The biggest, boldest web design trends of 2024—so far
At the end of 2023, we predicted that the new year in web design would reflect emerging technology by both leaning into it and pulling back. And 2024 delivered.
Six months later, we've seen a maximalist design approach solidify its place on our screens, and users are continuing to merge traditional web design principles with Y2K design and early web design nostalgia in search of more differentiation.
But there’s also a return to more handmade elements and “anti-design” minimalism that signals a push against the wave of AI generated content inundating our screens. Here's a fresh update to our original breakdown of 2024 top web design trends, including how you can incorporate them into your work.
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2024’s top web design trends
- Hyperreality
- A human touch
- Elevated brutalism
- Interactive whimsy
- Digital sustainability
- Maximalism
- Heritage revivalism
- '80s excess
- Dial-up design
- Retrofuture femme
01. Hyperreality
Hyperreality blurs the line between reality and simulation, making the simulated version feel more real or impactful than reality itself. This idea, introduced by Jean Baudrillard, often applies to media, art, and culture, where simulations can seem more compelling than real experiences.
We see this now more than ever largely in part to the global rise of AI. Within the last two years Google Trends has shown a 1,700% jump in searches for AI design tools and a massive 8,500% increase in 'Generative AI' searches. (Check out Wix Studio’s AI tools for generating text, images, responsive layouts and more.)
But AI is just part of what’s fueling the trend. Designers and creators are pushing limits of what’s possible both online and IRL. See: NPC characters on TikTok, MSCHF’s viral big red boots, Brompton House’s snackable brownies that you can take a bite out of with each click of your mouse, and Superorganism’s misty animation overlay that gives the feeling of being immersed in a tropical rainforest. MSCHF’s website is also full of surreal inspiration, especially the warped video banners and animated elements in their shop section.
Tap into the trend
- Interactive 3D elements: Integrate interactive 3D elements that users can manipulate, like clickable objects that change state or appearance with each interaction, to create a more immersive experience.
- Surreal animations: Use animations that alter the perception of the digital environment, like overlays or dynamically changing backgrounds, to give a sense of immersion and otherworldliness.
- Unexpected design features: Implement playful design features, such as warped videos or animated elements, to surprise and engage users, making the online experience feel more dynamic and intriguing.