It’s easy to confuse trends with hype. Hype is short-lived excitement that fades quickly. Trends develop slowly and stick around because they actually solve problems. Good design isn’t just about looking nice – it helps your business. Companies with better UX typically see happier customers and better conversion rates.
Three Design Approaches Worth Using
Adding Some Depth
Flat design is giving way to subtle dimension. Think light shadows and gentle 3D effects – not the overdone skeuomorphism from years ago.
Why it helps
- Makes important things easier to spot
- Helps show what’s clickable
- Looks more modern
Just don’t overdo it – too much dimension can make interfaces hard to use, especially for people with vision issues.
Breaking the Grid
Instead of everything neatly aligned in same-sized boxes, more interfaces use varied layouts with different-sized elements.
Where it works well
- Product displays
- Content feeds
- Portfolio showcases
Our tests show this can keep people on your site longer and get more clicks on important elements.
Simplifying Data
Instead of complex charts, focus on key numbers presented in a visually appealing way.
This works for
- Activity summaries
- Performance highlights
- Personal metrics
This approach helps turn numbers into stories people actually care about.
How to Choose What’s Right for You
When looking at any design trend, ask yourself:
- Will your users like it? What works for a gaming app might not work for banking.
- Does it help your business goals? Only adopt trends that improve your important metrics.
- Can you do it well? Even great ideas fail with poor execution.
- Have you tested it? Start small before making big changes.
Design trends should serve your specific needs, not the other way around. Choose what makes sense for your product and your users.