Huge Background Images

A year later, this trend has proven staying power. In 2015, we can expect to see even more use of large background images on websites for all sorts of businesses and brands. An eye-catching way to set-up your home or inner pages, it works well alongside dynamic typography. See it in action over at Google Nexus.

Mobile

As discussed here, Google is making big changes this month. Beginning April 21st, websites that aren’t mobile-optimized will be penalized in the search rankings. This is a big deal and, as such, 2015 is the year that mobile design will truly expand. Key to getting found online, a great mobile website benefits both businesses and their consumers, increasing conversions and ROI.

Increased Privacy

Websites today are more frequently being designed and developed with security in mind. Especially key for eCommerce, users are much more likely to visit and make purchases from sites that offer safe and secure forms and check-out processes. This is important to take into consideration if you’re planning on selling your services or products online.

Ghost Buttons

A trend that began in 2014, ghost buttons are more popular than ever. Clickable buttons, they are basic, flat and feature no fill – hence the name. Transparent aside from the outline and the inner text, they are typically large in size and placed prominently on the page. They are often paired with full-screen backgrounds, mobile applications and one-page sites. See it in action here.

Constantly evolving, 2015 is going to be a big year for web design. From ghost buttons to large background images, increased privacy and a focus on mobile, many of today’s trends are worth discussing. If you’re looking to start the year out with a great new design, our talented team of designers can help.

Digital-First Branding

Today, many consumers’ very first impression and experience with a brand is online. Though advertising venues such as commercials and radio are still quite popular, digital-first branding is gaining considerably. Companies are now conceiving their brand and how it works online before moving on to different channels. An innovative approach, digital marketing techniques are now often working in conjunction with, and enhancing, the traditional.

Custom Photography

In 2015, we’re going to see more professional photography that suits the needs and purpose of a website. Though there is still a time and a place for stock photos, custom images are completely unique and take the overall design of a great site to the next level. Highly personable, it’s a great way to show off your business – who you are, what you do and why you’re the best.

Hidden Navigation

Many websites (including Yabsta Global’s recent redesign!) are hiding their main menus, lending a minimalistic look to their home pages. A technique commonly used in responsive design, it is being carried over to overall site design when it was previously seen mainly in small viewports, such as smartphone screens. Clean and functional, the navigation becomes visible when the user clicks or hovers over the appropriate icon.

Bright and Bold

Vibrant design, a stunning, graphical combination of colour, environment, large typography, lighting, shadow, responsiveness and motion, is going to be a hit as the year progresses. A type of design intended to mimic the texture and experience of paper and ink, Google’s Material theme is a great example.

From vibrant design to digital-first branding, large background images and a few oldies-but-goodies, 2015 is going to be a great year online. What do you think the biggest trend will be? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

Image Credit: design by Maher Berro, via Flickr, CC License, no changes made