With each new year comes a gambit of trends in all areas of design–fashion, interior, graphic, web, product–you name it. Design is a reflection of the world around us. Regardless if you decide to use a trend in your next project, it’s still smart to know what’s on the rise. We’ve rounded up the highlights from design authorities like Getty Images and Pantone to give you a summary!
Here are our predictions for graphic and web design trends of 2017.
Modern Meets Retro
Using retro colors and styles is a great way to throwback and capitalize on the nostalgia of your target audience. This certainly isn’t a new trend, but it’s not going anywhere.
Minimal
Consumers are looking for brands to trust, and I think we will start seeing more and more minimal design that lets the product or service speak for itself. The 1990’s can keep the grungy scene look–Minimalistic design is here to stay (hopefully forever).
Artisanal
Complex, hand-drawn illustration and watercolor scripts have been a staple of branding and design in 2016. The hand-drawn look is an excellent way to introduce a human element in your design in an increasingly digital age. 2017 will see more simple hand-drawn elements, minimal illustrations, and “sketch” style originality.
Decades
The children of the 90s are the consumers of today–which is why we will continue to see a strong resurgence of that iconic 90’s style. With it comes the perception of realness and sincerity through raw, candid photos and nostalgic color choices.
DIY
The breadth and scale of consumerism has us all reaching for something more authentic. We all want to root for the little guy–and focusing on local talent and small business has been stronger with each passing year.
Color Pop
Gone are the vintage Instagram filters–to be replaced by strong, unusual uses of color. Whether it’s beautiful or ugly–it’s a disruption from the everyday sameness that plagues us.
Color Trends
In times of chaos and complexity, we seek restricted, uncompromising color pallets, according to Pantone’s Viewpoint Color magazine.
Pantone announced 2017 color of the year Greenery, which suggests a resurgence of fresh, light, spring colors. Along with Greenery as the color of 2017, warm earth tones and natural, unprocessed colors are the trend. Khaki is making a big comeback in all areas of design.
Greenery bursts forth in 2017 to provide us with the reassurance we yearn for amid a tumultuous social and political environment. Satisfying our growing desire to rejuvenate and revitalize, Greenery symbolizes the reconnection we seek with nature, one another, and a larger purpose.
Leatrice Eiseman
Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute
