Must-Know Web Design Trends For 2023 (& How To Use Them)
Must-Know Web Design Trends For 2023 (& How To Use Them)
Karol Andruszków
04-08-2023
Reading time: 12 minutes
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When as many as 75% of users form an opinion of your website based solely on its appearance (source: Kinesisinc) you can't afford not to keep up with trends. Having an outdated website with poor performance can literally kill your business. Of course, you don’t want that to happen, right? Absolutely check out, then, the compilation of the hottest web design trends for 2023 and make sure you stay ahead of your competition!

Before we start…

Trends come and go and even return with doubled force. However, there are some that stay with us for a long time and to which anyone who wants to have a successful website should adapt.

A well-kept and up-to-date website

94

Did you know that the first impression of a website is as much as 94% about its appearance alone (source: Design Resources)? This doesn't mean, of course, that you should feverishly follow every new compilation of web design trends for each upcoming year and modify your site according to them every time. It's more about making sure that you don't underestimate the role of website design, as you will lose a huge amount of customers! 


If you make sure that your website looks professional and well taken care of, that's a lot! Believe that users momentarily notice when they enter a website that hasn't undergone any updates for 10 years, and when they enter one that lives up to current web design standards. 

A website enjoyable to use on any device

74

If you want to drive users away from your website effectively, make it... unsuitable for mobile devices. However, if you don't want to do that make sure that your website is convenient to use on any device. As many as 74% of people are more likely to return to a responsive website (source: Digital Intelligence Briefing)! 

Lightning-fast website

53

A slow loading website is one of the first reasons why users reject further interaction with it. According to Google Consumer Insight, approximately 53% of mobile site visitors will leave if the website loads for more than 3 seconds. Furthermore, it turns out that this problem leads to lost revenue of up to $2.6 billion a year [fuente: Design Resources].


Despite appearances, nowadays it is not that difficult to make a fully responsive website quickly and without overwhelming costs. For example, any website created in BOWS it automatically responds no matter what plan you use.

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Web design trends that you cannot miss in 2023

You already know what are the basic trends that you should already find applying on your website. It's time to get into the details and see what other trends will be popular in 2023 that you should keep an eye on.

1. Show off your playful side through an animated cursor

Gif showing animated cursor at livingcorporate.mubien.com 

Source: livingcorporate.mubien.com 

Using an animated cursor on a website is a trend that has been around for a while now but is still going strong. It is a great way to add personality to a website and catch the user's attention.

 

There are many different types of animated cursors to choose from, and it can be a lot of fun to experiment with different ones to see what works best for your website. Just be careful not to go too crazy with the animations, or it can end up being more distracting than helpful.

⚡ BOWWE Growth Hack:
One thing to keep in mind when using an animated cursor is to ensure that it is compatible with all browsers. Not all browsers support animated cursors, so you will need to make sure that your website is designed in a way that will work for all users.

2. Keep the organization with white space

Screenshot from apple.com showning iPads and two iPhones

Source: apple.com

White space is the empty space on a web page. It's the space between text, images, and other design elements. In the world of web design, white space is key. It's been around for years and will continue to be an important part of web design in the years to come.

 

White space is important because it helps to organize and clarify a web page. It makes the page easier to read and understand. White space can also make a page look more professional and polished.

⚡ BOWWE Growth Hack:

How can you use white space on your website? 

 

→ Use more margins and padding around text and images

→ Keep text paragraphs short and concise

→ Use line breaks to break up text

→ Use bullets or lists to organize information

→ Use whitespace to create visual contrast

3. Make it engaging with animation

Gif showing animation on grow.betterup.com

Source: grow.betterup.com

In the past, animations were often used solely for decorative purposes. However, in 2023 we can expect to see more fun and functional animations. For example, an animation might indicate that a user has successfully completed a task or provide feedback on their input.

 

Animations can also be tailored to the user’s needs. This means that designers will consider the user’s preferences, age, and other factors to create more user-friendly animations.

 

The increasing popularity of virtual and augmented reality also contributes to the increased use of animations. We can expect to see more animations used to create a more immersive experience. These animations will create a sense of depth and realism and help to make the user feel like they are a part of the website or app they are using.

⚡ BOWWE Growth Hack:

How to use animation on the website without fail? 

 

→ Use animation to draw attention to important elements on your website, such as call-to-action buttons or key information

 

 

→ Use animation sparingly and avoid using it for elements that are not important or do not need to stand out

 

 

→ Make sure your website's overall design works well with animation and that the animations you use are smooth and not jarring

 

 

→ Test your website with and without animation to see which version works better for your users

 

4. Communicate through image

Screenshot from notion.so showing illustration of people

Source: notion.so

Illustrations and data visualization are becoming more and more popular in web design. They are a great way to engage users and communicate messages effectively.

 

One of the reasons why illustrations and data visualization are so widely used is that they can help to explain complex concepts or data in a way that is easy to understand. This is especially important for websites trying to communicate complex ideas or data to their users. If you provide many different statistics on your website, try using visual content; it is a much more convenient way to show essential data than text.  

 

Illustrations and data visualization keep users engaged with the website and help to keep them interested in the content. They also make the website more visually appealing.

⚡ BOWWE Growth Hack:

How to make good use of visuals on the website? 

 

→ Make sure the visuals are clear and easy to understand

 

→ Avoid using too many visuals at once - too much information can be overwhelming

 

→ Use visuals that complement the overall design of the site

 

→ Consider the context in which the visuals will be seen - will they make sense in the context of the rest of the site?

5. Improve your aesthetic with a dark theme    

Screenshot from store.google.com showing countless electronic devices on black background

Source: store.google.com

Dark mode has been around for a while, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years. Many people find it more aesthetically pleasing than the traditional light theme, and it can also be more comfortable to use in dark environments. What’s more important dark theme can be helpful for people with vision impairments.                               

Many people are drawn to this trend because it is unique and different. Dark themes can create a sense of sophistication, luxury, mystery, and suspense. 

 

There are several different ways to implement a dark theme on your website. One popular way to do this is to use a dark background with light text. Alternatively, you could use a dark header with a light body.

⚡ BOWWE Growth Hack:

If you're interested in trying a dark theme…

 

→ Test out different dark modes to see which looks best on your website

→ Make sure all your images and videos are compatible with dark mode

→ Use light text on a dark background to ensure your website is easy to read

6. Add uniqueness with an asymmetric layout

Screenshot from possiblemonuments.se showing pictures in asymetrical layout

Source: possiblemonuments.se

If you want your website to look fresh and modern, you should start thinking about asymmetrical layouts. What are they, and why are they so trendy? Asymmetrical layouts are basically layouts that are not symmetrical. They're more freeform and often involve elements that need to be evenly spaced or aligned.

 

This can be a great way to add interest and visual appeal to your website. It can also help you to stand out from the competition. But it's essential to use asymmetrical layouts sparingly, or you'll risk making your website look cluttered and messy.  If you use them wisely, they can help you create a website that's both stylish and functional.

⚡ BOWWE Growth Hack:

If you're thinking about using an asymmetrical layout on your website, there are a few things to keep in mind:  

 

→ Make sure that the layout is well-balanced 

→ Ensure that all fonts, colors, and other elements are consistent. 

→ Make easy to navigate layout

7. Convey emotions and vibe through gradient 

Screenshot showing Landing Page template with gradinent from bowwe.com

Gradients can be used to create a sense of depth and movement on a website and can be applied in various ways. For example, you can use gradients to create a background, text, or button gradient.

 

One of the benefits of using gradients is that they can help to create a cohesive look across a website. In addition, they can also be used to add a touch of personality to a website.

 

Gradient backgrounds are a great option if you’re looking to add a touch of elegance to your website. However, using them sparingly is important, as too many gradients can quickly overwhelm a website.

 

When it comes to using color gradients in web design, there are no set rules. So, experiment with combinations to see what works best for your website.

⚡ BOWWE Growth Hack:

If you don't know how to get started with gradient...

 

→ Use light and dark colors to make it more visible

→ Try use multiple colors to make it more interesting 

→ Use a gradient that goes from left to right to create a sense of movement

8. Show transparency through glass textures 

Screenshot from decimalchain.com showing glass texture cards

Source: decimalchain.com

Another trend that is likely to continue is the use of glass textures. Glass textures can give websites a modern and sleek look and can also be used to create a sense of transparency and openness.

 

Glass textures are a great way to give your website a modern and sophisticated look. They’re perfect for businesses that want to make a good impression on their customers. If you’re looking for a way to add some texture to your website, glass textures are an excellent option. 

 

Glass textures can be used in various ways, but some of the most popular applications are backgrounds and borders. You can also use them as overlays on images or text. However, be careful to use them sparingly, or your website will start to look like a mess.

⚡ BOWWE Growth Hack:

There are a few things to keep in mind when using glass textures in your web design:

 

→ Use light colors to create a sense of airiness and brightness

 

→ Avoid using too many textures or patterns

 

→ Use glass textures sparingly, as they can be striking and eye-catching

 

→ Make sure that the text and other elements on the page are easy to read and that they contrast well with the glass textures

9. Make a lasting impression with parallax & horizontal scrolling

There are a few trends that are predicted to be big in 2023. Parallax scrolling and horizontal scrolling are two of them. Let’s take a closer look at each of these trends.

Gof showing parallax scroolling on mooi.com

Source: moooi.com 

Parallax scrolling has been around for a while, but it has recently gained popularity. This is because it is a great way to add visual interest to a website.

 

Parallax scrolling is a technique that creates an illusion of depth in a 2D website by scrolling the background at a different speed than the foreground. This creates a visual effect that makes the website look more 3D.

 

Parallax scrolling can create some stunning effects on a website. It can add visual attraction and create a more immersive experience for the user. If used correctly, parallax scrolling can be a great way to make your website stand out from the crowd.

⚡ BOWWE Growth Hack:

There are two things to keep in mind when using parallax scrolling on your website: 

 

→ Make sure that the scrolling is smooth 

→ Ensure that the scrolling is consistent throughout the website

Gif showing horizontal scrolling on prevint.pt

Source: prevint.pt

There are several reasons why horizontal scrolling is becoming more popular. For one, it can be a more user-friendly design choice. It can make it easier for users to navigate through content when used correctly. It can also be a more visually appealing way to display information. 

 

Horizontal scrolling is a type of web design that involves scrolls that move from left to right, as opposed to up and down. This scrolling type is often used to display long lists of items, such as menus or product galleries. It can also create a more immersive experience, such as storytelling or instructional content.

⚡ BOWWE Growth Hack:

If you decide to use horizontal scrolling on your website… 

 

→ Experiment a little to find the right layout and scrolling speed 

→ Provide instructions for users not familiar with this type of scrolling

If you want to stay ahead of the curve in web design, consider using parallax scrolling or horizontal scrolling in your designs. They are sure to impress your clients and generate a lot of interest.

10. Add something extra through 3D design

Screenshot from chirpley.ai showing 3D graphic of bird and egg

Source: chirpley.ai

3D models are becoming increasingly popular in web design, and their use is likely to continue to grow in the years ahead. 

 

Virtual reality is one of the most exciting potential uses for 3D models in web design. VR is becoming increasingly popular, and 3D models could be used to create even more immersive and realistic VR experiences.

 

3D models could also create more realistic and interactive website designs. Instead of simply viewing a website on a screen, the user could actually interact with the 3D models on the page. This could create a more engaging and immersive experience for the user. 

⚡ BOWWE Growth Hack:

If you want to use 3D design on your website... 

 

→ Use 3D sparingly and only when it enhances the user experience

→ Make sure that the 3D elements you use fit in with the rest of the design

→ Ensute that the 3D elements you use don't slow down the loading process

11. Show your personality with creative typography

Screenshot from glossarie.xyz showing text in differents fonts

Source: glossarie.xyz​​​​​

In 2023, we can expect to see a lot of creative and experimental typography. Creative typography is all about using type in an unconventional way. This might involve using a different font, playing around with the spacing between letters, or turning the type into an image.

 

There are already examples of this trend in action. Some websites use creative fonts and exciting layouts to grab attention. Others are using unique typography to create an immersive experience for the user.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to creative typography, and this makes it a very popular trend among web designers. In fact, creative typography is often used to add personality and visual interest to a website.

 

Whatever the approach, creative and experimental typography is a great way to stand out from the crowd. It can help you to create a unique and memorable website that will engage and impress your visitors.

⚡ BOWWE Growth Hack:

If you’re looking to create a website that uses creative and experimental typography, here are a few tips to help you get started:

 

 

→ Try using different fonts and sizes, and see how they look when placed next to each other 

→ Use animations and effects together with typography

12. Inspire users to take action with micro-interactions

Gif showing micro-interactions on spotify.design

Source: spotify.design ​

Micro-interactions are tiny moments of delight that make using a website a more enjoyable experience. The little things we do on a website make it feel more personal and engaging.

 

Micro-interactions can be used to help users accomplish tasks more efficiently. For example, if you are signing up for a new account, micro-interactions can be used to confirm or deny your input. This helps to keep the user informed of their progress and makes the process more streamlined.

 

Another excellent use for micro-interactions is providing users with feedback about their progress. For example, if you are filling out a form, micro-interactions can indicate when the user has reached the end of the form. This can keep the user informed and prevent them from scrolling through the entire form to find the end.

 

Overall, micro-interactions can be a great way to improve the user experience on a website. They can help to make tasks easier to complete, provide feedback to users, and add a bit of personality to the design.

⚡ BOWWE Growth Hack:

There are a few things you can do to create micro-interactions:

 

 

→ Use animation: Animation can be a great way to add a bit of fun and personality to micro-interactions

 

→ Keep them simple: Keep micro-interactions simple so that they are easy to use and understand

 

→ Use feedback: Use feedback to let users know what is happening when they interact with your website or app

 

→ Make them personal: Make micro-interactions personal by using users’ names or favorite colors

Web Design Trends 2023 - Summary

The trends that will be popular in 2023 are entirely focused on providing users with a website that prioritizes them. Users are finding it increasingly challenging to forgive non-responsive websites with an outdated designs. They now not only expect every site to be customized for every device, but they also want websites that are actually comfortable to use and visually appealing. 

 

You can't afford to ignore the most basic needs of users, or you'll lose them. Remember that having a professional and modern website is an investment that will quickly pay you back, for example, in the form of more frequently returning customers.

 

So think about which trends your website already fits into, which you need to implement, and which you don't. By putting user convenience and experience first, it will be easy to determine how your website should look in 2023.

Article by
Karol Andruszków

Karol is a serial entrepreneur, e-commerce speaker m.in for the World Bank, and founder of 3 startups, as part of which he has advised several hundred companies. He was also responsible for projects of the largest financial institutions in Europe, with the smallest project being worth over €50 million.

 

He has two master's degrees, one in Computer Science and the other in Marketing Management, obtained during his studies in Poland and Portugal. He gained experience in Silicon Valley and while running companies in many countries, including Poland, Portugal, the United States, and Great Britain. For over ten years, he has been helping startups, financial institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises to improve their functioning through digitization.