Web design features that will dominate in 2014

Web design remains a complex and skilled art that many try their hand at but few master. One of the key ways to find inspiration at a time when it seems scarce is to look at the latest trends within an industry. That’s why we’re going to take the time to look at some of the key web design features that are expected to dominate 2014:

Web apps

Though smartphone apps are more or less ubiquitous, the idea of apps within a web browser has only become more common during the last couple of years. We expect it to become even more popular during 2014. Google’s Chrome App Launcher is currently in the process of taking the idea to a more mainstream place, with web technologies being deployed to create applications running live on the web but with the ability to also store information offline. Expect more development this year.

HTML 5

Though HTML5 remains a common tool in terms of providing power to web apps, it’s rarely given it’s dues in terms of performance. We’d hardly be surprised to see it used more and more frequently during the upcoming year or so for a variety of different web design functions.

Responsive design

In a world where SEO is focused more and more around a number of different devices, it’s important to ensure that responsive design plays a part in any modern website. The ability to be fully functional on all of the main devices remains an invaluable ability that will only become even more important as the digital marketing age develops.

Photos. Massive ones.

Whilst the previous age of online promotion was focused substantially around lots of text (so as to be more visible to search engines) things have changed, and it’s anticipated that quality photos will play a big part in a website’s design during 2014. It’s definitely a great way to attract attention, after al!

The infinity scrolls

Though it sounds like something out of a Harry Potter novel, infinity scrolls (the ability to automatically load a new post when the reader reaches the bottom of the current page) may well play a key part in websites during 2014, especially those that rely solely on content. Though it’s considered controversial by some people (in a sense, it does take away the decision from the user), it will still likely play a key part in the design process of many sites going forward.