The visual environment we live in is shaped by graphic design, which has an impact on everything from social media and marketing to fashion and interior design. However, as the graphic design sector develops, design trends, styles, and methods constantly change. Which we ask ourselves, what design trends will be the most popular this year and beyond? As there are many design trends out there, this article will feature only a few of these trends.
What Influences Graphic Design Trends?
Designing for the future requires an understanding of the demands of the present. A social movement, aesthetic, or catchphrase is rarely frozen in time by a trend, which is constantly changing and occasionally reoccurring. Designers must capture a trend’s peak to understand new demands for innovation. This requires them to understand the ideological, societal, economic, technological, and environmental trends that contribute to their current relevance and the directions in which growth and influence will proceed from these points.
Not only are design trends influenced by current events, but the reason design trends change almost every year is that audiences become bored and view these trends as ‘old’ over time. However, designers choose to not ignore these trends if audiences prefer to not follow them. There are many reasons why designers keep tracking them and use them as a source of inspiration. Not only do designers use these trends as a form of inspiration for projects but these design trends also influence our day-to-day lives.
The Impact of Design Trends on Society
Whether we are aware of it or not, design has played a role in the creation of things around us. Such as the billboards you drive past on the roads, the websites you visit, and the restaurant menu you browse, all these things have been carefully created and edited by designers. Whether we like it or not, the design encourages participation, keeps us connected to the outside world, and aids in navigating both physical and virtual spaces. It can influence people and make decision-making stronger.
Because design plays a big role in the world for both designers and consumers, it is important to follow these trends as it plays a big role in how brands and products we follow and consume are influenced. For example, a look into 2022’s popular design trend that influenced a lot of what we interact with today was Virtual Reality. What is Virtual Reality? With scenes and objects that seem real, a Virtual Reality environment gives the user the impression that they are completely engrossed in their surroundings. A Virtual Reality headset, helmet, or other device is used to view this environment. Virtual Reality is widely known for its role in video games, however, it is not limited to just that.
Virtual Reality has had a significant impact on healthcare in society; it is now used to diagnose conditions like Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, and glaucoma. It is also starting to gain recognition as a treatment option for autism, dementia, PTSD, and anxiety disorders. Even after a disease or injury, Virtual Reality can assist people in completing their physical rehabilitation. As this design trend became popular in 2022 and has had a major influence on society and healthcare systems, it is important we follow what future design trends have to offer.
What Graphic Design Trends to Look Out for in 2023
As we have learnt, design plays a major role in the visual world around us, by having an impact from social media, fashion and healthcare. As we approach a soon-to-be post-pandemic world, designers are taking a positive outlook on the future and are approaching digital design more creatively. A prediction reveals that there will be an increase in more simplistic designs, emphasizing humanity, sincerity, and personality. Let’s take a look at what the design trends for 2023 have in store for both consumers and designers.
Minimalistic Design and Branding
The minimalistic design trend features designs and products with a very simplistic approach. Despite being incredibly straightforward, this design aesthetic has a big impact. This minimalist design approach instantly conveys the information consumers need – without any distracting design flourishes – with plain black text or minimal illustration on a white background. This stripped-back, minimalist design strategy uses everything from handwriting and sloppy typography to neutral embossed logos. This technique is used by designers to give designs a human expression.
Artificial Intelligent Design
Over the years, artificial intelligence tools have entered a variety of sectors, including healthcare, entertainment, and recently, the design industry. With the help of algorithms and data sets, text-to-image Artificial Intelligence generators can now create stunning images and artwork. And by doing so, they are accelerating work processes and creating limitless opportunities. A lot of companies are creating brand work and marketing campaigns on platforms with Artificial Intelligence. So how can you get creative with Artificial Intelligent technology? A prompt and a few keywords entered into an Artificial Intelligence tool or App can generate an image that you can download, share, or edit further. Although the results can vary, it’s amazing with what results Artificial Intelligence can come up with.
Some people have expressed their worry that this software is capable of replacing the actual designers and artists. However, with the right guidance, Artificial Intelligence might advance in a way that benefits rather than harms the design and art community.
Creative Typography
While large businesses and firms have recently simplified their logos with sans serif fonts, brand designers and digital artists have been experimenting with typography at the same time.
Pushing the limits of conventional typography and discovering fresh approaches to producing text-based designs are at the heart of experimental and creative typography. Graphic designers will use more experimental methods as technology develops quickly in order to produce distinctive and eye-catching designs that stand out from the competition.
Creative typography poses text with a more grunge-like aesthetic coupled with designs featuring collage and textures. This method of design allows designers to add an edgy flair without overpowering the visual experience for their audiences. If you’re looking for something different and intriguing to try in your art or design, experimental typography is worth looking into.
3D Characters and Illustrations
3D illustrations and characters have become increasingly popular over the past few years with no signs of slowing down. By using 3D design techniques, designers can take their 2D concepts off of the page and make them come to life in 3D. From digital interfaces to social media assets and everything in between, it’s a visual style that’s ideal for graphic design and website design. With 3D illustration, you have countless creative options, whether you want to replicate actual objects or create something entirely from your imagination.
I decided to try my hand at 3D illustration by creating a fun visual of myself with my two Jack Russells as comical 3D characters!
Hand-drawn Illustration
Your work becomes more authentic when the illustrations are drawn by hand. Audiences are more likely to connect with your product and design when you use authentic images because they act as a kind of design signature. With hand-drawn illustrations, an attention the white spaces allows the visual to become more visible with the contrast it creates. It is currently a common trend in the creation of visual content.
In essence, if you’re wanting a design with a more personal touch and appeals to the heart than stock photos do then hand-drawn illustrations is the way to go.
Nostalgia
Opposing more futuristic designs, Nostalgia seems to be making a comeback. From the 70s to 90s design, this style goes against the the fast-paced changes in technology and the world. Nostalgia features marketing that appeals to audiences’ fond memories of occasions or characteristics from earlier decades allows for the development of new, modern ideas. Because it reflects their “coming of age” years, millennials are especially drawn to the revival of ’90s design.
The 1990s also represent the most recent, pre-internet era; at the time, people were just starting to welcome the internet into their homes; however, it wasn’t yet widespread. It’s therefore thought of as a simpler time than the ever so digitally-dependant today, which is why nostalgia marketing works so well with events or design from this decade, and why Gen Zs are so fascinated by it. However, it is also crucial to know your goals for this design style. For example, a tech company, the retro aesthetic might not be appropriate. Therefore, be sure to understand your target market and what they expect from your design.
Bold and Vibrant Colours
The bold and bright colour trend is a surefire way to give your visuals some flair. Bright and bold colours give designers the ability to stand out by adding a splash of colour into a sea of neutrals by focusing on contrasting colours and vibrant, saturated hues. To move away from soft, pastel hues and towards strong, bright tones is the motive of this trend.
Graffiti, murals, and pop art, which have all had a significant influence on graphic designers, branding, fashion, and interior design over the past few years. These mediums are partly responsible for the current bright and bold colour trend. Bright and vibrant colour palettes are the ideal way to make your designs stand out because they evoke feelings of vitality, optimism, and youthful energy. They are frequently used on social media, especially Instagram, as a way to draw in an audience or establish a powerful brand. Therefore, using the trend of bright and vibrant colours will benefit your brand if you have a younger target audience.
Abstract Illustrations
One of the latest trends, specifically in website design is abstract illustration, which features straightforward shapes, vibrant colours, and swooping, airy lines. This particular aesthetic direction, which draws inspiration from various art and design movements, can help to express emotions, express ideas, and encourage site visitors to engage in interesting ways. A design can benefit from the creativity and playfulness that abstract illustrations can. Although there’s no denying a photograph’s ability to capture moments that bring about emotions like joy or outrage, an abstract image can occasionally achieve the exact same effect by using colours, shapes, and different forms to suggest a certain mood.
A designer can use abstract illustration techniques to tell visual stories and capture the essence of a brand’s image more effectively than a photograph can. The abstract illustration trend is adaptable and flexible, drawing ideas from the past to create the website design of the future.
Geometric shapes
A simple and minimalistic approach to design yet effective, the geometric shapes trend has become popular with branding and social media design. A simple and clean design approach, it is a design that is lively when used with the appropriate colours.
Geometric shapes can be used to create a visual identity; this particular type of design is more commonly seen in website design because it uses less bandwidth than large photos, which are typically more detailed and take longer to download. Website design has always been based on geometry. The majority of icons are created digitally, rather than by hand, and the various building blocks that make up a website design are typically square.
The emergence of some trends, like “flat design,” has also given rise to related sub-trends like geometric shapes. As SVG formats have grown in popularity, their implementation in websites has become simpler.
Y2K Evolution
Steering away from the grunge aesthetic of the 1990s, and being favour of loud colours, kitsch materials and bling in every direction, the Y2K Evolution design trend is continuing to evolve. The Y2K aesthetic offers a different breath of fresh air in a world that is getting busier and more chaotic. Additionally, it is incredibly adaptable and works well with both print and digital media. It is unlikely that this graphic design trend will quickly become outdated.
Unsurprisingly, social media was where the Y2K aesthetic first gained popularity. The Y2K aesthetic is unquestionably distinct. As creatives, creators, and social media users rediscovered the appeal of this silly, trashy, and futuristic design aesthetic. It appears that Y2K nostalgia is here to stay, as evident by this 2000s surge following the retro revival back in 2019 and the enormous popularity of 80s and 90s trends that returned from 2020 to the present. If you want to incorporate Y2K into your design, start by capturing the free, bubbly, fun vibe of the 2000s and stay away from the minimalist, organic, monochromatic designs of the present. When in doubt, think pink and consider things that are young, tacky, plastic, and colourful!
Sustainable Design
Sustainability emerged as a trend in 2022. To approach natural living without harming the environment or nature, a more conscious approach of natural materials and lifestyle was necessary. In recent years, sustainability and the use of organic materials have gained prominence. As the public’s awareness of climate change has grown, the concept of sustainability has increased in our homes and the interior design industry. This will affect the way we purchase furniture, leading us, for instance, to move towards furniture and decor made of recycled materials. Sustainable design in future poses to be increasingly prominent in interior design, with fabrics and materials that are not mass produced which leads to a decrease in one’s carbon footprint.
Sustainable design poses for homes and consumers to be eco-friendly in everything they do and purchase. From both renewable and biodegradable resources where in our homes, we will aim try to maintain a connection with organic materials, plant life, and nature.
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