Deciding What Works Best in Web Design Trends

Designers often criticize “superficial” design trends, believing they lack staying power or meaningful contributions to the industry. But are they really right?

In this article, we’ll explore design trends and new phenomena that excite many designers but can also attract criticism from those who think the design industry is headed in the wrong direction.

Are Design Trends Superficial?

Design trends, whether fleeting or enduring, are an essential part of a designer’s service. It’s what clients pay for. Offering outdated solutions that nobody wants can hurt your career. While it can be frustrating to cater to the whims of the masses, if you can’t meet their expectations, they won’t pay you.

Embracing visual trends is part of providing a commercial service. The only way to truly subvert a design trend is by creating one of your own, positioning yourself as a thought leader and influencing others to follow your lead. However, this is incredibly challenging, and most designers end up being followers rather than leaders.

This may seem harsh, but it’s the reality. You might think you’re original and unique, but often, you’re still influenced by prevailing design trends without even realizing it. Just consider how tablet and smartphone designs evolved after the release of the iPad and iPhone. These designs became so influential that they left little room for alternatives other than sleek, thin, and black (or white) designs.

The Nature of Trends

Trends are indeed fickle and often short-lived. As we all know, people quickly embrace new trends, making them look outdated in a matter of months. But, like it or not, that’s the nature of the industry, especially today. Ideas spread faster than ever before thanks to the Internet, exposing both designers and clients to new trends constantly.

Consider the phenomenon of Internet memes that rise and fall in popularity. One moment, everyone is buzzing about a celebrity or a viral video, and the next, it’s old news.

While design trends may not fade as quickly, the concept is similar. Humans are naturally drawn to novelty. Once something becomes familiar, it loses its allure, and we start searching for new sources of inspiration.

This cycle of trends may seem chaotic, and to some, it might reflect the simplicity of public tastes. But it doesn’t necessarily mean the trend was bad; it’s just that people are quick to adopt what they perceive as cool. “Monkey see, monkey do,” as the saying goes.

So, how can you stay updated on new trends without constantly chasing after every new idea? Here are three strategies to consider:

1. The Puzzle Piece Approach

Use the constant influx of new trends to your advantage by adjusting your style to meet clients’ diverse needs. I call this the “puzzle piece” approach – you have the missing piece for every design project you take on.

This approach works well for freelancers who don’t mind constant adaptation. While you might not build a reputation as someone who sticks to their principles, if you can ride the wave and adapt strategically, you’ll have a long and successful career.

2. The True Blue Approach

Alternatively, you may choose to build a reputation for creating work that consistently reflects your personal style. You resist new trends and only work with clients who appreciate your unique approach. This strategy can build a loyal client base, but it comes with risks. Your base may shrink as people’s attention shifts to newer trends.

However, if you can maintain this approach, your clients will likely be more loyal and willing to pay a premium for your distinctive perspective. Your success as a true blue designer depends on the health of the design market, which influences the business you can attract. While recent economic challenges have made this more difficult, trends tend to come full circle. Patience is key.

3. The Goldilocks Approach

In my view, the ideal approach lies somewhere in the middle. If you’re too much of a trend hopper, you risk losing credibility as a designer. On the other hand, if you’re too focused on your personal style, you may alienate a significant portion of your potential market. I’m a big believer in niching down your client base, but not to the point where it stifles your growth.

The goal is to stay flexible. Show your clients and users that you’re adaptable and in touch with current trends. At the same time, carve out a niche where you can dominate with your unique perspective and be recognized as a thought leader, even if you’re still following overall trends. It’s okay – 99% of us do.

What Do You Think?

Do you follow design trends? How do you balance staying relevant while meeting your clients’ needs and attracting new ones?