combinations and supersaturation will help brands stand out in the coming year.
Animation
Animation has been around for a while but it’s a feature that continues to change and evolve. Adopting current animation strategies is a great way to give your website a modern edge and engage users. For 2018 that means entertaining the idea of animated logos and cinemagraphs (images with minor animation).
Bottom-Sticky Elements
Pop-ups have always been a contentious issue. Data suggests they’re an effective marketing strategy, but — as everyone has experienced — are also a subject of great disdain. It’s a tough reality to reconcile. Fortunately, a solution can be found in the newest pop-up trend: bottom-sticky elements. By placing ads, or links to other content, in floating footers, you can maximize conversion without subjecting your guests to annoying obstructions.
The year is quickly coming to an end, and we hope it was a good one! As you begin to look forward and make plans for 2018, don’t forget to give your website a quick once-over. If you’re sensing it’s a tad out-dated, consider adopting the aforementioned trends; they’re sure to prove your relevance in 2018. And our design staff is here to help. Have a wonderful holiday season! We’ll see you in the new year.