In case you ever wondered, everyone at Zyro has played around with our website builder tools.
A certain copywriter has even created a beautiful website dedicated to banana bread, which will probably never see the light of day (until she opens a banana bread cafe).
Although we all love customizing templates, our designers are the real pros when it comes to knowing what makes a website look incredible.
The design team is not just responsible for how Zyro looks. Our designers are also constantly creating cool new ways to enhance Zyro’s website builder functionality for our users.
We asked them which web design trends are set to skyrocket in 2022 – here’s the hot list:
1. 3D visuals
Last year was all about neumorphism, or ‘soft UI’ – a kind of embossed or debossed graphic effect. This year though, web designers have embraced full-on 3D visuals.
Three-dimensional (or 3D) elements are everywhere, from icons and illustrations to text and visual effects.
Using 3D is one of the best ways to bring your website to life. It’s a really playful and memorable visual tool that’ll intrigue users as they explore.
To get 3D design right, you’ll need to ensure your site is fast-loading and that user experience isn’t compromised.
2. Augmented reality
The trend for augmented reality (AR) stretches beyond web design and has existed for a while, but it’s enjoying a steep rise in popularity this year.
That might have something to do with the global pandemic which prevented businesses from showing off their products in a physical setting for most of 2020.
While virtual reality is all about new cyber environments, AR functionality adds elements to the real world through technology.
So you could help customers visualize how your furniture might look in their homes, or let them virtually try on your hats. Clever, huh?
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3. Big bold typography
This is one of the easiest ways for your brand to make a statement. Oversized, in-your-face typography helps to show website visitors who you are, right away.
Dedicating the above-the-fold section of your website to a bold written statement is a huge thing these days, although it plays on a classic storytelling technique.
What you’re doing is inviting users on a journey, but in a confident way that encourages them to explore.
You can design your very own typeface that not only helps send literal messages, but also visually depicts your brand.
4. Gradients
A visual trend with staying power, you’ve probably got at least a handful of apps on your phone with gradient-style icons.
These striking color overlays are set to stick around when it comes to web design. But gradients have the potential to be a whole lot more exciting.
Some designers have been playing around with 3D gradients – Apple’s next operating system, Big Sur, has a lot to answer for here.
5. Illustrations
Slick animations and 3D visuals might be all over the internet this year, but so are sweet sketches and line drawings.
Adding a new twist, designers are turning to vivid colors, surreal subjects, and motion UI to make illustration a must-have website feature.
Businesses are using this artform to guide users through complicated setup processes and interesting brand stories.
The beauty of this design trend is in its variety – you can make or find illustrations to suit any kind of website.
6. Blurs
Sometimes used to give the same visual impact as a gradient, blurring elements is an effective way to bring focus to text overlaying images.
Also known as a frosted glass effect, you can vary the level of blur or opacity of a background image. It’s a pretty simple element which can easily improve user experience on your website.
We’ve just implemented a new background color overlay feature at Zyro, which enables you to vary the opacity of background images while they’re building their website.
Build, brand, and grow your business with Zyro
7. Horizontal scrolling
Disruptive design: some people love it, others roll their eyes at it. We think that horizontal scrolling is a cool way to shake things up on your website.
It’s different, but kind of intuitive, too. After all, a lot of users will be used to flicking through image slideshows or swiping on dating apps.
Using horizontal web design means that every page is framed in the same way, creating a more fluid user experience and a more aesthetically pleasing layout.
8. Unconventional scrolling
Turning your website on its side isn’t the only scrolling trend that’s rising. Designers are using this instinctive user habit to amplify visual effects in loads of different ways.
Making websites hyper-responsive to scrolling is a great way to boost visitor interaction.
From changing colors to revealing content, the people exploring your website will feel like they’re on an adventure. Check out Generator Z for inspiration.
Like all the best interactive trends, unconventional scrolling works best on a fast-loading website with slick animations.
9. Muted background colors
Dark mode is everywhere now, from Slack to Facebook. Thanks to its popularity (and supposed health benefits), websites are being designed to give your eyes a more enjoyable time.
That means that soft, sweet, and wholesome background colors are in. We’ll always be fond of white space, but pastel shades are just so visually appealing.
Muted backgrounds are no longer the reserve of cake stores and cosmetics companies. This tonal trend works just as well for technology sites, too.
10. Vibrant color combinations
Yes, it’s totally possible to have two opposing trends in the same year. While some web designers might opt for sugary sweet tones, others are having fun with zesty brights.
In a nutshell, 2022 is all about making a statement through color. A saturated and vibrant palette is a high-impact, high-confidence choice.
We might be biased (have you looked at the Zyro website recently?) but pairing bright colors can make for a memorable design.
Vibrant shades work well with fun features like paint splashes and motion graphics.
Recommended reading: The Simple Way to Start Your Online Store
Build, brand, and grow your business with Zyro
11. Custom cursors
Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big impression on your website visitors. This trend is both fun and functional.
Customizing your cursor means finding an icon that makes sense to users, reflects your brand identity, and looks good small-scale.
Alongside unconventional scrolling, this trend is a cool way to create a more interactive website in a way that’s low-effort to the user.
Plus, it can add some personality to an otherwise two-dimensional web design. Just make sure that your website is responsive enough to accommodate a custom cursor.
12. No code
Developing software has never been more accessible. No-code platforms allow users with zero coding experience to take the wheel and make their own applications.
Designing a user interface with no code means using drag-and-drop elements to produce something that looks just as impressive as any other app or website.
The design process is simple and quick, but businesses can produce visually stunning layouts without ever touching code.
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