Top 10 Website Trends in 2020

The year 2020 has only just started, yet some trends (and ideas behind them) are not too difficult to spot. It’s natural that people want not only aesthetics, but also an easy and fast way to get their information. That’s why the key themes in these trends are the simplicity of the design, innovation, and the intuition of a user.

Before we start, there is one other thing we’d like to stress out, even though it’s been talked about a lot: responsive design.

As this decade comes to an end, there’s one big takeaway: people use mobile phones more than ever. Mobile web traffic is on the rise and has taken over the throne from desktop in 2019.

As of last year, over 60% of people used their phones as their primary device for accessing the internet. Therefore, it’s more important than ever to have your web design be responsive for desktop, mobile, and tablet. But what we mean by that is, your site should not only work on mobile – it needs to look good across all devices.

1. Dark Theme option

It’s known that, for your website to do well on Google, it’s all about user experience. Giving your users the option of picking a dark version of your site (or dark theme mode) is a trend that seems to show up on the Internet more and more.

Dark mode not only makes design elements more visible, but it also helps with battery-saving (by reducing the number of light pixels) and reduces the strain on the eyes.

2. Contrasting, bold colors

Speaking of more visible design elements, is there a better way to stand out than using contrasting, bright, and bold colors for your website?

Stunning visuals and lively colors will make your site memorable! We live in a world with more powerful phones and screens, so using contrasting, screaming colors and designs will help your website pop out even more.

3. Bold fonts

Bold fonts don’t necessarily mean bold statements, but if you have a great copywriter – there’s no stopping you!

During the past few months, we’ve seen more and more sites using large, striking fonts and putting them front and center – while the imagery takes the backseat. This way, you direct the intention of the user to where you want it – and make delivering your message easier.

However, this means you have to put some extra thought into your web copy. Have that in mind if you opt for this kind of web design for your website.

4. Videos

Content is important. But the attention span of a consumer is getting shorter and shorter each year – which means we need to find new ways to grab their attention. And what seems to be a growing trend all across the Internet? Video content.

So, it’s not surprising that videos playing in the background of your website might be an ideal solution to keep your website visitors there for a longer period. What this means is, you’ll have more time to present them with your products, services, or your brand story.

However, keep in mind that the video playing in the background should be captivating and attention-grabbing on its own.

5. 3D elements

Ever since we first experienced 3D movies, we’ve been obsessing over it. We’re seeing this effect in video games and the entertainment industry for years now, so why not in web design too? What held this website trend back for so long was a lack of processing power in our devices and the expensive process behind making it.

That is, until now.

Technology is improving every day, but until virtual reality takes over and becomes more cost-effective, 3D is the answer. Realistic 3D elements taking up the whole screen (or as much as they can – in this case, bigger is better) create an immersive experience for users visiting your website. Hence, this isn’t just an update for your visuals, but a step further in the UX game. The interactive 3D design will surely make users want to stay on your website longer.

6. Abstract Illustrations

The beautiful thing about design is that, like every artist, every designer has a special style and method. Even if you direct them to do something very specific, they will deliver that with a sense of their own style and technique. And this is one of the main reasons illustrations are a big part of website trends in the past years.

However, this also means that the way we perceive illustration changed as well – we are now used to them, and they have less of an effect on us. Therefore, it’s not surprising that designers are trying to find new ways to attract our attention, and the answer they seem to come up with are abstract illustrations.

Pay attention, though. Site visitors should still understand the message behind the illustration, so don’t make it too abstract.

7. Playing with typography

This website trend goes hand-in-hand with bold fonts. We’re seeing more designers having fun with fonts, making them unique and playful. Expect to see even more of that in the year 2020!

Artistic typography is an excellent way for your brand to stand out in a crowd. Adding abstract shapes, decorative flowers, or some other creative elements to your fonts, and combining them with big letters might just be what the doctor ordered.

8. Imperfections made by hand

It is ok to be accepting of our imperfections. And yet, only a few years ago, perfect-looking Instagram was ‘’a must’’ in the world of social media influencers. Today, we see a shift – from polished to unrefined, from seemingly perfect to natural and imperfect – and this has influenced not only the world of social media but also web design.

The main point is to let people see the humane side of your brand; to make users feel like they’re on a website for the people, made by the people. And this is why hand-drawn icons or illustrations are a great way to show that your brand has a personality. These purposely imperfect elements will bring some positivity and likeability to your website – and who doesn’t want some positivity in their life?

9. Voice-user Interface

More and more people are using virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. There’s no reason you shouldn’t let people browse your website through voice-search – this not only helps you get to the busy people using virtual assistants but also includes people with physical disabilities.

Even though the use of voice search has been slowly on the rise, there are few numbers showing that the time for it to shine is yet to come.

Why not be amongst the first to incorporate this on your website?

10. Emotional design

Most designers and developers were focused on usability and information in the past few years, making some of them forget an important part of being human: emotions.

There are many ways to convey emotions, so why not through design?

Whether it’s a funny illustration or a cute cat picture, the most important thing is that your design makes an emotional connection. Because emotions are a way of communication.

Make users remember how visiting your site made them feel, and they’ll remember you.

We hope we gave you some food for thought when it comes to web design and website trends of 2020.
There are, as we see it, two tides regarding these trends.
Innovation, AI, and evolution of technology on the one hand, and intuition and emotions on the other. It’s up to you to choose which side you prefer.

Or maybe, you’d like to try and mix the two?