1. Subtle Nostalgia  

Grounded in human connection and a sense of familiarity, Subtle Nostalgia delivers a vintage aesthetic that’s achieved through Serif fonts, muted colour palettes, and retro visuals and imagery.

‘Neomorphism’ is a design trend that has seen a 6,000% increase in global web searches over the last 5 years. The trend is characterised by a soft, slightly raised design style that combines elements of flat design and skeuomorphism that is reminiscent of the 70s and 80s.

It creates a warm, comforting ambiance that resonates with visitors–nostalgia has proven to be a powerful tool for engaging and connecting with an audience and is set to grow even more popular in 2024.

Hand-painted candle company, Bable, use a blend of muted toned and retro visuals on its Squarespace website for a 70s feel

2. Hyper-Reality

Pushing boundaries of what’s really possible, Hyper-Reality immerses visitors in surreal, futuristic experiences. Heavily influenced by the rise of AI globally, the use of  stretched and exaggerated types and puffy and bubbly elements create an attention-grabbing environment that has been embraced by the design world even outside of the web category.

Hyper-real design is representative in the world we are living in where tech is present in the daily lives of most people around the world. Influential fashion brands like MSCHF have really embraced this trend through the launch of its viral big red boots.

The use of gamification and gamified interactions in web design can be used to enhance visitor engagement and this trend is set to explode in the new year.

According to Google trends, the search volume for AI design related tools and software has increased 1,700% from 2022 to 2023 alone. Additionally, the search term ‘Generative AI’, which is AI technology that can produce various types of content including manufactured imagery, has seen a 8,500% growth in the last two years.

Squarespace customer and creative agency Morprime Industries uses futuristic fonts and gamified interactions on its website

3. Minimalism Revival

Minimalism Revival is the resurgence of the ‘less is more’ design principle. The aesthetic is marked by simplicity, clean lines, and a focus on the essential.

The term ‘minimalism’’ saw a 90% increase in Google searches over the last year in the UK alone, whilst the term ‘becoming minimalist’ saw a 180% increase in Google searches.

This trend reflects a desire for uncluttered digital spaces and efficient user experiences. It prioritises white space, legible and clear typography, and reduced visual noise, creating a sense of calm and clarity. 

In the modern era, Minimalism Revival can be achieved through using a small selection of bright colours, limited typography variations and minimalistic navigation. Content is king in this approach, with well organised information and concise messaging.

Yoga instructor and ceramicist Maizu uses clear typography and no more than two colours on her Squarespace website

With these design trends to boot, web designers and business owners have the opportunity to let the boundless fusion of technology, nostalgia and artistry push them creatively throughout the year.