
What’s Hot in Design Now
As Steve Jobs said, “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”
Design trends come and go. However, trends do not simply emerge for a year and then disappear like a cloud of smoke. Rather, trends become popular and gradually fizzle out without much warning or notice. So, what does this mean to a designer? Even if we don’t want to jump on the bandwagon, it is important to know the trends to keep our designs fresh. Ultimately we need to decide how to best use the trend to create something interesting and unique for our clients, while being careful not to overdo it.
The Pantone Fashion Color Report for Spring of 2016 notes that bright, bold, vibrant statement hues are the suggested HOT colors this year. Colors like: “Fiesta” and “Snorkel Blue.” Even the names feel bright and bold.
Typography seems to be following suit. Bold statements, playful sans-serif typefaces and letter stacking are the center of attention this year. Typography is paving the way for dramatic and creative designs.
If you are a child of the 80s you may be taken back to your childhood with some of the trends in design this year. Watch for retro styles inspired by the 80s and 90s, which include bold colors, pixel art, playful geometric designs and crazy patterns.
So here is something to think about: Following trends, just to be “trendy” isn’t always a good idea. Ask yourself a few questions before you jump on the bandwagon:
- Does it fit my brand?
- Does it speak to my target audience?
And remember this trend that never goes out of style: Your design must make an emotional connection with your audience. If it lacks emotion, it won’t be memorable. Make an impact, and, like Steve Jobs says, make sure “it works.”
“To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail.” — Giorgio Armani