Here are 10 of the most followed graphic design trends of 2019 & beyond:
3D
For several years, designs were flat and lacked the depth of three-dimensional graphics. However, with the rise in popularity of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) products, graphic design tends for 2019 point to 3D. The designs pop off the page and are much more interactive with VR glasses or devices such as smartphones, combined with an app, that turns a website into a game.
Your small business can get on the VR bandwagon by adding an app that takes your store signs to the next level or takes users on a tour of their own homes, adding in your products and how they’d look in different settings.
Open Composition
One trend we’ve noticed in 2019 is the open composition look. Instead of framed edges and a grid layout, websites are more fluid than they’ve ever been before. Imagine an image where the side of it turns into smoke and fades into the background. Business owners may not yet be ready to make their site open composition, but awareness of it allows you to add a few elements of this design trend.
Geometric Patterns
Geometric patterns have been around for a while, and they aren’t likely to go away anytime soon. One of the graphic design trends 2019 involves adding in geometric patterns in unexpected places, such as a website background or as part of a logo. Does the geometric look work for your business? It creates a modern edge, but if your company is more traditional, one of the other graphic design trends 2019 might work better for your brand.
Serif Fonts
In recent years, there’s been a move toward sans-serif fonts for a plain look. However, without the serifs and details, a font becomes boring. In 2019, expect to see personality hit the forefront and more serif-based fonts hit the design industry. Keep in mind that you want whatever style you use to be readable from different-sized devices.
Eco-Friendly Packages
People are more concerned about the environment than ever before. About 74 percent of Americans feel the government should do more to protect our planet. Although some regulations are already in place, business owners can work toward a more eco-friendly environment without government intervention. If you sell a product that comes in some type of packaging, use recycled or renewable materials.
Parallax Scrolling
You’ve likely noticed the trend toward parallax scrolling in graphic design trends 2019. One part of the screen stays static while the rest moves. Placing various elements on different time-lapse panels creates a modern, edgy look that works well for most business models. Implementing parallax scrolling does require a bit of coding savvy, but is well worth the extra effort involved to keep users engaged and on your website.
Asymmetrical Design
One of the graphic design trends 2019 is a shift to asymmetrical designs, where everything on the page doesn’t line up perfectly. By going off the grid, you can push the user through a funnel. Think about the natural patterns and the way people look at a page. Most readers start in the upper right corner, skip diagonally down and so on, in a Z pattern. Think about the elements you most want users engaging with and place them accordingly.
Gradients
Gradients have been around for a while, but they’ve grown more complex as one of the digital design trends for 2019. For example, it might contain more than two colors and go vertical rather than horizontal. Play around with different designs and see which gradient works best with your brand.
Hand-Drawn Illustrations
Hand-drawn images have become more popular as the online world moves toward personalization. Users today are savvier than ever before. To reach them, you have to offer something unique. Depending upon the personality of your brand, a hand-sketched image might be just the ticket. Think about what makes your business unique and how you can summarize that in an illustration. Apply the picture to your home page or your logo for a unique, fun look.
Futuristic Elements
As we move into the future, with an eye toward technology, more futuristic-looking elements make their way into design. Using silver or metallic colors may put you in mind of the 1980s, or it might make you think of the future. Hard edges, bold colors, splashes of metallic and even an unconventional layout all work together to create a future-looking website. If your business is technology or on the cutting edge of societal changes, a futuristic look is perfect for you.