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How to design Websites in 2012

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Web Design Trends for 2012

We're steadily approaching the end of 2011. Christmas is just round the corner, the high streets are plastered with discount posters and Christmas deals on handbags and toys. For a web designer, this is the best time of year to take a look back at your portfolio, and start preparing for the New Year by practicing the following web design trends, which will shape the online world in 2012.

HTML 5 will replace Flash

We can already see this happening, Flash seems like a thing of the past now with the uprising of HTML 5. This means that most websites will choose to go with HTML 5 for dynamic functions. Compatibility will no longer be an issue for websites because all recent browser updates are able to run HTML 5.

More Websites will be animated

Websites can now be dynamic without the need of Flash. HTML 5 opens up a realm of possibilities for developers, allowing them to be as creative as they want. The sky is truly the limit. There are some amazing examples of animated websites already, so next year, expect to see some creations that will blow your mind.

Texture effects

In 2011 we've seen websites begin to make use of textures. Websites have been given a subtle facelift to give an impression of depth in backgrounds and logos.

This has proved popular for online portfolios of graphic/website designers. Subtle textures combined with softer colours have been combined to give backgrounds and icons a classy lift.

Parallax scrolling

Web designers have taken advantage of HTML 5 to improve the user journey on their websites. Brands such as Nike have used this unique feature to take the user through a step by step journey, and communicate what their brand is about. Layers have been animated at different speeds to give the website a further sense of depth.

WordPress Websites

WordPress is a great option for web designers because it's so easy to use. It's the preferred option to building a bespoke cms for a client. WordPress will make projects a lot more bearable for web designers because of the freedom it gives the user in terms of customisation and content management. No longer will clients have to keep calling designers to change the content of their website, because they can just do it themselves through the admin panel.

Interesting Typography

With the combination of depth and textures, the homepages and websites will have interesting typography. The web is now less restrictive in terms of fonts, so designers will take advantage of this and treat their websites like posters, making calls to action a lot more appealing, therefore there will be new methods of promoting featured content.

No More Boxes!

The days of borders and boxes are coming to an end. We are seeing websites choosing to lose the borders on their page, in exchange for breathing space. Icons will stand on the page with a drop shadow, without the restriction of a box. This will give websites a clean layout, giving a sense of open space.

Useful Links to Explore

Useful examples of web design trends for your inspiration!

Web Design London - James Blake Website Design & Marketing Agency London
James Blake web design agency in London provides website development, seo, web marketing, cms design and website design services in London. James Blake Internet web services and solutions in London UK.
Sylvain Ollier | Graphic Design et Direction Artistique
Design Award Sylvain Ollier
Kitchen Sink Studios | Creative + Collaborative + Design Consultancy
Creative + Collaborative + Design Consultancy. Branding, identity, web design, print, animation, photography, social media, PR, marketing and much more!
David E Jones a web developer with a passion for problem solving
David E Jones
cultural solutions uk I Lincolnshire based cultural consultancy I research, planning & events management services
cultural solutions uk: an independant lincolnshire based arts and cultural consultancy - offering reserac, planning and events managementservices to arts, 3rd sector, cultural and economic development organisations, including local authorities, arts and cultural organisations and other public and pr
Digital Hands - Online Brand Communication | Social Media Consultancy | Online Campaign Practices | Mobile Marketing
Digital Hands Online Brand Communication, Facebook Application, Microsite, Social Media Consultancy, Online Campaign Practices, Mobile Marketing

New Guestbook Comments

  • freeiconzone May 26, 2012 @ 5:36 pm | delete
    Great job on the lens, I really am fascinated with the new HTML5 stuff and everything it can do already, I know there is still so much more that people will learn, the future of the web really is now. I am just excited to see everything it will bring. Oh and if anyone needs Free Web Icons for their website design be sure to head on over.
  • jantelmary May 21, 2012 @ 9:24 am | delete
    Great Lens.Keep sharing.HTML5 is the fully programmable with javascript.It is easy to use and high flexibility.Main drawback modern browsers only support Html5.

    http://www.sbzone.com/small-business-web-design.html
  • coldsore Apr 25, 2012 @ 4:00 am | delete
    HTML5 is a mighty step forward for what is termed as static design. The drawback is, they were so eager to release it that it lacks full browser support. You still have to err on the side of caution when designing in case something isn't supported.
  • SDadmin Mar 14, 2012 @ 10:02 am | delete
    a great resource!
  • FutzureEngineering Mar 12, 2012 @ 6:34 pm | delete
    Great lens!
  • aflcarleasing Mar 1, 2012 @ 8:42 am | delete
    Great lense. HTML5 is a god send and i love modern looking websites with textured effects. I only develop on Wordpress because its all i need to develop on, it's a great CMS. Perfect for bespoke web design too
  • Lindrus Jan 3, 2012 @ 12:13 am | delete
    It will be interesting to see how things change in 2012. Thanks for a great lens!
  • augustview Jan 2, 2012 @ 2:11 am | delete
    Yup, have to agree, exciting times ahead for the web design world!
  • mennella Dec 25, 2011 @ 11:31 am | delete
    i totally agree, nice lens
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JamesBlakeUK

I'm the social media manager for Jbi. I'm always looking fresh and relevant content to share on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, and practical ways to... more »

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