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Source: http://www.web-lovers.de/20-farbenfrohe-webdesigns/

Lately, casually browsing through some websites, I have found some that caught my eye. It was because of their unique web design that seemed to inspire me to look further into it. There are definite web design trends that are exploding on the scene, which offer a visual appeal that draws you in, and perhaps makes you want to refresh your own site with a redesign. Of course trends are always changing at a rapid pace, but hopefully some of these current trends may be able to inspire you or give you a new idea.

Here we go:
1. The Retro Trend
Ad Packs

The Retro style seems to be a trend on the scene right now. I actually noticed quite a few of them while I was browsing. Perhaps this trend will be here to stay, but it definitely offers some inspiration for a creative edge.

2. The Ribbon
CJs Favorites

There has been a rise in the Ribbon trend used amongst web designers and developers recently. It is being used on both professional and personal websites. There is a debate whether or not the use of ribbons is becoming overkill, or if it adds a personal finesse. I personally like the Ribbon trend, I think it’s visually appealing.

3. Huge Headlines and Images
Second and Park

Lots of websites today are using huge headlines along with images to captivate you. By using such large words and pictures, it definitely grabs your attention and pulls you into the website. I think this is a great trend because sometimes you need something to jump out at you, and it definitely makes the experience more memorable. The headline and the images on your website set the tone for your visitors, so it doesn’t hurt if they are big and flashy.

4. Customized Typography
TapTapTap

This trend is one of my favorites. I always think different fonts add that extra “umph” that you otherwise might be missing. The typography (font, letters, style, print) trend has been exploding throughout the web design world, changing drab styles into fabulous custom fonts. It is now a possibility to create your own unique font, and I would highly suggest it.

5. Mobile Compatibility
H&M

Smartphones are EVERYWHERE nowadays, so it is important to cater to the mobile compatibility trend. This is especially if you are a business that is in constant need of marketing any product. I for one know that this function is very helpful, and I use it all the time. Since more smartphones have been enabled with CSS and JavaScript, this trend is definitely pushing web designers to be ‘mobile ready’.

6. Single Page Layout
Creative People

Sometimes it is necessary for your website to be straight and to the point. This is where the single page layout trend comes in. More and more sites are being designed to purposefully give visitors a little amount of information in a quick way. Having a one page layout allows web designers to focus on an effective strategy to appeal to visitors and users.

7. Minimalist & Creative
Get Finch

Like the one page layout trend, the minimalist and creative trend keeps things simplistic and clean cut. Instead of getting lost in a complex website, this trend allows you to engage the website in an easy manner. As opposed to busy layouts in the past years, this new white space concept is becoming ever more popular, as it is distinguishable and creative.

8. Social Media
Old Loft

There is no surprise that the social media trend is and has been growing at a rapid rate, it is almost never ending. Everyone you know uses or will most likely begin to use social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, etc. So it is very important that web designers include the aspect of social media links on the sites they create. It will allow your visitors an easier, more accessible way to keep in touch with your site on a daily basis.

9. Introduction
Kyle Standing

Introduction boxes and headlines are an expanding web design trend. You only have a few seconds to catch a visitor’s attention when they look at your site. Having a quick, upfront way of introducing yourself and what you or your company is about is why the introduction trend works so well. It’s very catchy, and I like it because it is straight and to the point.

10. Modal/Light Box
Digg

Modal/Light boxes are kind of like pop-up windows, except they are less annoying. These boxes offer web designers a different way of displaying pictures, text and videos. Its focus is to concentrate on the information presented that is relevant to the user. I like this feature, and I use it on various websites. For example, when I do online shopping sometimes a light box will appear when I click on a certain image that I am interested in, providing me with more information. This user-friendly modal/light box trend is upcoming.

Web design trends are changing at a constant rate. Hopefully some of these trends and examples can inspire you to create or redesign your own sites. You never know, maybe it will even lead you to creating a new trend that can be introduced to the web design world. Good luck with your future creations.

Source(s):

http://www.1stwebdesigner.com/design/web-design-trends-2010/

http://d-lists.co.uk/2010/11/02/web-design-trends-retro/

http://d-lists.co.uk/2010/08/24/web-design-trends-the-ribbon/