Why You Shouldn’t Jump On Board Every Web Design Trend

Apr 02, 2024

When we think about design of any type, fashion, art, hair, or home decor, it is known that trends come and go. There is always a hot new look or innovative design around the corner. Some of them are fleeting, while others stick around for a while. Web design is no different. As a business owner, there is the temptation to follow these trends to ensure that your online presence is up to speed and able to compete with rivals within your industry. However, as a website builder in Knoxville, we advise that you shouldn't blindly follow every new trend that comes along. Let's examine why following the latest web design trends is not always the best choice.

Most Trends Are Fleeting

As a website builder in Knoxville, we must prioritize functionality when creating websites for our clients. That doesn't mean that the aesthetic part isn't important, but it has to be a delicate balance between the two. The issue with some of the latest web design trends is that they can be very fleeting. For example, Flash animation and complex layouts were the newest trends at one time, but nowadays, they are considered outdated and not user-friendly! Following the latest trends can result in your website becoming outdated and losing functionality. It is better to work with a timeless design that can be supplemented with the latest innovations in functionality to keep the website current.

Focus On How Web Design Trends Impact the User Experience

When deciding which web design trends to move forward with, it is important to consider how they will impact the user experience. Many design trends are all about aesthetics, but in practice, they may hinder usability. For example, auto-playing video content or parallax scrolling can look great visually, but they can also feel intrusive to visitors or hinder their ability to navigate the site. It may also impact the website's loading time. For these reasons, a website builder in Knoxville will think carefully before implementing these types of features and use them very sparingly, making sure that user experience and functionality are not impacted.

The Balancing Act Between Trends & Practicality

When working with web design trends, it is a balancing act between implementing them and retaining practicality. When a website builder in Knoxville decides to consider a new design trend for a client's website, they must first ensure that it won't affect usability or functionality. It also needs to make sense for the client's brand identity. For example, if your client has a minimalist brand identity, jumping on the current trend for bright Y2K styling makes no sense for their brand. Similarly, if the brand's target audience is older, it will be important to consider font sizes and contrast and how they affect readability. It is important to honor the core aesthetic of the brand while incorporating trendy elements to keep things fresh in a practical way for the brand and its customers. Remember the importance of user experience.

Be Wary of Hidden Costs

Something that sometimes gets overlooked when it comes to using the latest design trends is the financial cost associated with it. Redesigning your website can be expensive, especially if you change things on a whim every few months to meet the latest design trends. This circles back to our first point: most trends are fleeting. Even something as simple as introducing a new color to your website can mean updating your logo, your social media platforms, packaging, and marketing materials. It all begins to mount up very quickly. Not only is there a financial cost, but making frequent changes can also impact brand recognition and customer loyalty. It is important to make sure that you don't make so many changes that your brand loses its appeal to your customers.

Does Your Website Stand Out In The Crowd?

There are over one billion websites, with more being opened every single day. One of the significant challenges a website builder in Knoxville will face is making sure that each website they design is able to stand out from the rest. Websites need to be unique and engaging. Web design trends can be exciting and innovative, but if you are following the trends, so are your competitors. Soon, we will start seeing endless websites that all look the same! Cookie-cutter designs may be in fashion but lack uniqueness and personality! If you want to implement the latest trends, you need a website builder in Knoxville who knows how to do so with some personal flair!

How to Stay Current Without Blindly Following Trends

In summary, a balanced approach from a website builder in Knoxville is crucial if you want to work with current trends. Here are a few of the key points we have covered:

  • Make sure you take into consideration both your brand identity and target audience and how specific trends might impact them
  • Keep usability and functionality at the forefront when implementing new design elements
  • Look for design inspiration in other places like magazines, art, fashion, and even competitors' websites!
  • Test new design elements on a small scale before implementing widespread changes so you can gauge how the user experience is impacted
  • Always prioritize user experience over the latest design fads.

If you need help developing a website that is modern, functional, and durable, work with an experienced website builder in Knoxville, like Bluedress INTERNET MARKETING®.

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To Your Best Online!

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Ingrid Maddox, Internet Marketing & Strategy Consultant. bluedress INTERNET MARKETING®, an Internet Marketing Company headquartered in Knoxville, TN. Internet Marketing Developed, Implemented, and Managed to Full Circle! Organic Internet Search Engine Guru. Turn-Key Internet Optimization Programs Placing You Everywhere and Anywhere You Need to Be Online.

ingrid@bluedressinc.com

865-378-7712