With each new year, we see new design trends emerge, existing ones evolve and others fade away. That’s certainly the case for 2022. But if we had to sum up what’s current in a word, it’s definitely BOLD. Gone is the subtle, simple, clean design aesthetic. We are now solidly planted in big, loud, exciting design.
Join us as we explore four big trends, take a look at an emerging anti-design movement, and reflect on the industry’s progress in representation and accessibility.
LET’S GO!
As the digital world’s capabilities continue to expand and designers are able to flex their creative muscles even more, we expect the real and digital worlds to merge in a whole new way.
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People want digital spaces to feel tangible. That means they want to interact with them, whether in the metaverse or through interactive purchasing tools. 3D characters, dimension in applications, animations, video and audio tools can be part of the immersive digital experiences people are seeking – and can create hyper-engagement.
The clean, minimal design of the past 10 years is evolving into a futuristic visual landscape filled with glassmorphism, glass and crystal realism, holographics, decadent wordmarks and logos and aurora backgrounds.
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Holographics–––––Glassmorphism–––––Shining–––––Light–––––New world–––––Crystal–––––FANCY–––––SUBLIME–––––
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Holographics–––––Glassmorphism–––––Shining–––––Light–––––New world–––––Crystal–––––FANCY–––––
While the aesthetic is still clean and contains some semblance of minimalism, it isn’t afraid to play with a little bit more softer color and texture than we’ve seen trending in recent years. Many of these elements are relatively new to digital spaces, so we expect to see them evolve and diversify as the year progresses.
Last year we saw a “Good Vibes Only” trend that celebrated joyful color. This year, we’re seeing that color explode into a rainbow of neon, hyper-contrasting color palettes and eye-candy color.
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Explosive–––––Fluorescent–––––Abstract–––––Alive–––––Loud–––––Energetic–––––Celebration–––––CUSTOM–––––
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Explosive–––––Fluorescent–––––Abstract–––––Alive–––––Loud–––––Energetic–––––Celebration–––––
In an increasingly crowded digital world, many people are making loud design choices to stand out. Simple sans serif fonts are being replaced by custom fonts with a twist, many of which ride the line between abstract shape and readable letter. It can be a risky choice to make, but many are saying it’s worth it to get noticed.
Along with bright colors and wonky fonts is a trend toward maximalism. Maximalism isn’t just about filling space but rather creating an overarching message that is conveyed through many pieces. It can feel jumbled looking or chaotic to some, yet incredibly inspirational to others. Whichever way you lean, this trend allows designers to get into the nitty-gritty details.
Nostalgia has been making a comeback for a few years now. We’ve been squarely in the ’80s for quite some time but have officially turned the corner into the ’90s and early 2000s.
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Throwback–––––Memphis–––––Old School–––––Psychedelic–––––Surrealism–––––Futurism–––––PATTERNS–––––
Throwback–––––Memphis–––––Old School–––––Psychedelic–––––Surrealism–––––Futurism–––––PATTERNS–––––
Throwback–––––Memphis–––––Old School–––––Psychedelic–––––Surrealism–––––Futurism–––––
This new wave of nostalgia includes Memphis design patterns, simple emojis, psychedelic patterns, primitive internet frames, mind-bending color combos and dripping slime. People are looking for familiarity and comfort within a turbulent world, and they’re finding it in the past. We expect to see this trend pop up in everything from packaging to landing pages to posters. It is truly crossing all design borders and showing up in many mediums.
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While not a big enough movement to be its own trend yet, the largely homogeneous digital landscape of the past 10 years has led to designs that are challenging our ideas of perfection and boundaries of conventional art and design.
In a true spirit of rebellion, designers are moving away from symmetry toward asymmetry, from curated color palettes to clashing colors, and from white space to overcrowded elements. Anti-design critics say the style is ugly for the sake of being ugly, while its champions say it allows people and brands to truly express themselves in whatever way feels right.
Ironically, there still exists some essence of control – through confidence and skill – in order for a message to be conveyed. Rather than “breaking” the rules, it may be better to say anti-design is “bending” them.
Representation and accessibility in designed spaces have been on the rise for many years, and they are now table stakes: something expected of all creators for all consumers.
It is no longer enough to simply vary the ethnicities of people in imagery. Instead, showing people from all walks of life – regardless of their gender, race, orientation, or ability – is now expected.
Likewise, accessible design has moved far beyond just ensuring there’s enough contrast on a landing page. Creating for people of all abilities includes everything from writing at an accessible grade level to ensuring content works on reading devices and even creating customizable pages that let people set their own size and color experience.
Following – or intentionally not following – a trend is a powerful choice, and either can make a splash with the visual landscape. So take a minute to celebrate the creativity that abounds in 2022. Then make your own decision about what resonates with you.