Web Graphic Design Trends to Watch in 2024
Feb 14, 2024Graphic design for the web keeps evolving, and 2024 brings a mix of bold new directions and familiar styles coming back around. Here are ten trends worth watching this year, with a website that shows each one in action.
1. Maximalism
After years of minimalism, maximalism is back. It's all about bold colour, rich patterns and layered elements, with designs that reward a closer look.
- vibrant colour palettes
- mixed patterns and textures
- overlapping elements and detailed compositions
Alex Tade is an artist, web designer, illustrator, photographer and writer, and his personal site packs in almost as much as his career does.
2. Retro-futurism
Retro-futurism borrows from past visions of the future, with neon colours, chrome, abstract shapes and sci-fi details, and gives them a modern finish.
- neon and metallic colours
- geometric and abstract shapes
- graphics inspired by vintage technology
Atlanta-based Peachtree Wellness, which sells CBD and medicinal mushroom products, uses a retro-inspired design.
3. Sustainable design
With more attention on the environment, many brands want their design to reflect their values, through earthy colours, natural textures and themes of nature, and through lighter, more efficient websites.
- recycled and sustainable materials in print and packaging
- earthy colour palettes and natural textures
- themes of nature and conservation
4. AI-generated art
AI image tools are becoming a regular part of many designers' work. They're used to generate patterns, textures, backgrounds and concept images, usually as a starting point that a designer then refines.
- generated patterns and textures
- human creativity combined with machine learning
- unusual and unexpected visual elements
Education technology company D2L Brightspace used AI-assisted design for a new ad campaign.
5. Inclusive design
Inclusive design is about making work that's usable and welcoming for as many people as possible, including people with disabilities and people from different backgrounds.
- clear, readable typography
- high-contrast colour schemes
- imagery that reflects a range of people and cultures
Breakfast, a creative music studio in Los Angeles, has a site built on strong colour contrast and clear typography.
6. 3D and immersive design
3D graphics and interactive scenes are easier to create than ever, and more brands are using them to make their sites stand out.
- realistic 3D renderings
- interactive, immersive web experiences
- augmented and virtual reality elements
Contra's State of Independence 2021 report shows how a little 3D can make a report more engaging without overwhelming it.
7. Hand-drawn elements
Hand-drawn illustrations, doodles and lettering add warmth and personality that's hard to get from purely digital design.
- custom illustrations and doodles
- handwritten fonts and lettering
- organic, imperfect lines
Hand-drawn elements are close to my heart, and you'll find them on insparion.com.
8. Bold typography
Typography is getting bigger and more expressive, with oversized headlines, unusual typefaces and creative layouts used as the main visual feature.
- large, high-impact type
- experimental and artistic typefaces
- creative alignment and layering of text
The site for Small Victories is built around bright, bold typography.
9. Gradients
Gradients are a simple way to add depth and colour to otherwise flat designs, whether as backgrounds, overlays on images or details on buttons.
- smooth transitions between several colours
- gradient overlays on images and graphics
- bright or pastel colour combinations
Spotify's Loud & Clear report is full of gradient backgrounds and animation.
10. Motion graphics and micro-animations
Small, subtle animations make sites feel more alive and help guide people through them, by drawing attention to a button or confirming that something has worked.
- smooth, subtle animation
- elements that respond when people interact with them
- animated logos and icons
The fabric brand Twinbru uses rich colour and animated graphics throughout its site.
Bringing it together
This year's trends mix new technology with a strong human touch, from AI-generated art and 3D to hand-drawn details and inclusive design. You don't need to follow them all. Pick the ones that suit your brand and your audience, and use them to make your work clearer and more memorable.
