Web trends in 2016 are very interesting. I think it is a continuation of previous year changes and a huge movement into the responsive design of websites that currently have to operate on various devices, displays and resolutions.

I read an interesting article about UX changes for laptops with touch screens. Some researches prove that people totally differently touch screens in tablets than in laptops.

It means that the design of websites should take it into account.

Overall web design trends in 2016 are following

  • Fewer Pages, More Focus on offer

“Many SEO and website experts have long suggested that ‘bigger is better.’ Their argument is that a site with lots of pages has the best chance to rank for a wide variety of key terms. The problem with creating incredibly dense websites is that they can be confusing for people to use and they can be difficult to keep updated. Outdated pages and content are often left neglected, creating sites that are bloated and no longer relevant. Many websites have begun to take the opposite approach to this ‘bigger is better’ recommendation. Smaller sites are hyper-focused on specific topics, eliminating any pages or content that aren’t critical to the user experience. This ‘less is more’ trend can be seen in the popularity of single-page websites, including parallax sites. You can also see it in sites that have aggressively simplified their sitemaps.” — The Next Web

  • A New Color Trends

The popularity of vibrant colors specifically will rise and flow as trends change. As such techniques are cyclical, we’ll likely see a return of some older techniques that have been reinvented. For example, perhaps gradients will make a comeback and breathe new life into the bright color trend. With only bright blues, Zample+me uses a gradient effect on its background without falling into dull tones. This easy style fits comfortably with the minimalist layout of the site, and the flat design attributes of the interactive icons. Zample+Me shows the trend evolving, not fading away.” — Sitepoint

“The behavioral patterns that humans follow come from a variety of external responses, in all levels of importance, and at all different times of day. Sometimes, colors, formats or even layouts, inspire us while other times, we’re compelled by emotion to take further action.

When even we as marketers become enticed without realizing why, it’s far too easy to forget that the prospects we’re targeting have the same behavioral patterns as the rest of us. Thankfully, with the use of neuromarketing and color psychology, there are some amazing ways to help us better connect with our readers.” — emagine

  • Full width images

Full width images are more interesting and capturing more attention. Especially nice stylish and simple images are very welcomed.

  • Going Bold to Stand Out

“Because websites are being designed for consumption on a wide variety of screen types and because just a handful of operating systems dominate the mobile market we’re seeing particular design elements become more and more common. You’ve surely noticed the proliferation of similar WordPress themes, as well as websites that borrow UI elements (buttons, menus, etc.) from iOS and Android. This means two things: First, that websites will continue to look similar to each other and second, that, with the fundamental aspects of UI all but standardized, web designers will be free to find new ways to help their websites really stand out. For example: I predict bolder use of animations and transitions, along with more inventive use of colors. Consider the approach Medium has taken by drawing attention to highlighted phrases with a brilliant, electric green. Even as our design language continues to narrow and find common ground, we’re going to see out-of-the-box thinking and striking design choices become more important than ever.” — Forbes

  • Split-Screen Layouts

“If you offer several types of products, services or categories, it makes sense to split your users into the correct landing page as soon as possible. By using a split screen, you quickly allow your audience to ‘choose their own adventure’ and head to where they will more likely convert.” — The Deep End

Please find below a very nice infographics by The Deep End Chicago

2016 Web Design Trends to Boost Conversions – An infographic by The Deep End Chicago

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