The Best Website Design Trends of 2022

Each year, it's exciting to see what new design elements are trending and which manage to stick around as timeless classics. We see bold colors, simple layouts, and app-like sites as some of the most popular trends in website design this year. Chambers of Commerce, economic development organizations, JCCs, YMCAs, associations, and nonprofits all over the country are looking to make a lasting impression with their websites, and these trends are sure to help them do just that. So if you're looking to update your website this year that is both stylish and functional, check out these trends below.

Table of Contents

• No-Nonsense Wayfinding
• Main Menu Navigation Fly-outs
• Character Illustration Guides
• Alternative Homepage Designs
• Long Web Pages
• Serif Body Copy
• Splashes of Color
• App-like Websites

No-Nonsense Wayfinding

In today's fast-paced world, people want to be able to find information quickly and easily. That's why no-nonsense wayfinding has become a popular website design trend.

• Using well-placed calls to action can drive people to the section of your website that they need to see.
• You can also design quick link cards or high-impact rows showing your membership or product options.

By making it easy for people to find what they're looking for, you'll keep them returning to your website repeatedly.

Main Menu Navigation Fly-outs 

Navigation is one of the essential elements of website design, and it should be given careful consideration. One increasingly popular option for navigation is the fly-out menu or mega menu. This type of menu allows for more options to be displayed while still keeping the interface clean and easy to use.

• Fly-out menus can be triggered by hovering over the main menu item or by clicking on them.
• This makes them very user-friendly, as users can immediately see what options are available.
• They can also be customized to match your website's overall look and feel.

As a result, they are an extremely versatile tool that can be used to create an enjoyable and easy-to-use website.

Character Illustration Guides

Website design trends come and go, but one trend that seems to be here to stay is the use of character illustrations. While some illustrations are simply used for decoration, others serve a more practical purpose, such as guiding users through a website or app. When used correctly, character illustrations can be an effective way to improve the user experience.

• For example, Duolingo uses illustrated characters to guide users through its onboarding process.
• Similarly, Progressive's interactive app Sliding Screen Flow uses a character guide to help users navigate its various features.

By using engaging and informative character guides, websites (and apps) can provide a more enjoyable and user-friendly experience.

Alternative Homepage Designs

In today's competitive marketplace, a well-designed website is essential for any business that wants to succeed. Homepages are the first thing visitors see when they arrive at a website, so it's important to make a good impression.

• The standard practice for many years has been to use a slideshow of images or videos on the homepage.
• However, recent trends have shown that infographics or simple design elements can be just as effective in capturing visitors' attention.
• The key is to use these elements creatively and ensure that they are relevant to the website's overall theme.

When used correctly, they can be a powerful tool for driving traffic and engagement.

Long Web Pages 

These days, people are used to scrolling on websites. We shouldn't be afraid to have long informative web pages, as long as the relevant content comes first and people can continue to learn more at their own pace. Providing clear calls to action along the way is important, but if someone gets what they need from the top 20% and clicks on the form, that's great. If someone scrolls to the bottom and educates themselves on all of the specifications of your product, that's even better. It's good to give them the option, at least.

Long web pages provide visitors with a lot of valuable information all in one place. They can scroll through at their own pace and learn as much or as little. As long as the relevant content is at the top of the page, there's no need to worry about people losing interest or getting lost. Calls to action are still a must but don't be afraid to let people scroll and explore.

Serif Body Copy

Another recent trend in web design is serif fonts for body copy. Designers have avoided using serif fonts on the web, as they can be challenging to read on-screen. However, when appropriately used, serif fonts can add a sense of sophistication and elegance to a website. Additionally, they can be easier to read than sans-serif fonts. When choosing a serif font for body copy, it is vital to select a bold font that will stand out against the background. A classic serif font such as Times New Roman or Georgia is a good choice. A sans-serif font such as Arial or Open Sans is a better option for headings. By combining these two different types of fonts, you can create a website that is both stylish and easy to read.

Splashes of Color

It is essential to strike a balance between simplicity and color for web design. Too much of either can be overwhelming and reduce the impact of the overall design. There are certain situations where a splash of color can be very effective. Graphics and call-to-action sections are two good examples. Bright colors can help to grab attention and add contrast. However, it is important to surround these elements with simplicity. Otherwise, the design can become maddening and lose its impact. You can create an eye-catching and effective web design by carefully selecting where to add color.

App-like Websites

As the world becomes increasingly digital, businesses are finding that they need to update their web presence to stay competitive. Many companies are doing this by making their website more responsive, meaning that it can be easily accessed and used on a variety of devices. This includes creating app-like experiences that are easy to use and navigate.

• For example, businesses create fields or gamified pages instead of having a basic contact form on a white page.
• This means that different screens with different colors guide the user through the process.
• This allows for a much cleaner and more user-friendly experience for site visitors.

As a result, responsive web design is becoming increasingly popular as businesses strive to create a better user experience for their customers.

Interested in redesigning your website?

We hope you enjoyed this year’s list of the top website design trends of 2022. If you would like to implement any of these on your website, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information. We are excited to help our clients stay ahead of the curve and provide an engaging online experience for their members and customers.

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