During 2020 and 2021, we have spent a lot more time online. It’s no wonder that the amount of time we’ve spent using the internet has led to some very strong trends within web design. The following is a list of some of the highlights of 2021 web design trends so far. 

1. 3D visuals

In the past year, 3D visuals have been appearing on more and more websites. They can be used to create an eye-catching homepage, portray an infographic in a new and exciting way, show landscapes, or just serve as a beautiful visual element for a website. 3D visuals can make a website feel more interactive and stand out among the crowd. 

2. Minimalist design

Minimal design doesn’t always mean boring. 2021 has seen a rise in simple, elegant websites with streamlined visuals and simple colour schemes. Although minimalist design isn’t new, there’s been an increase in the trend as of late. Simple designs can help make the content, products, or services on a site shine all on their own. 

3. Dark mode

Dark mode is a style where light text shows up on a dark background. Some say dark mode is easier on the eyes, especially at nighttime. Popular apps and programs have been making dark mode available, and some websites are now being designed with dark mode themes, including a black background with light colour text. If you like the idea of dark mode but don’t want to change your website, you can use Google chrome extensions that make any website appear as if it’s in dark mode, too. 

4. Parallax scroll animations

Parallax effects can change the way a visual element looks by making it on the screen. Parallax scroll animations are different from the GIFs we all know well, though. With these types of animations, different parts of the image move at different speeds, adding depth to the image on screen. 

5. A focus on accessibility

Earlier this month, the Website Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) released it’s working draft of the WCAG 2.2. This update took place on Global Accessibility Awareness Day. One billion people worldwide live with some sort of disability or impairment, and although it’s always been a good idea to make accessible websites, 2021 has seen a big push towards website accessibility worldwide. We have seen a lot of changes happening without our online world during the past year as we all learn how to work or go to school from home, and website accessibility has made it possible for more people to do these things.

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