5 Impactful Design Trends in 2024
Some design trends may be short-lived and fade away as popularity decreases. If we look back at the 90s decade, trends in graphic design were full of fashion statements, bold colours, and diverse music genres. Many 90s graphics were heavily influenced by pop culture and the underground music scene, with references to grunge style, skateboarding, graffiti, punk and rave culture.
Whilst there will always be a new wave of cultural influence, there are some design trends that can offer long-term impact.
Let’s explore 5 design trends that are likely to continue.
1. Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusive representation is becoming the norm in the marketing world; there is growing awareness about the importance of diversity and inclusion across all industries. In design, that means using inclusive icons, illustrations and photography to represent ‘real’ people. People who don’t have the traditional ‘model-like’ look and don’t fit the Western stereotypical ‘standards of beauty’.
Designers are diving into diversity unapologetically and highlighting the countless looks, perspectives, and lifestyles of the many people on planet Earth. This helps marketers create a brand that feels like a welcoming space for all types of consumers, where everyone feels they belong.
2. Surrealism
Surrealism leaves the real world behind and helps to transport your audience to another level. It is a marketing technique that evokes an emotive response from your consumer.
Inspired by the 20th-century art movement, Surrealism has re-emerged with force in the marketing world. Fantasy art, ethereal designs, and subconscious connections are at the core of this trend. Surrealism is a fantastical escape from everyday reality; it is intentionally ridiculous or bizarre, creating unexpected juxtapositions, or a sense of otherworldliness.
Companies are finding it harder and harder to get and keep consumers’ focus, so brands are pushing boundaries, and creating striking aesthetics to stand out from the crowd.
Searches on Canva for ‘dreamy’, ‘ethereal’ and ‘fantasy’ have grown by 114%, 60%, and 80% retrospectively.
3. User-centric designs
Putting real people, who resonate with your target consumer, at the centre of your visual messaging can compel more visitors to engage with your brand. User-centric designs should utilise data regarding the interests, needs, and values of your users and consumers to ensure that your marketing resonates with your target audience.
Knowing customers’ likes and dislikes, and using this awareness to influence your designs, can create more opportunities for positive interactions.
Benefits of User-centric designs include:
Enhanced User Engagement: Creative designs that resonate emotionally with users lead to higher engagement and satisfaction.
Differentiation: Innovative and user-focused creative designs help products stand out in the market.
Emotional Connection: Storytelling and engaging aesthetics create a stronger emotional bond between the user and the product.
Increased Loyalty: Products that are both creatively inspiring and user-friendly foster greater user loyalty and advocacy.
4. Elevation using AI
There was once talk of Artificial Intelligence making the human designer redundant but on the contrary: designers are increasingly utilising the advancements in technology to their benefit.
By integrating AI into the creative process, artists and designers can push the boundaries of what is possible, explore new ideas, and create personalised and engaging content. AI not only enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of creative tasks but also opens up new avenues for innovation and artistic expression.
5. Responsible Design
Brands and designers alike are rethinking their approaches to sustainability and diversity, whether that be a more conscious environmental approach in print to making design accessible to a wider audience.
There is an increasing awareness among clients about the environmental impact of print materials. Opting for sustainable paper stocks, supporting responsible forestry, and altering designs to allow for less ink coverage are some examples.
Accessibility is at the forefront of many marketers’ minds, focused on creating visual experiences that prioritise inclusivity, ensuring that everyone (regardless of abilities) can engage seamlessly with the content. Whether this be through innovative use of technology, focus on colour and contrast, more responsive design systems, or more.”
Read more about Accessible Design here Are your customers getting the message? – CitiCreative
Ready to elevate your next marketing project with on trend design ideas? Contact Citicreative today
Sources
10 graphic design trends coming your way in 2024 | Creative Bloq
The design trends you need to know about for 2024 (canva.com)
Top 13 Graphic Design Trends for Cutting Edge Design in 2024 | Looka
