January sees a sudden influx of people looking to update their lives in a bid to combat the post-Christmas blues – whether that means a new job, a new hobby, or a new business goal. For businesses, a new year can signal a time to look ahead and identify trends or predictions that could help you take a step in a fresh, or even better, direction.
One area where these trends can change rapidly is online. The digital world is fast-paced and impatient, and websites are just one example of where updates can be necessary in order to stay ahead of the curve year after year. Here, we look ahead to some of the changes that could occur over the next 12 months in the world of web design.
Looking to the web in 2019
For many, 2019 will be a year of understanding Google’s definition of how sites should work – and what size they should be. Page speed has always been a hot topic, but as mobile-first perspectives continue to dominate, and websites look better than ever, it’s about to get even more important.
The web has never looked as good as it does now – but this comes at a cost. Modern sites are often heavily illustrated and full of interactive elements and animations, which look fantastic, but can be CPU/GPU intensive and resource heavy. This means that phones, or even older computers, can struggle with loading – which can have a impact on the way that a site ranks in the SERPs. No one likes a bouncer.
As a result, 2019 could see sites that use technologies and libraries like webGL and Canvas being used more often, particularly by brands looking to create websites that still boast that interactive flair. Why not start by checking your current page speed using Google’s PageSpeed Insights tool? You might be surprised.
A new aesthetic
Each year brings the introduction of a whole new look or way of approaching visual design, and 2019 is set to be no different. As people start to move away from traditional straight lines and flat design, we’re set to see a new wave of websites looking bigger, brighter and badder than ever before. Fluid organic elements are set to make an appearance, alongside retro colour palettes and broken grid aesthetics – although perhaps not all at the same time. Hopefully.
Adopting AI
Artificial intelligence is another techie buzzword, and that looks set to continue this year. One particular area where AI could have a really positive impact for the web is through analytics capabilities. Previously, analytics have been fairly reactive – data is gathered and logged, and then changes can be made for the next round of implementation. A move towards AI would mean adaptations could be made in real-time, creating far more personalised sites that can act and appear differently depending on who’s using them. It’s only a matter of time until the robots take over, after all…
Back to black – or any one colour
Perhaps to counteract some of the louder new design trends that are predicted to rear their heads in 2019, some experts have also heralded a return to monochromatic design. Sticking to just one or two colours can help to really reinforce branding and create a cohesive brand view, as well as making a site tons more memorable to users. If you’re planning a redesign, try evaluating your colour palettes and seeing if you can streamline them in a bid to embrace your inner minimalist.
What are your predictions for 2019? If you’re thinking about giving your website a bit of TLC to start the year off right then you’ve come to the right place. Get in touch with one of our experts today to find out how we want bring your site slap bang into 2019.
