8 UI design trends you might want try in 2021 đź”®
Who is ready for bubbly 3D, vibrant colors, glassmorphism and great tools?
It’s been a while since I’ve published the last article about UI design trends, but as soon as I’ve started writing I got all this funky feeling again in a good way. What if i miss a trend from the list (yeah it’s hard to choose)? What do others like these days? As you will see this trends are hardly living on their own often combined with other trends as well. All in all I’ve made this list and take it with a pinch of salt like any trend lists, because it’s super subjective but it could be fun to look back after — this hopefully brighter — 2021 if any made it really through.
Do you agree or disagree with some? Let me know in the comments below! Let’s get started!
Glassmorphism
Glassmorphism has already caused a lot of buzz at the end of 2020 (especially looking at some some well-known financial apps) but I expect this trend to continue. Oh you think it’s the same as neuomorphism? No that’s not cool anymore this effect is based on background blur, and it creates that “through the glass” look and feel on elements.
It was introduced in Windows Vista, then later in iOS7, but it seems it’s here to stay for a bit in the new, refreshed form! If you want take get hands-on with glassmorphism, try this Glassmorphism Generator online tool.
Geometric structure
This trend is coming for a while, but might peek really in 2021. The idea is based on using individual shapes to create larger more complex ones, which overall gives a tidy, but conservative visual structure. Often it’s combined also with optical illusion to create a memorable momentum.
Blurred, colorful backgrounds
This effect is mixed with glassmorphism quite a lot these days and thanks to the delicacy of its impact, it communicates an organic, warm and welcoming look and feel.
Take a look at Height’s landing page or the amazing portfolio of Sean Halpin as an example.
3D Illustrations (holla yeah still with us)
3D design trend is not exactly new to be fair, but it’s getting cooler and cooler. This design trend is one that certainly made the most of more modern technological advances and software capabilities used from illustrations to typography recently.
For UI designers it’s getting even simpler to create something in 3D. Have you heard of the 3D tool called Spline? (Currently in beta, but so amazing and easy to use!).
3D is also being widely used in full screen animations, as main key visuals — take a look at Superlist or see the wonderful 3D tutorial by Minh Pham on how to create a stunning 3D background for your website.
Brutalism
This trend comes with strong contrasts, often unpleasant (some might call chaotic) typography and many problems with the accessibility and readability. Slowly even big brands like Dropbox or Foursquare started to experiment with it, bringing into the mainstream. The core idea behind it is basically a deconstruction of what we perceive as beautiful and useful. I’m really digging this one, as I often see this as a relief out of all the systemic approach of design these days.
Big, sophisticated typography
There’s a lot of examples of a big, sophisticated typography playing the main role in a design of a product. Some of them are even entirely based on a typography with very unusual type scaling opening the doors for the art nouveau this year.
(More) Realistic imagery
I strongly predict that soon everybody will be tired of exaggerated-body illustrations and 3D graphics, so real-life photos will make a huge comeback. The new photography will often try to mimic nature, natural lights, softer, earthy colors and tones together with a more humane emotional approach.
Gorgeous minimalism
Probably a trend I personally love the most. There’s nothing more aesthetically pleasing than a simple, minimal and readable UI.
Thank you for reaching the end of this article! Which trend is your most/least favorite and why? Did you find something new? Let me know down in the comments! 🤗
