Our Favorite Interactive Design Trends for 2020

Written about Designing for Digital, Industry Insights, and The Creative Process on 1.24.2020

For our most anticipated interactive design trends for 2020, we chatted with our UI/UX specialist. Kellie is an interactive designer with a strong focus on accessibility for the web. She’s brought her attention to detail to the websites of our clients ‘Thrive Aviation,’ ‘Lake Mead NPR’ and more.

In the interactive design space, we’ve identified a handful of trends that are emerging in the realm of visual design. We’re likely to see a lot more of these in the year to come.

Type Focused

The days of the full-screen hero image or video background are dwindling. Lately, sites have been trending more toward type-focused and minimalistic layouts, letting the content shine with well-set typography.

Web fonts have come a long way, and another trend we’ve noticed is the move away from thin, techy sans-serifs towards quirky, personality-filled typefaces.

Headlined section of the Canals website — Canals

Humaaans illustration library — Humaaans

Use of Illustrations

Also on the decline is the use of photo assets with brands electing to use illustrations more often. From polished and colorful, to kinetic line drawings, these design elements are prevalent at the moment.

They also provide an excellent way to add some subtle UI animation.

Design Better Report Call to Action — Design Better

Snapsound hero scene illustration — SNAPSOUND

Muted Color or Monochrome Palettes

After the bold color trends of the last couple of years, muted and monochrome palettes are making a comeback. Part of this is just the natural backswing of the pendulum, but the popularity of the muted colors brings to mind a certain kind of nostalgia. Especially, when paired with vintage-style fonts.

Laguna Willkaqucha — Emergence Magazine – Papas Navitas

Kyoto module example — A Trip Through Japan

Inclusive Design Practices

As someone who has been pretty outspoken about the need for accessibility to be taken seriously in the design phase, I’m excited that it’s finally going more mainstream.

Considering the number of ADA lawsuits that have been brought over the past few years, designing with accessibility in mind will be the most crucial part of any web project. And with good reason, as the more people can use a site, the better.

If you want to design accessibly, but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve got a few pointers for inclusive design practices.