Web Design Trends to Look Out for in 2014

Now that 2014 is off to a running start, perhaps it’s time to start thinking about how to spruce up your website. That means taking a look at emerging trends that are cropping up on the Internet right now. If you’re going to update your website, or if you’re looking to design a new one, it’s always best to create one that’s relevant. Besides, while standing out is important, when it comes to web design, it’s not a great idea to completely go against the status quo.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the web design trends that are going to be big in 2014. These are trends that you should paying attention to and researching to see how they’d fit in with your website.

“Modern UI”

Having penetrated mobile devices such as the iPhone and the world’s most-used operating system, digital and flat-looking modern UI is headed to the web. For the very same reason Microsoft and Apple introduced new digital design in their latest operating systems, web designers are now turning to modern design. It’s clean, and makes a lot more sense on the internet, after the entire web is digital. Flat UI design is great because it’s good-looking and yet makes navigation a much easier affair. There’s little confusion as to which icon does what and everything is little more literal.

Modern design such as Windows 8 looks good on the web because it helps to make better use of high-quality assets. Not to mention the added focus that flat UI puts on typography. Websites designed with modern paradigms are less forgiving, and only the best font choice and high-resolution assets will do. So, if you’re really looking to push yourself, creating a design based around modern UI is a great way of doing so.

Attention to Typography

As we said above, typography is super-important on the web. A lot of the information we deal in is written word, so the way that’s presented is critical. After all, nobody is going to read a blog post or infographic if it doesn’t look very good. Speaking of infographics, there are some great resources out there that can teach you more about fonts and why they appeal to use. This one teaches you about fonts themselves and how they’re built; meanwhile “So You Need a Typeface” takes you through the process of what kind of font to choose.

What typeface you use on your website, whether you’re looking to design a blog, a storefront or whatever it is important. Fonts can change the type of tone your website has and what attitude it gives off. For instance, there’s a reason that websites for the Guardian and such use older-looking fonts. They give off an air of professionalism and seriousness. Meanwhile, technology sites like The Verge are going for a more laid-back approach and go for something a little more modern. What approach you take with your choice of typeface will determine what type of user keeps on coming back to your site.

High-resolution Images and Assets

Remember the days of HD monitors and small websites? Those days are behind us and now, the iPad has a resolution of 2048 x 1536 in just 9.7-inches. That’s probably more than your TV, and as such the resolution of your images and assets will make a huge difference to how your website looks. High-quality images are the best place to start, they might take up bandwidth, but the end result is much better looking, nobody wants to see pixelated images as they surf the web.

Paying attention to how many pixels your assets contain and how they look at Full HD resolutions is important. As even the most affordable tablets, like Google’s Nexus 7 feature high-resolutions displays, there’s a very real need to make sure your website is full of pixels.

By following these web design trends, and paying closer attention to the finer points that users are looking for, you can create a great website. If 2014 is the year you’re scheduled to redesign your front page, then there’s a lot of things to consider. Pay attention to your font choice, make sure your site looks great on high-resolution displays and you’ll have a great-looking website on your hands.

Check out the infographic below by Shutterstock to see more blossoming trends in web design.