As the year comes to an end, it is safe to say that 2014 has been a huge year in website development and design. From the evolution of code-free platforms, to the single page websites and animation effects, it is easy to understand the speculation. As a designer, it’s extremely important to stay up to date with the dissolving and outdated trends, but more importantly to recognize the ones that are emerging. With that being said, here are the top 5 trends of 2014:
1. Typography
Attention to detail is everything in web design. Unfortunately, over the past decade few designers have actually put much effort into their typography. It is the little things that have a big impact, so its important to study what makes a website more readable and user friendly.
Typography has more to do with than just the font. It includes the column sizes, spacing, white space and line height to name a few. In a nutshell, it includes everything that has to do with the site’s readability. Take a look at Apple for example, Steve Jobs prided himself upon taking typography extremely seriously during their production and design process. We can see how that has benefitted them now and set them apart from the others.
2. Content Management Systems
The evolution of content management systems (CMS) is one that has been slowly progressing over the years, however it’s easily the most efficient that it’s ever been. Nowadays coding isn’t even a major part in the web design process, although it may help a lot. Sites such as WordPress for example, take the lead in providing designers an easier and more comprehensive way to take on creating new and unique websites.
There are many reasons why web developers may choose to work with a CMS like WordPress over an approach with programs such as dreamweaver or even basic html. However the main one seems to be the accessibility and mobility of your websites’ content without having any prior knowledge of coding.
3. Mobile Responsiveness
You website must be accessible from a mobile phone and tablet in todays day and age. Compromising more than 50% of all online purchases, smartphones and tablets have significantly emerged in the E-Commerce world. If your potential clients can’t access your website from a phone, chances are they’re going to find someone else. A great example is San Diego Appliance Repair.
4. Infographics
Data can be confusing to many, and that is exactly why infographics have been such a big hit. It is simply the transformation of data into language that users can understand. This language is usually drawn into a picture which navigates the reader from one area of focus to another, optimizing the viewers understanding and experience. Most people prefer to read an infographic more than a table of charts which has lead many marketing strategists to add them to their inventory.
Many people underestimate the effectiveness of this method and fail to capitalize on it’s benefits. Having quality content such as infographics will not only give the reader easy access to information, but it will improve your overall presentation and brand image, as well as increasing the user experience.
5. Larger Image display
Having quality imagery and photography says a lot about one’s website and business. With photo editing software on the rise and professional cameras becoming more accessible, many websites have taken a turn into large portrait themed pages which enable them to appealingly allure their readers. This is not only great for your overall website design, but also counts as quality content which will eventually cause your website to be liked more and overall rank higher in search engines.
The post Building a website? Top 5 trends of 2014 appeared first on CLAIRVOYANT CONCEPTS.