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8 Latest Trends in Web Design and Development in 2021

Online trends can be so exciting to watch. What was the rage last year may very well be redundant this year. It makes it very difficult to predict what we can expect going forward. In the same breath, it makes it exciting to see Innovations and creations. Developers cannot rest for one minute. It is a constant race to roll out the best each time.  

Our article will explore 8 latest trends in web design and development in 2021. Here are some of the ones we predict will have a huge impact.  

1. Use of Automated Testing Tools to Help Improve User Experience

 2020 has been a trying year due to the pandemic. Yet, it has also been a year when e-commerce has exploded. Brick and mortar locations became a no-go zone with the lockdowns. Most customers now use e-commerce platforms for shopping.  

Businesses had to catch up real quick; otherwise, they would lose out. It, therefore, became imperative to give customers a good user experience. Customers demand responsive websites. Businesses have had to invest in the latest technologies to keep customers happy.  

Automated testing tools provide a way to check the functionality of a website. They identify bugs and glitches, whether on the browser or mobile. The demand for online services will not end anytime soon. 2021 may very well experience more significant growth in the sector.  

2. Incorporation of Virtual Reality

 Business owners may have to improve the user experience with virtual reality. Customers need to feel like they are at a physical location. It allows for better interaction with products and services. In years gone by, e-commerce owners have primarily relied on images and videos.  

But now, the competition is greater. Even brick-and-mortar store owners are on the online platform. Providing an interactive experience for customers is now a necessity. Those who incorporate virtual reality may gain critical traction with customers.  

3. Incorporation of 3D Elements

3D is nothing new, but it is a trend that will only grow bigger. There was a time it was out of reach for many companies. Startups could not even start to think about the cost implication. However, technology has continued to evolve.  

Many web designers and developers now have easy access to 3D elements. It provides a more affordable option for those who cannot afford virtual reality. 3D allows for better interaction. Business owners will reduce bounce rates and engage with audiences better.  

4. Chatbots and Virtual Assistants

 Chatbots and virtual assistants are already in use.  We, however, do not see the trend ending anytime soon.  Voice-user interface enhances experiences online. Instead of typing in requests, you simply speak it.

 Note-taking, information search or any other applications become so much easier. It could explain the popularity of Alexa and Siri. Having the same on your website is sure to be a win-win situation. The best part is you save on the cost of hiring full-time staff and customers receive responses promptly 24/7. 

 5. Increasing Inclusivity

Web designers are becoming more conscious of the need for inclusivity. How do you, for example, ensure that a visually challenged person can use a website? It calls for easier navigation and more visual navigation tools. 

 Stronger contrast between text and backgrounds helps with better visibility. Focus indicators, labels and instructions improve navigation. The use of jargon-free, easy to understand copy is great for better communication. 

 6. Greater Adoption of Dark Mode

Dark mode seems to be gaining more popularity. We can only expect it to get bigger in 2021. Twitter was one of the leading contenders with their mobile app. WhatsApp was quick to follow and the reception was quite positive. Dark mode allows for design aspects to stand out.

Dark mode also contrasts with the background resulting in an aesthetically appealing website. It brings a chic modern look to a website. Quite honestly, it is more likely to catch a user’s attention. 

It is also easy on the eyes.  Very bright colors can hurt your eyes, especially if you use the computer for too long. If you are using AMOLED or OLED screens, you get to save battery power with dark mode.  

7. Less Focus on Design Perfection 

Less focus on design perfection is resulting in a movement known as anti-design. It is all about throwing caution to the wind and allowing for imperfection. Designers can distort, exaggerate and experiment to their heart’s content.   

The grid system, for example, has been in use for a long time when designing layouts.  But now, web designers are coming up with interesting asymmetrical layouts.  It frees them from rigidity and allows for more experimentation.   

While the trend is not for everyone, it may very well catch on.   The younger generations who are now business owners may be more willing to adapt. You get more dynamism and a more exciting web design.  

Designers use multiple-element overlays, collapse gutters and empty spaces.  The play on fonts and image sizes makes the outcome more appealing. 

 8. Colorful Minimalism

Minimalism is something that web designers have done for a long time. Year-in, year-out, it continues to maintain its relevance. We do not see any change in 2021. What makes it attractive is the focus on basics. 

The text is clean, and there is a lot of empty space in the design. Many people associate minimalism with black and white websites.  But now, the trend could be moving towards colorful minimalism. 

Designers embrace the use of bold colors in the background and fonts. Even if they do this, they maintain the basic features of minimalistic websites. The result is a simple yet visually impactful website design.  

Final Thoughts

It is interesting to see the direction web design and development take in 2021. 3D elements, virtual reality and voice user interface will enhance overall experience. Designers now have more freedom to really express their creativity. 

Minimalism, dark mode and less focus on perfection are the perfect avenues for this creativity. Page responsiveness and loading speeds will be easy to check with automated testing tools. Such tools eliminate human error and make the processes more efficient.

Dan has been building teams and coaching others to foster innovation and solve real-time problems. Dan also enjoys photography and traveling.

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