In a world that is increasingly dominated by digital platforms and ever-evolving technology, trends seem to change at a pace that is more rapid than ever before.
Design is one industry that is constantly changing in a race to stay modern and relevant.
We chatted with industry experts and dived into some research to bring you five design and web trends of 2019 so you can implement them in your own work, and even your own business.
Keep reading to get a deep dive into what is up-and-coming for the year, as told by other designers.
Bold Typography
Creativity continues to push the boundaries in 2019 when it comes to typography choices. Gone are the days of standard Arial or Times New Roman fonts. Make way for creative and bold lettering in digital form this year.
Not only do bold fonts make it easier to read content on desktops and mobile, they also deliver a flair that adds to brand recognition.
Photo Credit: The Black Sheep
Vivid Hues
Brands are only getting more and more inventive with the type of colors they choose to incorporate in their marketing campaigns and overall branding efforts. Keep an eye out for even more bold uses of color in 2019, and don’t be afraid to try it out for yourself if you see an opportunity for it to work with your own brand. Often times the most 'stand out' campaigns are the most successful.
The use of vivid hues enables designers to push past boundaries and deliver creative, awe-inspiring online content. The endless use of colors pushes innovation in design and imagination at the forefront.
Photo Credit: Sputnik, Tomatdesign
Photo Credit: webflow blog
Hand-Drawn Illustrations
Photo Credit: It’s Nice That / Mailchimp
A note from a designer:
“We have seen an increase in requests for hand-drawn illustrations from our clients in 2018 and anticipate this trend to continue through 2019. Having something completely custom garners the attention of clients and target audiences alike and allows a brand or message to stand out from the rest. A designer or design company that can provide their clients with custom or personalized designs will always be on trend.” - Laura Malmgren | Owner, Smudge Pot Creative
What better way to stand out as a brand than having custom, hand-drawn illustrations tied to your messaging? Mailchimp showcased an excellent use of this in its recent rebrand in 2018.
There will continue to be a demand for hand-drawn digital elements as brands begin to realize that it is truly a way to stand out in a sea of their competitors.
Photo Credit: Mailchimp
Photo Credit: number 10
Human-Centered Designs
A note from a designer:
“As a professor teaching young undergraduate graphic designers at Chapman University for 14 years, there has been a shift in our curriculum within the last 5 years. The degree is less technical and more intellectual. We have emphasized design thinking and design research methods beginning at the freshman level.
With an international competitive landscape of trained technical designers, our students graduate with technical, theoretical, and intellectual skills that applies to not only traditional design careers but also non-profits organizations, government agencies (e.g. healthcare, politics, etc.), and policy-making groups. I would personally like to see a faster trend in including human-centered design and inclusive design in all undergraduate Graphic Design programs.” - Claudine Jaenichen, MA.UK, Chapman University, Department of Art Associate Professor, Graphic and Information Design, Executive Board, Design Network for Emergency Management , Board of Governors, Communication Research Institute, Executive Board, International Institute for Information Design
Human-centered design starts with thinking of the people you are designing for first, rather than diving into the technical aspects of a project. This year there will be more focus on highly customized graphics and websites that speak to the audience in an authentic way using design. Get ready to think deeper when it comes to what you’re putting out with your brand.
Fearless Gradients
Photo Credit: awwwards
More and more brands have adopted gradients in the use of their promotional content. Gone are the days of splashing one or two different colors on a graphic. Instead designers push the boundaries of layering and applying aesthetically pleasing imagery to make something really pop. Think Apple.
Pushing the boundaries of design with heightened gradients is an on-trend way to make your brand stand out amongst the sea of other ones.
Photo Source: Apple
