2. BEYOND FLAT DESIGN
Ever since the release of iOS7, Flat Design has been the talk of the web
design world. Flat Design is a minimalist approach to design that removes
all shadows, gradients and other elements that give the perception of three-
dimensions.
Flat design can be restrictive, though, because it provides no depth
for users. Google’s Material Design approach helps reintroduce subtle
dimensions into flat design with guidelines that make your browser feel as
natural as the paper on your desk.
Takeaways:
• subtle + simple design
• restrained use of shadows
• dimension creates better experience
3. YES, RESPONSIVE
Wait, isn’t responsive design old news?
Yes, responsive design has been around for a couple of years,
but currently only 36% of websites are responsive1
. Google ranks
mobile-optimized websites higher in mobile searches, and with
mobile use on the rise that’s a huge opportunity.
There are many inexpensive ways to optimize your w ebsite for
mobile, including pre-made templates designed for use with content
management systems.
http://restive.io/insights/state-of-the-mobile-web-ee-Q1-2014.html
Takeaways:
• better for SEO
• better mobile experience
• increased time on site
4. SCROLLING ALONG
Thanks to the rise of responsive design, long scrolling pages will become
the norm. Scrolling on a mobile device is simply more intuitive than
clicking on buttons.
Scrolling also allows you to implement fun features like parallax
background photos, where background images change as you scroll. Or
animations that are triggered as you move down the page.
Takeaways:
• mobile-first design
• fun interactive elements
• better user experience
5. VIDEOS IN THE BACKGROUND
If a picture is worth a thousand words, moving pictures must be
worth a million. We already know video helps engage site visitors.
Now short, looping videos are being incorporated into page design
to create a richer experience.
Be sure to utilize a video player that outputs video in multiple
formats that fit different devices. And include a still image for
browsers and devices that don’t support background video.
Takeaways:
• keeps visitors engaged
• format for different devices
6. MINIMALIST NAVIGATION
Users know to look for the menu in the upper left (or right)
corner of the screen. But traditional menus can eat up space and
create visual clutter.
More and more websites are switching to minimal navigation,
usually hidden under a single icon (sometimes called a
‘hamburger’). Not only is this solution simple, it creates a better
user experience for both desktop and mobile users.
Takeaways:
• less page clutter
• simple cross-platform solution
7. Overall, web design is trending toward a more simplified
user experience, so the content can dominate.
OregonianMediaGroup.com
WHICH OF THESE WILL YOU
INCORPORATE IN 2015?
