Top 5 Web Design Trends of 2021 That Will Shock and Awe

The year 2020 was a turbulent one due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social justice violations, and a contested presidential election. Most people do not realize how society-related events can affect technological developments and designs. 

However, designers must be aware of every trend while creating for the fast-paced audience on the Internet. As they contemplate designing for people in 2021, there are several emerging trends from last year that they must consider.

The series of events in 2020 revolutionized the digital world and progressed the Internet experience by almost a decade in a single year. It called for a greater focus on immersive experiences and inclusive designs to meet the demands of society. 

These trends are going to have a significant influence on the future of web designs in the new year and beyond. We will highlight five such trends that every professional website development company would consider using in 2021 to shock and awe the audience.

Immersive Experience

The COVID-19 pandemic forced most businesses to shift their focus from their brick and mortar stores to online presence.  It made sellers and consumers realize the need to make a website experience as close as possible to the real deal. 

Augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) makes it possible for people to have the same experience as they would when looking at the product in person. Sales teams can also use the feature to offer product demos. AR and VR are beneficial for B2C and B2B companies since they can be modified for any product or service. 

Organizations are also using the technology to create immersive visualization of data. Many website designers have started using ARKit created by Apple to design elements for websites. Some designers are also creating smaller projects for companies using the AR filter for Instagram.

Custom Cursors

Website designers had ignored the significance of cursors in a web design to create a memorable experience. But people can get hooked on small touches like a custom cursor as they can feel connected to the brand and its message.

That is why web designers are using cursors to emphasize the key aspects of a brand and create an immersive experience for the user. Cursors can be used in a simple way to highlight the uniqueness of a brand and its products. Since the primary purpose of a cursor is to establish communication, designers can also use it intelligently to reflect a brand's personality on a website.

Website designers should test the cursor for different browsers before making it live. It is also advisable to include a backup cursor in case the custom one is not supported.

Web Designs Without Code

People may think that how can a website exist without coding? While it is true that a website cannot get designed without codes, people need not have to learn HTML coding to create web pages in 2021. Many business owners have realized that they cannot operate without an online presence anymore.

However, most of them do not have the funds to hire professional web designers to create their websites. That is why they are turning to various platforms where they can design sophisticated and modern-looking websites. WordPress is one of the most common and time-tested platforms for people who wish to create their websites without using codes.

However, template-based websites might have some inherent problems which the user needs to solve. For example, these websites can present several accessibility challenges, and the designers have to ensure that they take the necessary measures to overcome them.

Enhanced Video Conferencing

The economic effects of the pandemic would have been far worse if it had happened ten years back. Thanks to high-speed Internet and video conferencing, many businesses could continue their everyday operations with their employees at remote locations.

Business owners have realized that they can fulfill a lot of their requirements using video conferencing features on their websites. For example, the sales team can communicate with a client over a video call. Or a person can speak to a customer service representative using video conferencing. We are going to see a lot of video conferencing features on websites in 2021.

Animations and Videos

Business owners and designers have realized that they can explain things far better using animations and videos rather than written text. They are also effective ways to attract and hold a person's attention.

Designers can use animations and videos to explain product details, service benefits, or other vital information to a customer. E-commerce websites have also started using animated CTA buttons to grab a user's attention. However, these features can also present some accessibility problems, so a designer must take the necessary steps to address them.

There is no denying that the series of tumultuous events from the past year have influenced the technological advancements of 2021. The effects are noticeable in several Internet-based applications, including web designs. Have you noticed any such designs that may have been influenced by the events of 2020?