By Katie Collins
In the ever-evolving world of graphic and digital design, the start of a new decade is often the signal for fresh thinking, welcoming new approaches with open arms.
As we move forward from the 2010s, we take a look at the top emerging design trends that businesses should be keeping an eye on over the next decade.
1 – Black is the new black
Lately, we’ve noticed a tendency towards graphic and web designers using a monochrome effect on images.
In the world of the web, black and white designs with splashes of colour are always trendy, so expect to see more from 2020. Those that punctuate with minimalist, heavily typographic styles containing animated elements will also prove popular – watch this space ?
Image source: Abduzeedo
2- 3D & Isometric graphics
Often used for infographic design, web design and presentation design, isometric graphics are a preferred style because of their capability to illustrate a three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional surface – another thing Tomorrow’s World never predicted!
Thanks to the opportunities afforded to today’s creative superstars by more affordable tech and software solutions, 2020 will see isometric graphics evolving into fully animated and engaging visual solutions. Grab your seats at the ready, folks.
Image source: Brianna Ailie
3 – Bespoke and considered typography
In order to create stronger compositions, designers are now playing with typography big time. This trend is expected to flourish in 2020 figuratively and literally! Using variable fonts decorated with geometric shapes and creative elements, expect stronger statements that wow. Ding dong, the witch (who killed us with the overuse of icons and illustrations) is dead!
4 – Geometric designs
The most recent trend in branding comes down to basic geometric shapes – a clean, modern, concise and strong way to get across ideas and messaging.
As a wise man once said, grandeur lies in simplicity. However, while geometric designs may look simple, one that perfectly encapsulates your brand’s message effectively requires a lot of thought and a lot of consideration.
5 – Animation and GIFs
With an ever-increasing amount of brands vying for consumer attention online, animation is one of the most powerful ways to bring a brand to life. One LinkedIn study showed that videos under 30 seconds had a 200% increase in view completion rates.
Literally stopping mindless scrolling in its tracks, a clever animation or GIF will increase engagement no end, and done correctly will enable clear and concise brand messages to be delivered quickly.
Like most industries, graphic design, social media and web design are constantly evolving. They live and breathe to adapt themselves to ever-changing consumer desires, wants and needs.
Understanding this, businesses need to stay on top of the trends and make sure that their offerings – in particular how they’re communicated – are current.
Katie Collins is a designer at HDY Agency — an award-winning content marketing agency that specialises in creating incredible stand-out content.
Boasting a senior team of channel experts, HDY’s services include strategy, planning and creative services bolstered by an in-house production team, counting graphic design amongst their strengths. Added to this, HDY has specialist teams working across digital, CRO, PR, social media, influencer engagement, event and promotions.
HDY is the fastest-growing consultancy across the West Midlands, based in Digbeth, Birmingham’s buzzy creative quarter.
If you’re interested in hearing about how HDY can reinvigorate your content, get in touch on hello@hdyagency.com.
