Our top 5 website trends for 2023

Every new year we are inspired by the latest trends, especially when it comes to the ever-changing world of websites.

Not only do we want to design functional and user-friendly web pages, but also want to make sure what we bring to the table stays fresh and relevant.

We pinpointed our Top 5 website trends for 2023.

Organic shapes

In 2023 the trend is to break away from precise geometric lines. Just using blocks or straight-edged images is not enough as users expect new and fresh designs. Therefore introducing organic shapes that represent more natural forms and organic flows will enhance the website to be more engaging.
Organic shapes grow a sense of deep connection to the world around us, as it is all about using natural and substantial elements to invoke the perception of being plunged into nature.

Even technological brands where geometric seems best can embrace round shapes by using round cornered images and buttons as opposed to blocks.

A site that inspires us: www.fruitlogistica.com

A sample site we have developed: www.hortgro-science.co.za

Dark Mode

We set our phones and other devices on dark mode, so why not have a website in FULL dark mode from the start?
Black is anything but neutral, and it evokes powerful emotions.
Not only that – dark mode screens reduce the problems associated with vision and headache for the average viewer who spends about 43% of waking hours on screen per day. This means your user will spend more time on your website than on your competitor’s site.

Sites that inspire us: estudiosvictorcordon.pt; thelivekindlyco.com

Sample sites we have developed: www.leonalbert.com; muscatatelier.com

Fresh Colours

Colour is one of the most powerful tools for any design.

When applying fresh colours, they create a bright, vivacious, and inviting impression on the viewers and generate a notion of fun which can immediately enhance viewers’ moods.

Naturally, your colours should match your brand, but you can easily adapt the brand colour to a fresh variation for website use.
These colours can be vivid and fresh, sepia or prismatic, but they should always be applied in a mindful way to support the brand and not subtract.

A site that inspires us: www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/34335761/best-sports-moments-2022-year-review

Sample sites we have developed: www.maritzelectrical.co.za; www.aeonsolar.co.za

Interactions / animations

This is not a new trend, but it has gained more momentum in 2022.

The only purpose for involving micro-interactions in your web design is to create a jiff that engages the ‘human’ user. Making them spend more time on your site.

In the future, websites, apps and other resources will look unfinished without animations. Often the animation has no meaningful purpose and it is only necessary to attract customers.

Animation makes content lively and memorable. Users will be immersed in the interaction. In addition, such a design helps to draw attention to specific sections.

A sample site that inspires us: buddhapizza.od.ua

Sample site we have developed: www.ban.co.za/ban-franchisee/

People-first content for SEO

Whether you are a business, a non-profit organisation, or an online shop, search engine optimization (SEO) helps you to improve your website’s search engine ranking and consequently, its visibility.
Google Helpful Content Update has finished rolling out, and the phrase “people-first content” is everywhere.
As expected, people-first content which provides original, helpful, informative, and relevant information to users will be prioritised for the top search results.
If you want to bring people to your site and ultimately turn them into customers, it is essential to establish your brand as an authority in your field.

A sample site that inspires us: bbuy.zajno.com