Whenever I have an opportunity to look at the web design trends from all across the web, one thing that disappoints me always is they are all the same from last year, or probably not what you see around these days. I mean come on, animation has been always considered to be a big trend in enhancing a website, and that too even today. However, do you know how big a trend animation is? Seriously, if you really have a checklist of trends, and if you are going to include a full screen animation video into it, you better check out a niche range of top websites before doing so. No one likes to see an animated video anymore. There is the lot more than that. To prove it, let us check out 5 niche trends that are going to take the web design arena by storm.
1. A non scrollable full screen can be a difference maker
So finally, people are getting used to sites that are non scrollable, since they have to put in fewer efforts into site navigation. Imagine, scrolling those one page sites, till eternity, with a sticky header accompanying you all the way to the bottom. It is always refreshing to see pages wherein everything is present within the screen, and you need not to scroll for navigating to other pages. Nowadays, people are very busy, and non scrolling sites can act as a great time saver for them. Let us look at a few examples why this is great.
- Facebook Privacy Basics
Facebook makes use of side scrolling sliders to explain step by step instructions on the basics related to their privacy policy, backed by some wonderful illustrations. Great, isn’t it? - Fantasy
Fantasy is a design agency doing a great job of keeping everything above the fold. Although, it appears as if some sort of scrolling is involved, in reality, it isn’t. Checking in the work section, you can access the content below the fold, by clicking on the icons present above the fold. - KLM 50 Travels
Another wonderful example of implementing this concept, taking you through 50 destinations with the help of a walk through video wherein you need to sit back and relax, watching the best places to visit around. Just use arrow keys, or space bar for a little bit navigation if required, avoiding users to make use of mouse.
2. A headline residing in a sticky format on the sideways
This is a brand new trend, seen on very few sites. It is always best to check such kind of trends on sites of design studios, or agency sites. This is a style wherein you have a sticky headline moving with the text, as you scroll down. This is a wonderful trend that is found only on desktops and not meant for a mobile viewing. Let us look at a few examples why this is great.
- Code & Theory
The site makes use of city headlines as a sticky format, so when you do a scroll, the related city name appears on the left side, and it changes when scrolling is continued. - Stack Overflow
Herein, the sub-navigation appears to be sticky as you scroll, with only the highlighting changing based on the section appearing on the right. - DDB Sthlm
When you scroll down, you will see the corresponding menu remaining sticky on the side with only menu names changing as per the content.
3. Loading is everything about showing the logo
This is another huge trend gaining popularity nowadays. The only thing you have while the site is getting loading is showing off the logo. Let us look at a few examples why this is great.
- Instrument
When you open up the website, the only thing you see while the loading is taking place is the logo. After then it vanishes, and only appears back when you open the menu. - Fubiz
The site has different logos meant for different sections. So, when you open a section, you have a different logo backed with some nice animations. - This Also
Another great design wherein the menu navigation icon takes the role of the logo by holding the position, as well as acting as a loader. Not directly, but the design makes an indirect approach towards this trend breaking the norms.
4. Background images appearing in a disruptive manner
Imagine, the background images taking all over the site real estate. This is definitely, not a new trend. However, what’s new in this is when mouse hovers over the background, suddenly the background image starts showing motion. Now, this is an amazing trend. Let us look at a few examples why this is great.
- Make me pulse
The site uses the trend quite convincingly such that when you hover over the background, you see digital mountains rising up, wherever the cursor moves. - Active Theory
This is another great site wherein the background shows movements with your cursor moving here and there. It looks as if you are creating some sort of a distortion in the digital background. - Details
The site might require you to do some scrolling stuff. But as you do, and when you reach the bottom of the team, you have some nice distortion taking place. Although slightly, but nice!
5. Using animations over the top through a creativity touch
Since this is possible nowadays, why not to opt for it? Animations when introduced in a right fashion can work wonders, making the overall experience entertaining, as well as pleasing enough. Do it with great precaution since it can consume your loading time and speed, but do it over the top for making it all of them worth it.
- Waaark
The design studio has produced one of the most stunning experiences in terms of visuals this year. The site does a great job of actually going over the top when it comes to animations. - Animocons
A classic example of click based animations, with everything happening with just mere clicks. - Rally Interactive Beta
Another site with right kind of animations, going crazy all over the place, and animation effects changing with clicks, while things remaining simpler when you have nothing selected.