Web Design Trends in 2017: A Look Back
This archive revisits the web design trends Dreamkatcha highlighted in 2017. Established approaches included responsive web design, closely followed by parallax scrolling. Video hero graphics also featured, alongside high-quality photography and bold colours. These were design possibilities to assess against a site’s purpose, rather than requirements for every website. The ten themes below preserve the focus of that original discussion.
1. Cinematography
Video hero graphics featured in the 2017 discussion. Their value depends on the content, loading performance and audience; improved engagement or conversions should be measured rather than assumed.
2. Card Based User Interfaces
Card-based interfaces organise content into distinct blocks. Flexible cards can adapt to tablets and smartphones while keeping related information together.
3. Fluid Design
Fluid layouts were already well established by 2017. They allow content widths to adapt to the available space rather than relying on a fixed desktop layout.
4. Bold Colours
Bold colour palettes offered an alternative to restrained layouts. Whatever the palette, text and interface controls need sufficient contrast against their backgrounds.
5. High End Photography
Well-planned photography can show a business, its people and products clearly. Professional images need suitable composition and web optimisation, not simply a high-resolution camera.
6. Virtual Reality and 360° Video
If you have, for example, a bricks and mortar boutique or a hotel, this is a useful addition to your website. Customers could ‘browse’ in your shop without leaving the house, or have a look inside hotel rooms prior to booking.
7. Original Imagery
Original imagery can give a website a distinctive character. Stock photographs can also be useful when relevant, appropriately licensed and consistent with the business’s visual identity.
8. Parallax Scrolling
Parallax scrolling moves backgrounds and foregrounds at different speeds. Use it carefully and follow W3C guidance on reducing non-essential motion.
9. Dynamic Storytelling
Visual sequences can help tell a business’s story. The message should remain clear when movement is reduced or unavailable.
10. Greater Use of Content Management Systems
Content management systems such as WordPress and Drupal help businesses maintain website content. Editing information and changing the overall design are different tasks, so the setup should reflect who will manage each. Agree the pages, publishing responsibilities and review process before selecting a content workflow, so routine updates remain manageable.
Many ideas in this 2017 list built on earlier techniques. For a new project, choose features that serve visitors and support clear communication. Our guide to website usability explains why ease of use should guide those decisions.