Design Trends for 2023

THE NEW NOW

We all need to stay relevant and modern for today’s consumer. So – let’s drag out the crystal ball and discover what’s now, what’s new, and what’s hot for ’23. 

TYPE

Lively scripts, sassy flares, and bold sans are hitting 2023’s red carpet. As a nod to nostalgia, we also include the refined streamlined scripts and art deco styles. Whatever the case – personality is on display and here to make a statement. 

If this is your style, remember to keep it on brand and have some fun with it.

BRUTALISM

Angular, geometric, and grid-breaking layouts are coming back with the  resurgence in brutalism. While brutalism is not for everyone, it can be a great design language for manufacturing, logistics, and creative companies.

Not a fit? That’s okay, you can still use scaled-back versions that are more symbolic. For instance, break the headline hierarchy so that the logical order is  unexpected and provokes interest.

Example of contemporary Brutalism - Mary Trombitas – Targeting Leadership

COLOR

2023 colors are all about self-expression. Bigger and bolder, expect to see eye-catching pops of jewel tones, brooding shades, and mood-lifting tints. While natural tones have their place, 2023 is definitely done with the dull and drab. 

Liquid gradients are also hot for 2023. They can be used as a focal point or a complementing  background. While liquid gradients are fun and exciting, use them with restraint. 

FUTURISTIC MINIMALISM

Sci fi takes a leap through the wormhole and onto the runway. Logos are taking on a more futuristic look and feel – like the new KIA logo. 

Eco-branding becomes more prevalent with its minimal, simplified look and provides thoughtful, powerful, and dynamic perception. 

You’ll also start to see more biodegradable and transparent packaging. No more thinking that a bag of chips is full to the brim. 

Flat design had its day and now we move into neumorphism. Clean, shadowed and more 3D, the monochromatic neumorphism is upping the game for minimalism. (And quite frankly, it’s a winner.)

PAGINATION

Pagination brings a big positive to negative space.  When correctly applied, negative space provides an opportunity to focus on content or function – one topic or transaction at a time. 

A magazine-style layout indicates distinct pages and breaks up the content to give the eye a chance to rest. This is especially useful to separate overstimulated content and disruptive visuals. 

BRANDING VISUALS

Illustration took the stage a few years ago, and while still relevant for 3D and interactivity, photography is back. Why? Because it’s about people first, not just the idea of people. Companies now are actually trying to think about you, not just themselves, and make a genuine connection with people hence a stronger use of photography and realism. 

Modernized nostalgia is also hitting the catwalk. Sweet yesteryear’s imagery evokes engagement and appeals to our senses with  ideas of a simpler time – with a modern twist. 

Disruptive designs with jumbled text and collaged images have also come knocking. Generally raw, collaged, or doodle-like, the perceived anti-art brings big personality and demands our attention for longer periods of time. 

SOLID UX

User Experience, like customer experience, is and always will be in style. This year, companies will deliver content that sounds more like a human and not a company or a computer.  

Snackable content and intuitive processes are employed to alleviate frustration and make quickly digestible content and  understandable transactions. No one wants to work to make a purchase from you or to connect with you – so make it easy!

Micro animations are more prevalent and are now expected. No more boring, static web pages – it’s time for a big hello to personality and responsive content. 

That’s a lot to think about for the next year. And with any design, it needs to complement your brand, be relevant for today, and know when to break the rules. Whatever you do this next year, keep it clean, keep it professional, and make sure it works for you, your company, and your customer. 

Here’s to your stylish ‘23!