Web Design Trends for 20155OregonianMediaGroup.com

BEYOND FLAT DESIGNEver since the release of iOS7, Flat Design has been the talk of the web

design world. Flat Design is a minimalist approach to design that removes

all shadows, gradients and other elements that give the perception of three-

dimensions.

Flat design can be restrictive, though, because it provides no depth

for users. Google’s Material Design approach helps reintroduce subtle

dimensions into flat design with guidelines that make your browser feel as

natural as the paper on your desk.

Takeaways:• subtle + simple design• restrained use of shadows• dimension creates better experience

YES, RESPONSIVE Wait, isn’t responsive design old news?

Yes, responsive design has been around for a couple of years, but currently only 36% of websites are responsive1. Google ranks mobile-optimized websites higher in mobile searches, and with mobile use on the rise that’s a huge opportunity.

There are many inexpensive ways to optimize your w ebsite for mobile, including pre-made templates designed for use with content management systems.

http://restive.io/insights/state-of-the-mobile-web-ee-Q1-2014.html

Takeaways:• better for SEO• better mobile experience• increased time on site

SCROLLING ALONGThanks to the rise of responsive design, long scrolling pages will become the norm. Scrolling on a mobile device is simply more intuitive than clicking on buttons.

Scrolling also allows you to implement fun features like parallax background photos, where background images change as you scroll. Or animations that are triggered as you move down the page.

Takeaways:• mobile-first design• fun interactive elements• better user experience

VIDEOS IN THE BACKGROUNDIf a picture is worth a thousand words, moving pictures must be worth a million. We already know video helps engage site visitors. Now short, looping videos are being incorporated into page design to create a richer experience.

Be sure to utilize a video player that outputs video in multiple formats that fit different devices. And include a still image for browsers and devices that don’t support background video.

Takeaways:• keeps visitors engaged• format for different devices

MINIMALIST NAVIGATIONUsers know to look for the menu in the upper left (or right)

corner of the screen. But traditional menus can eat up space and create visual clutter.

More and more websites are switching to minimal navigation, usually hidden under a single icon (sometimes called a ‘hamburger’). Not only is this solution simple, it creates a better user experience for both desktop and mobile users.

Takeaways:• less page clutter• simple cross-platform solution

Overall, web design is trending toward a more simplified

user experience, so the content can dominate.

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WHICH OF THESE WILL YOU INCORPORATE IN 2015?