2021 latest design trends



After months of quarantine and self-restraint due to a global pandemic, 2021 finds great hope for caution and optimism.


Design trends in 2020 are likely to continue in 2021, as it is an unusual year that seems like time has stopped. But some trends have been influenced by the needs of the pandemic.

From the third quarter of this year, "passive" designs will begin to emerge, and this impact will gradually be felt in 2021.


Many trends in 2020 are expected to continue, but here we will introduce the main trends in 2021.

2021 main trends



3D is undoubtedly a trend in 2021 as it can be found in all design areas, and the new move is that it is beginning to be used in the UI area, where flat design has been the mainstream.

The reason why 3D is being adopted more and more is that it is very easy to use and new software is available for free.


With software such as Figma and Dimension CC, anyone can practice 3D easily and quickly.

Another factor leading to more frequent use of 3D is the release of Apple's Big Sur, the new Mac operating system. The most major changes in the design are the introduction of 3D elements (icons) and transparent hierarchical areas.

Table of contents

1. UI / Ixd design

2. Illustration

3. Motion design & interface

4. Graphic design & printing

5. Packaging

6. Trend tool


1. UI & IxD design


1.1 App vs Mobile Web

It goes without saying that 2021 will completely leave non-mobile first websites behind. Most businesses have the highest user (customer) experience when using the app, so these businesses focus on development and implementation. Online stores, social media platforms, trading platforms and more will drive customers to the app to improve the customer experience and increase conversions. But can you tell which is better for your business or your customers, mobile apps or mobile websites?

1.2 Color scheme on white surface

Color is one of the most important visual elements of UI design. Colors can enhance the content and enhance the style of the brand. Color themes will need to be designed to harmonize. You need to be able to distinguish between UI elements and surfaces.



Surfaces are tiles, cards, sheets, and components that are placed on top of the background. The card is white and has a smooth shade that creates a floating effect. The background is usually white or very light gray.

1.3 Widget size

With the advent of iOS14, there are some new changes that affect all UI designs. Widgets come in three sizes, small, medium and large, and can be smartly rearranged between app icons. Designers need to create widget icons in all three styles. This allows the user to choose which one to use. Different sizes of widgets can display different amounts of information, so you need to be clear and display the right content. Keep in mind that the larger the widget, the more data and information it can display.

1.4 Animation and Interaction

Animation is an important part of app design and user experience. Nowadays, without animation, the design looks static and incomplete. There are many ways to create an animation, but here are some of them. JSON ( Javascript Object Notation) captures images and animations and renders them into code. The advantage of JSON animation is that it is smaller in size than GIF and supports full transparency. That's what you're doing (no background needed). A few years ago, Airbnb staff created a tool named Lottie that used JSON files to make small animations very easily. Lottie is an open source library for iOS, Android, and React Native that renders animations in real time. If you haven't tried it yet, why not give it a try?



1.5 Custom Made 3D Icon

By now, you've confirmed that 3D is an important category of design in the future. It's affecting UI segments more than ever. 3D icons are a new UI trend in 2021, so if you're tired of the flat icons that have dominated the UI scene over the last decade, you might want to try 3D icons. The final project looks fresh and modern.



2. Illustration

2.1 Narrow outline

I predicted this trend last year. Illustrations in 2020 are predominantly drawn in this particular style and will continue to be used in 2021. This trend seems to have started especially later this year and will be the main trend in the 2021 illustration category



2.2 3D

It's understandable that 3D has swept the design scene in recent years. 3D has evolved significantly, and highly sophisticated 3D illustrations will impress the viewer. The trend is to use dark or pastel colors, depending on the message you want to convey. The difference from last year is that the 3D illustrations are more minimalist, as if they were a little inspired by the simplicity of the flat design.



2.3 70's & 80's Anime Style Illustrations

Many of you are familiar with Ninja Turtles, He-Man, Thundercats and Inspector Gadgets. Good news for those who feel nostalgic. This style is back this year and will continue to be a trend in 2021. This classic cartoon drawing style uses simple shapes with outlines and a few details.



2.4 Wacky shapes & wacky colors

If you like graffiti, you might be good at this technique. At first glance it may look unfinished, but all shapes are very well thought out and constructed. The overlapping shapes and colors are bold illustrations that can give an impact to the viewer.



2.5 Illustrated video

I introduced it as this year's trend last year, but I will introduce it again here because it is a very important trend in 2021.


3. Motion design & interface

3.1 Tik Tok & Instagram Reel

Lille is a short and interesting format for video content. Short videos can be used as an effective marketing strategy. With the release of Instagram Reel, which is also a substitute for TikTok, major companies have begun marketing with this tool. These videos are no longer just made by teens as entertainment, but big companies are making reels for young people through advertising agencies. If you are already using SNS as a promotional tool, why not try Instagram Reel or TikTok.

3.2 Classic animation

The animation taste of a long time ago will rekindle in 2021, and it will become a trend in motion design.



3.3 Ultra-realistic 3D VFX

VFX (visual effects) combines existing video and CG to create a realistic scene. It will be an animation inserted in the live-action scene. With the advent of many easy-to-use software, VFX is now easier to incorporate in videos and short films.

3.4 3D illustration

It's not a new trend, but it's a very important trend, so I'll introduce it again. 3D has a strong impact on all design disciplines and will be used in almost every digital piece in 2021. 3D will continue to lay the foundation for implementing AR in many apps, websites, and software. Designers can create eclectic designs that combine 3D with photography and 2D, and by combining these techniques with motion, it is possible to create unique concepts.

3.5 logo animation

Logo animation has been around for a few years now, but now it's very noticeable and I'd like to introduce it again because it incorporates all the elements that mean branding at once. The logo is the first thing you see when you enter the app, so you need to make it memorable. Combining logos with smooth and smooth animations can produce memorable results for your company.

3.6 AR & VR

AR and VR are very large areas in their own right and have their own trends, so let's take a look at some of the trends that will definitely be seen in 2021. At Corona, companies are investing in AR technology to deliver their products to their customers. The product gallery uses VR and AR to make it easy for customers to view the artwork. Prior to the lockdown, it was expected that at least 100 million users would use AR-enabled shopping technology in 2020. In the future, with the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning, AR implemented in all areas from medicine and art to commerce, customer service and navigation will be used on a large scale.

4. Graphic design & printing

4.1 Large and bold typography

Typography is the most important element of design. Experienced designers can use only typography to create a visual identity. Typography is very important for creating a message, establishing visual priorities and delivering information. Large and bold typography has been around since the design began, so it's not new, but it's very important. Impressing large letters has always been a design trend and will continue, even if designers are using kinetic, distorted, 3D, animated or static typography.



4.2 Geometric shape

Creating complex designs using simple shapes is very unique. Geometric shapes are not a new trend as they have been seen in visual art since the beginning of the last century, but in 2021 graphic designs such as posters, prints, packaging and brand identities will be geometric shapes. Will pay attention to.


                 

5. Product design & packaging

In 2020, the new coronavirus will dominate the news, and product packaging will play an even more important role. Consumer concerns about food hygiene have contributed to increased packaging demand. Food delivery and online shopping have also increased significantly this year. Under these circumstances, packaging is relied on, and much of the brand's recognition and appeal is through packaging.



5.1 Sustainability

Recognizing that the new coronavirus has a major impact on the planet, the packaging industry needs to take steps to mitigate its environmental impact. Companies need to use cardboard, bioplastics, or biodegradable materials made from corn, potatoes, mushrooms, and more. Traditional plastic materials also carry a large number of bacteria and can be sustainable materials.

5.2 Custom-made illustrations

Well-thought-out and unique illustrations can create a great story for your brand. You need to carefully choose the best graphics to tell the story of your brand. It has a solid meaning and needs to be consistent with the brand

.5.3 Storytelling

It's not a new trend, but it's more realistic than ever, so I decided to include it in the trend list. When selling a product, invest in a good packaging design that tells a fascinating story about your brand. The product packaging has the power to encourage you to purchase the product. From the copy in the package to the font, material, size and shape, everything is essential to creating a unique experience when the customer opens the product.

6. Trend tool

6.1 Substance

This is Adobe's new tool. A tool to make 3D available to all designers. Substance is a complete suite for object texturing and material creation for 3D projects, an ecosystem for designers, material creators and illustrators. The downside is that it's offered as a different subscription than Adobe Cloud, which increases the monthly cost for beginners and junior designers.

6.2 Adobe Aero

Aero is a new tool for building and sharing immersive and interactive AR experiences. The biggest advantage of this tool is that you can create AR content without any coding or 3D design experience. Aero is in Adobe Creative Cloud.

6.3 Fresco

“Adobe Fresco is a free drawing and painting app built specifically for Apple Pencil and iPad, designed for professional artist drawing and painting.” This tool has been used by Adobe for the Procreate app for the past few years. Received high praise and was newly born. Start with a free starter plan and upgrade to the paid version to take advantage of premium features