Web Design Trends to Watch Out for in 2024 | Thunderbolt Digital agency web design

In the fast-evolving digital world, chosing a good web design to keep your business up-to-date is not just a matter of preference – it’s a necessity. Your company’s website is essentially an online storefront that should convert visitors into customers, but to do so its design must be engaging and cutting-edge.

For 2024, several exciting web design trends are emerging that promise to redefine our online experience. In this blog, Thunderbolt’s agency web design experts share our top 5 web design trends to watch out for in 2024.

Whether you’re an agency web design professional keen to stay informed of new developments, or a business looking for tips to refresh your online presence, understanding these trends will help you dominate the digital landscape.

1. Using AI Technology

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world as we know it. With AI technology coming on in leaps and bounds in recent years, it is now utilised across a variety of sectors, including online marketing. It shouldn’t be a surprise, then, that AI is also becoming an indispensable tool for agency web design.

According to Google Trends, the search volume for AI design related tools and software increased 1700% from 2022 to 2023, with this expected to rise further in 2024. These AI tools can help designers create user-centric websites that offer highly customised, real-time design variations based on different user behaviour and preferences. Think of it as an upgraded version of A/B testing; to improve user engagement, these adaptive sites will offer variations in content, layouts, and even design elements.

Generative AI tools will also be increasingly used for key elements of agency web design in 2024. Chatbots like ChatGPT can help write website copy, while AI tools like Midjourney can generate custom website images and graphics. Even search engine optimisation can be simplified, by using AI SEO tools that analyse large datasets to identify the most effective keywords, predict user behaviour, and suggest content improvements.

2. Storytelling Through Design

Websites that offer an experiential journey rather than static content are increasingly popular for 2024. The goal is to use immersive design elements to transform the website into an interactive story that is memorable and emotionally resonates with visitors.

3D Elements

3D design has been gaining traction for a few years, but 2024 is poised to be the year it truly takes off. Advances in web technology now allow complex, visually rich 3D graphics and animations to run smoothly in most browsers.

Whether through interactive product displays, virtual tours, or animated backgrounds, agency web design teams can use 3D elements to add depth and dimension to a site, making it stand out in a crowded digital space. However, it’s important to balance aesthetics with performance to ensure that these elements do not negatively impact site speed or accessibility.

Skeuomorphism

Skeuomorphism is the practice of designing digital elements to resemble their real-world counterparts so that they can provide a familiar experience for users. Often, this is achieved by replicating realistic textures in images, or mimicking the real-world function of objects.

Previously criticised for causing slow website load times, thanks to improvements in technology this trend is making a comeback in 2024. Elementor and One Page Love offer good examples of skeuomorphism in agency web design.

Parallax Scrolling

Parallax scrolling, where background and foreground elements move at different speeds, adds depth and dynamism to web pages. This technique enhances storytelling and user engagement by making the browsing experience more interactive and visually appealing.

3. Focusing on the Little Things Through Micro-Interactions

Micro-interactions are small, often overlooked design elements that play a big role in enhancing user experience. These include subtle animations, hover effects, and other interactive elements that respond to user actions. In 2024, micro-interactions are set to become more sophisticated, offering users a more intuitive and engaging experience.

Agency web design that masters the art of micro-interactions can significantly improve overall website usability and aesthetic appeal. Micro-interactions not only guide users through a site but also provide instant feedback, making the overall experience more satisfying. Whether it’s a button that changes colour on hover or a loading animation that entertains users during wait times, micro-interactions are the small touches that make a big difference.

4. Improving Accessibility

Website accessibility is not a new trend, but continues to be a priority in 2024, with updated WCAG standards pushing for more inclusive web design. Ensuring your website is accessible not only enhances user experience but also demonstrates your commitment to inclusivity, which can improve brand loyalty.

Dark Mode

Offering a dark mode option is no longer just a beneficial feature but an expectation, particularly for mobile users who want to reduce eye strain in low-light environments. The best agency web design teams will focus on creating flexible designs that work seamlessly in both light and dark modes. This requires careful consideration of colour palettes, typography, and contrast ratios to ensure that content remains legible and visually appealing in either setting.

High Contrast UI

High contrast user interfaces (UIs) that enhance readability and accessibility for all users are also becoming more common. By using sharp contrasts between text, backgrounds, and other visual elements, these designs ensure content is easily legible, particularly for those with visual impairments. Implementing high contrast options not only makes websites more inclusive but also aligns with best practices for accessibility, helping brands reach a broader audience.

5. Making a Statement with Bold Typography

Typography continues to evolve this year, with agency web design experts experimenting with bold text layout, size, colour, and interactivity. Expect to see large-scale text in a mix of classic and modern fonts, and creative text arrangements that enhance visual appeal and website functionality.

Animated text, known as kinetic typography, is set to become more prevalent as well. Kinetic typography transforms text into a bold, dynamic visual element through animation. It is particularly effective at capturing user attention and conveying clear messages on narrative-driven designs like landing pages (an example of which can be seen on Thunderbolt’s homepage!).

Contact Thunderbolt for Agency Web Design That Helps Your Business

Embracing these 2024 web design trends can help your business stand out as a market leader in a crowded digital space.

If you’re looking to revamp your website or incorporate these trends into your design strategy, trust Thunderbolt as your agency web design partners.

Our team of experienced web designers keep their fingers on the pulse of design trends, ensuring that each client’s website looks modern and incorporates the latest functionality.