2012 Web Design Trends That Will Keep You on Your Toes

When people talk about web design “trends,” many designers shiver with discontent. Part of creating a well-designed website is creating something unique and something that will stand out; not something that follows the trends of other websites. However, there are certain trends that designers will see in 2012 that will allow creativity to come easier and be seen by more, and all while still staying far away from trendy styles. In other words, think of the 2012 trends more like the 2012 helpful tips. In order to bring your unique ideas to their full potential, you have to take a few tips from the business experts and get courses to learn web development.

While many aspects of web design will remain the same, a few things will change. Consider a few of the expected 2012 web design trends:

Top 5 Web Trends of Next Year

1. Mobile, Mobile, and more Mobile

Many web designers will have to take their designs and use their skills to bring them to the small screen. According to Search Engine Land, more than 1/5 of all searches will be conducted on mobile devices in 2012. For this reason, it is extremely important that all company websites can be easily navigated as well as read on the small cell phone screen.

2. More 3D Effects

The web has slowing been moving into 3D web effects to help draw in readers. This next year 3D graphics are expected to grow in popularity, so be sure your 3D skills are ready to go. Use shadows and textures to help create dimension, but remember not to go overboard!

3. No more flash—think CSS3 and HTML5

Flash was once extremely popular amongst web designers, but it has slowly lost momentum. In 2012, flash will likely lose all momentum forever. It simply does not work well with mobile devices, and CSS3 and HTML5 offer many benefits (interactivity for users, faster loading, etc.). If you’re afraid to leave flash, consider learning about these newer methods from the Web Design Ledger.

4. Think Typography

More browsers now support different types of font, which means more and more websites will start to utilize more creative ways to use lettering. While past years typography was tangled up in copyright issues, CSS3 will allow designers to use free and/or subscription-based typography services. This will help get you away from those boring Arial and Times fonts you’re so tired of seeing.

5. QR Codes will explode

Last year was about consumers understanding Quick Response (QR) Codesand trying them out for fun. This year, many companies are hopeful that QR Codes will make a big difference. They are completely free to create, and many more people understand how they work. Because they are so easy, your boss will likely have you throw up a QR Code whenever possible.

Design is one of the aspects of business that every gets to see evolve with the times. For this reason, it is important that your designs continue to improve and grow with all the latest trends. The great part about it all—you will likely be able to create better designs with the same amount of work. Things often get easier for designers, and 2012 will be no exception.

Photo Credit: dreamstime.com

Amanda DiSilvestro is an expert writer on business starting a small business in San Diego, California. She writes extensively for an online resource that provides expert advice on purchasing and outsourcing decisions for small business owners and entrepreneurs such as HR Software. You can find more of her articles as well as vendors comparisons for your small business needs at Business.com.