Throughout the design industry, their arise predicted trends for the coming year with 2021 being no different. The personal difference this time, however, is the addition of the exploration of the user interface and user experience (UI and UX) predicted trends alongside those for the graphic design field. Exploring these trends has allowed me to build an image of what the creative industry will likely look like over the coming year. This exploration also enables me to create designs for the final major project that can reflect these trends.
To ensure that I do not simply cover one bias, do not simply repeat from another article and its views and to gain a total overview of what creatives around the world are predicting I have collected and archived a range of trend prediction posts of Instagram and articles from websites such as Digitial Synopsis. This archive allows for an overview and enables me to take a step back and see which trends are being shared continuously throughout the accounts and websites.
As a creative practitioner, I must also walk a fine line. Being a designer that simply mimics trends does not aid the creation of a personal brand or a personal style. Both of which are aspects that help to build client bases and a following online. As I take this overview and continue to explore this topic throughout the project to ensure to monitor how they develop over 2021, if I am to choose a trend to implement into my work then I must ensure that the trend can fit into my personal creative aesthetic with authenticity.
Three repeated UI/UX trend predictions
Image [1]: N. Barrientos. (2020).
Dark Mode
This trend seems to stray away from the clean white minimalism of brands such as Apple and steps into the shadows. Interfaces are shown with dark tones of grey and black with the stark appearances of colourful gradients and highlight elements.
Shown by:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJuJDAnHl1G/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJqerm4Hqas/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJA78yEgtQs/
Image [2]. V. Nui, Vikiing. (2020).
3D elements
This trend approaches the cute and playful. Elements such as landing page illustrations and icons get a 3D twist with multiple intricate pieces. A stray away from the flat styles of the past several years.
Shown by:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJuJDAnHl1G/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJmH8XsgWIK/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJfvoXlABIv/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJY6gaFIeTQ/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJVDTvnpoaS/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJA78yEgtQs/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJAzABlHUsw/
Image [3]. M, Ridi. (2020)
Glassmorphism
I feel this trend to be one of my favourites of the predictions and one that has already been mirrored by a major macOS update Big Sur where the technology powerhouse has used this element throughout their new interface style.
Shown by:
Two repeated graphic design trend predictions
Image [4]. G, Mama. (2020). Graphic design trends in 2021. [Graphic]. https://graphicmama.com/blog/graphic-design-trends-2021/
Nature-inspired design/sustainability
This trend appears on various blogs that discuss the topic of 2021 trends. Although presented with various names, this trend focuses on the natural world, its colours, fluid shapes and Earthy colours. This trend, due to the topic of my project, will be the most natural out of all of the trends to be implemented in my designs.
Shown on:
https://www.creativeboom.com/inspiration/the-biggest-trends-in-graphic-design-for-2021/
https://graphicmama.com/blog/graphic-design-trends-2021/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CHz_7_vgUT5/
Image [5]. G, Mama. (2020).
Emoji design
This trend sees the growth and development of the emoji characters and predicts their wide use within a variety of graphic design media. This trend reminds me of the fictional WWF emoji project I had researched for my final major project proposal. How could the development of technology impact this particular trend?
Shown on:
It is interesting to note that the trends predicted across a variety of
platforms around the user interface and user experience design discipline appears, to be united in the predictions for 2021 when compared to the results found from a pure graphic design approach. Due to the nature of my outcomes, a prototype application design surrounding the topic of extinction and the Anthropocene, naturally, I will focus on the trends predicted for that particular discipline. This topic will be continued to be explored throughout the course of the project to ensure I am aware of developments or changes from the wider industry, allowing my design to be current.
Figure list
[1] Image [1]: N. Barrientos. (2020). Dark mode projects. [Graphic]. www.behance.net/gallery/103366527/Dark-Mode-Apps?tracking_source=search_projects_recommended%7Cdark%20mode
[2] V. Nui, Vikiing. (2020). 3D projects. [Graphic]. https://www.behance.net/gallery/109186049/iOS-14-Big-Sur-3D-icon-pack?tracking_source=search_projects_recommended%7C3D
[3] M, Ridi. (2020). Glassmorphism projects. [Graphic]. https://www.behance.net/gallery/110310469/New-Trend-2021-Glassmorphism?tracking_source=search_projects_recommended%7Cglassmorphism
[4] G, Mama. (2020). Graphic design trends in 2021. [Graphic]. https://graphicmama.com/blog/graphic-design-trends-2021/
[5]. G, Mama. (2020). Graphic design trends in 2021. [Graphic]. https://graphicmama.com/blog/graphic-design-trends-2021/
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