Whenever I get a chance to see web design trends from all over the web, one thing that always disappoints me is that they are all the same from last year, or probably not what you see these days. I mean come on, animation has always been considered a huge trend in website improvement, and that too today. However, do you know how great a trending animation is? Seriously, if you really have a trending checklist, and if you’re going to include a full-screen animation video, you’d better check out a variety of niche top websites before doing so. Nobody likes to watch an animated video anymore. There is much more than that. To prove it, let’s take a look at 5 niche trends that are going to take the web design field by storm.
1. A full, non-scrolling screen can make a difference
So, finally, people are getting used to non-scrollable sites as they have to put less effort into navigating the site. Imagine scrolling through those one-page sites, forever, with a sticky header that goes with you all the way. It’s always refreshing to see pages where everything is present within the screen, and you don’t need to scroll to navigate to other pages. Today, people are very busy and non-scrolling sites can act as a huge time saver for them. Let’s look at some examples of why this is great.
- Facebook privacy basics
Facebook uses side scrolling sliders to explain step-by-step instructions on the basics related to its privacy policy, backed up by some wonderful illustrations. Great, isn’t it? - Fantasy
Fantasy is a design agency that does a great job of keeping everything above the fold. Although it appears that it is some kind of displacement, in reality it is not. Checking in the working section, you can access the content below the fold, by clicking on the icons present above the fold. - KLM 50 trips
Another example of implementing this concept, which takes you through 50 destinations with the help of a video tour where you have to sit back and relax, seeing the best places to visit. Just use the arrow keys or the space bar to navigate a bit if necessary, preventing users from using the mouse.
2. A title that resides in a fixed format alongside
This is a completely new trend, seen in very few places. It’s always best to check out these kinds of trends on design studio sites or agency sites. This is a style where you have a sticky title that moves with the text, as it scrolls down. This is a wonderful trend found only on desktop computers and not designed for mobile viewing. Let’s look at some examples of why this is great.
- Code and theory
The site uses city headlines as a fixed format, so when you scroll, the related city name appears on the left side and changes as you continue scrolling. - Stack overflow
Here, the secondary navigation appears to be sticky as you scroll, with only the highlighting changing based on the section that appears to the right. - DDB Sthlm
When you scroll down, you will see that the corresponding menu remains fixed on the side and only the menu names change depending on the content.
3. Upload is all about displaying the logo.
This is another great trend that is gaining popularity today. The only thing you have while the site loads is to display the logo. Let’s look at some examples of why this is great.
- Instrument
When you open the website, all you see while uploading is the logo. After that it disappears and only reappears when you open the menu. - Fubiz
The site has different logos intended for different sections. So when you open a section you have a different logo backed with some nice animations. - This too
Another great design where the menu navigation icon takes on the role of the logo by holding position, as well as acting as a loader. Not directly, but the design takes an indirect approach to this trend by breaking the rules.
4. Background images that appear disruptively
Imagine, the background images take over the entire space of the site. This is definitely not a new trend. However, what’s new about this is that when the mouse hovers over the background, suddenly the background image starts to show movement. Now this is an amazing trend. Let’s look at some examples of why this is great.
- Make me beat
The site uses the trend quite convincingly, so that when you hover over the background, you see digital mountains rising, wherever the cursor moves. - Active theory
This is another great site where the background shows movements with the cursor moving here and there. It looks like it is creating some kind of distortion in the digital background. - Details
The site may require you to do some scrolling things. But as it does so, and when it reaches the end of the gear, a nice distortion takes place. Although a little, but nice!
5. Use animations on top with a touch of creativity
Since this is possible today, why not go for it? Animations, when presented in the right way, can work wonders, making the overall experience entertaining and enjoyable enough. Do it with great caution as it can consume your time and loading speed, but do it over the top to make it all worthwhile.
- Waaark
The design studio has produced one of the most impressive experiences in terms of images this year. The site does a great job of going overboard when it comes to animations. - Animocons
A classic example of click-based animations, where everything happens with just a few clicks. - Rally Interactive Beta
Another site with the right kind of animations, freaking out everywhere, and animation effects that change with clicks, while things remain simpler when you don’t have anything selected.