Follow me on LinkedInFollow me on TwitterFollow me on FacebookFollow me on Facebook
Categories
Design trends: what good content looks like in 2021

Design trends: what good content looks like in 2021

Article

4 years ago

From the publisher

January 19, 2021

User Experience
5 Min read

Share

In an industry that is awash with stock-standard imagery, being ahead of design trends and finding ways to break from the mould will not only ensure your content gets seen but also support the impact of its message. The Dubs senior digital designer, Tom Bradshaw shares the design trends he plans to put to use in 2021. 

Top 5 design trends for 2021

Neumorphism

A trend we saw coming through in 2020 was Neumorphism – which is best described as minimalist realism. It merges recent trends such as minimal flat design (eg: Google’s Material Design) and combines it with the kind of tactile, realism design we saw in the early 2010s, known as Skeumorphism. Neumorphism allows designers to use a tactile approach to enhance the user experience, while also benefitting from being able to convey ideas quickly through minimalist design. 

 

Design trends: what good content looks like in 2021
Ridoy Rock

Design trends: what good content looks like in 2021
Neelesh Chaudhary

Abstract editorial design

A trend I enjoyed using myself in 2020 and I expect to continue to evolve in 2021 is editorial design. Most commonly used in blog article imagery and YouTube explainer videos, it’s a great way to ditch bland stock photography and replace it with editorial style collages that not only look great, they also better convey the idea. It allows you to mix different images from various sources to illustrate an idea that would be hard to do through one photograph. Adding abstract shapes and vibrant colours to this collage approach will make your website, blog or video really come alive.

Design trends: what good content looks like in 2021
Klawe Rzeczy

Design trends: what good content looks like in 2021
Christina Animashaun/Vox

 

Abstract editorial design is a great way to ditch bland stock photography and replace it with editorial style collages that not only look great, they also better convey the idea.

 

Soft colours

As we’re spending more and more time on computers, designers are increasingly thinking about eyestrain and how they can use more muted, pastel colours in their design. This was tackled last year in the dark mode trend, where users would be given an option to swap between a white interface or a black one. This year I expect we’ll see designers trying to find a balance by using colours that are easy on the eye and less harsh than pure black and white. Pantone’s colours for 2021 reflect this trend, going for the soft yellow of ‘Illuminating’ and the neutral ‘Ultimate Gray’.

Design trends: what good content looks like in 2021
Discovered Foods

Design trends: what good content looks like in 2021
Castor & Pollux Group

3D visuals

3D is a medium that’s increasingly coming into its own. With further advances in technology, designers are able to achieve the kind of results they could previously only imagine. As a result, 3D design is becoming more imaginative, bold and colourful – while illustrating its subject better than ever. 3D design is practical for a variety of uses, in particular when illustrating products. Adobe Dimensions is a great app for those who aren’t 3D design experts, allowing you to select from a range of 3D product templates and simply skin them with your own design – rendering a professional final image. 

Design trends: what good content looks like in 2021
Google Cloud Next

Design trends: what good content looks like in 2021
SENNEP

Design that reflects social issues

2020 was a year where issues such as inclusion and human rights continued to come to the forefront of discussion, most notably through the Black Lives Matter protests. In response, we’ve seen designers using their skills to get behind causes they believe in – creating everything from websites to protest graphics. A trend that has continued in my work, but has taken on more emphasis this year is that of inclusion. Companies are more pragmatic in wanting to reflect the diversity of their audience and this is reflected in the imagery and language we use in campaigns to reflect race, gender, sexuality and ability. 

Design trends: what good content looks like in 2021
The Third Strike

Design trends: what good content looks like in 2021
100 Every Day

At The Dubs we place a huge emphasis on strong, creative and arresting design that elevates content and ensures it stands out. Get in touch.

Related Articles

CX design and finance brands

New research has revealed that finance brands and consumers are mismatched in what they expect from CX design impacting customer retention and loyalty. So, where can you improve?

Article

May 23, 2022

User Experience
3 Min read

Improving the hybrid shopping experience

Consumers still value in-person shopping experiences, yet love the personalised and seamless nature of the digital space. A hybrid shopping experience is the answer, but what does it involve for finance brands?

Article

April 4, 2022

User Experience
3 Min read
Improving the hybrid shopping experience

Top 3 CX Design Trends of 2022

With the pandemic forcing customers to rely on digital platforms, CX design has now become a competitive differentiator. So, what are customers looking for in CX design in 2022?

Article

January 25, 2022

User Experience
4 Min read
Top 3 CX Design Trends of 2022

API technology and finance brands

API technology makes it easy for your finance brand to access customer data and create personalised products tailored to consumers’ needs. So, how can your finance brand benefit?

Article

January 11, 2022

User Experience
3 Min read
API technology and finance brands

Subscribe

News and analysis for Financial Marketers

Visit
The Dubs agency

When we're not lovingly crafting finance content, The Dubs Agency works with global clients delivering award winning projects. Check us out to find out more

thedubs.com

The FINANCIALMARKETER is the publishing arm for the dubs

The Dubs is the content marketing agency for the finance sector globally.