Website Design Inspiration for 2023: Top 10 Trends to Watch
As we approach the mid-point of 2023, it feels like a good time to look at some website design inspirations that are impacting the way we think about websites.
From color to typography to overall interface, there are quite a few design elements that are everywhere. Some of these trends even get mixed and matched with each other (as you might notice in the examples).
Here are 10 website design inspirations to watch as we go into the second half of 2023:
1. Experimental Typefaces
Experimental typefaces, such as the example from les nanas above, have become popular as designers seek to create unique and engaging visual experiences. These typefaces have unconventional shapes, unusual letterforms, and bold use of color and texture.
One of the key reasons for the popularity of experimental typefaces in web design is the desire to create a memorable and distinctive brand identity, such as in the example above. By using a unique and eye-catching typeface, a website can stand out from the crowd and capture the attention of its visitors.
These font styles also share a keen ability to draw on emotion. For example, a typeface with jagged edges and rough textures can convey a sense of urgency or excitement, while a more fluid and organic typeface can create a feeling of calm and relaxation. If you have a Kadence Full Bundle, you can use the Kadence Custom Fonts plugin to easily use those fonts in your site design.
2. Animated UI Elements
Animated user interface elements can include anything from hover effects, loading animations, button animations, and more. In the example above from Bezier, the logo includes an animation, the pointer is an animated purple element, and the curve moves. There’s also a loading effect.
One of the main benefits of animated UI elements is that they can make a website feel more dynamic and engaging. By adding movement and interactivity to otherwise static elements, designers can create a sense of liveliness and personality that can help to differentiate a website or app from its competitors.
When done with care, as in the example above, animated UI elements can improve usability by providing directional or interactive cues. The Kadence Lottie Block is an easy way to add low-bandwidth animation to your Kadence site.
3. Dark Mode
Dark mode user interfaces have dark backgrounds and light-colored text, and other UI elements and are among one of the most popular design techniques in recent years.
Dark backgrounds can create a sleek, sophisticated look or a moody scene. It can also create a sense of contrast that can make UI elements stand out more clearly, improving their visibility and legibility. Take a look at a perfect example of this from Tag Heuer. Kadence Theme has a dark mode feature built in, so you can enable this powerful feature with just a click.
Another benefit of dark mode design is that it can be easier on the eyes, especially in low-light conditions. Many users will switch their devices to dark mode, and sites not designed for it are at the mercy of the color scheme the device forces onto the design.
4. NFT-Inspired Design
With the growth of NFTs (known as non-fungible tokens) in the marketplace, comes a plethora of website designs that feature this digital art token or seem to mimic it. Check out the example from NFT Ukraine.
These sites often have a futuristic feel for the design, will use dark mode, and have elements that cross the line between fantasy and reality. Many of them also deploy large typefaces because they don’t have a lot of other content to show on the homepages.
5. Geometric Shapes and Patterns
This trend is easy to spot with simple, abstract shapes such as triangles, circles, and squares, as well as more complex patterns and compositions in website design projects. See this in action from Manon Jouet.
One of the main reasons for the popularity of geometric shapes and patterns is their versatility. They can create various visual effects, from minimal and understated designs to bold and colorful compositions. They can also be used in a variety of applications, from logos and branding to web and print design.
Another benefit of using geometric shapes and patterns is that they can help to create a sense of order and structure in a design. By using simple, repeating shapes and patterns, designers can create a sense of rhythm and balance that can help to guide the viewer’s eye and create a cohesive visual experience.
One way to use this technique with Kadence is to use the Advanced Image Block and add a mask to the block settings for a geometric feel.
6. 3D Effects
Three-dimensional graphics, animations, and effects create a more immersive and engaging experience for website visitors. (We love the dog in the example above from My Dog Company!)
This trend is popular because it can create a more realistic and engaging visual experience. By using 3D graphics and animations, designers can create a sense of depth and dimensionality that can help to bring a website to life and make it more engaging and interactive.
When done well, 3D effects can also improve the usability of a website by making it easier for visitors to understand how to navigate and interact with the site.
7. Brutalism
Brutalism as a website design trend is characterized by a raw, unpolished, and often unconventional aesthetic, focusing on functionality and minimalism. Brutalist websites typically feature simple layouts, stark typography, and basic HTML/CSS design elements, often with a monochromatic or limited color palette.
This is one of those trends we did not fully expect to take off, but it has become popular, even in expected places, such as e-commerce, as seen in the example above from KSENIASCHNAIDER.
One of the key principles of brutalism is function over form. Rather than using flashy animations or complex design elements, brutalist websites prioritize simplicity and usability. This approach can help to create a more streamlined user experience, allowing visitors to quickly and easily access the information they need.
8. Overlapping Text and Images
Overlapping text and images is one of those design trends that can look many different ways. People either seem to love it or hate it, depending on usage.
The style is used for the most part to help to create a sense of cohesion and unity between different design elements. By layering text and images together, designers can create a visual connection between different parts of the design.
Further, it can help to create a sense of depth and dimensionality. By layering different elements, there’s a sense of depth, and creates a more visually interesting composition. See a perfect example of this from Lustre.
9. AI-Inspired Anything
AI-inspired design is a relatively new design trend that is inspired by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies. It is characterized by a focus on creating designs that are informed by data, automation, and algorithms, which can help to improve efficiency, accuracy, and personalization.
One example of AI-inspired design is using generative design techniques, which involve using algorithms to generate design variations based on certain parameters or criteria automatically. This approach can help designers to explore a large number of design possibilities quickly and efficiently and can lead to more optimized and customized design solutions.
What does it look like? Most AI-inspired design has a computer-generated look and feel, almost the exact opposite of what AI projects are trying to replicate. Just check out an example of this from Coco Sharp. At Kadence, we are excited about what AI can offer us in terms of design. Have a listen to Episode 28 of the Kadence Beat for our hot take on AI.
10. Text-Only Design
The text-only website design trend is a minimalist approach to web design that relies exclusively on text to communicate information to users. This trend is characterized by a focus on simplicity, readability, and accessibility, and can be used to create clean, elegant, and highly functional websites. Often these designs use big, bold typography that is interesting to look at. Just check out the example for Nextweb.
One of the key advantages of text-only website design is that it can help to improve the readability with a focused web experience. In addition, text-only websites are often faster to load and more lightweight than their multimedia-rich counterparts, which can improve the overall user experience and reduce bounce rates.
If you’re of fan of the text-only design, the Advanced Text Block from Kadence Blocks if the perfect tool for you. It makes it easy to display beautiful text anywhere on your site.
Website Design Inspirations: What’s Next?
While these trends are the dominant looks of the year, they can change quickly. Look for our monthly website design trends roundups to help you stay on top of everything design.
A Kadence full bundle gives you everything you need to keep up with all the design trends and take your website to the next level. From the Advanced Text block in Kadence Blocks to the ability to create fully customizable designs and pages, the Kadence Full Bundle gives you everything you need to make beautiful, effective, and engaging websites.
