Five 2022 Web Development Trends We Believe in
Web development is like a run-away train. An ever-changing beast. We have taken a look at some of the web development and design trends that will play a large role in the industry in the coming year.
2022 has started with a bang, and we are so ready for a little spark of optimism to come our way. Web development is an ever-changing beast and keeping up can be a challenge even for the most diligent of us. Sites like Elementor and HubSpot have given us an account of the top web design and development trends we can expect in 2022, and we wanted to talk about which trends we like best.
1. Scrollytelling
A strong number one for us must be this delightful term – scrollytelling. According to Elementor, it refers to a series of visual elements that are sequenced together and organised in a way that meets the reader on their own turf. Websites that use this form of design composition allow the reader to take in the information in their own way and time, making this a very relevant strategy for UX design. Not only is scrollytelling a scrumptious word that rolls off the tongue, but it also puts the user’s needs first, which we love.
2. AI
In 2022, we expect AI to rise to a completely new level. Users are demanding more from AI than ever before, and chatbots that can’t keep up today will only fall further behind. We believe 2022 will challenge AI chatbots in areas such as voice, omnichannel responses, and payments, to mention a few. Mindsay has given an interesting account of some of the chatbot trends to come this year, and we are here for the intellectual growth.
3. Inclusivity in Design
We know accessibility is an important part of the design process and has been a point of focus for some time. But we are seeing a development of the term into a wider term – inclusivity. Design for everyone. It affects how we consider the target audience for which we are designing, their views, ideas, genders, and many other factors. It goes far beyond simply making sure your font is readable and that your colours pop. It affects the images you choose, the words, illustrations, symbols – you name it. We believe 2022 will bring an even deeper understanding of inclusivity and force us out of our narrow-mindedness. (About time if you ask us!)
4. Horizontal Scrolling
Horizontal scrolling isn’t exactly ground-breaking. We have seen the way banners change horizontally, and a few other examples. But it is becoming an increasingly popular design navigation method that can lead to pleasant and fluid user experiences. It’s like taking a walk, really. We move forward, not downward, don’t we? Horizontal scrolling takes us for a stroll through the website content, and we’re loving it!
5. Mobile-Friendliness
Yours truly learned in one of my first lessons in front-end design that a designer must think mobile-first. And thinking about it, I understand why. Did you know that almost ¾ of ecommerce sales across the globe are completed on mobile? Stunning, right? HubSpot writes about this, and how the meaning of mobile-friendly is ever-changing. In 2022 it will mean delivering a highly personalised user experience, complete with one-click ordering and biometric authentication to name a couple.
Web development – a world of change
Web development is like a runaway train. A stampede of visual and usability delights. If we don’t work to keep up, we can easily fall behind and get trampled or be left standing on the platform. It’s fascinating and scary at the same time. But truth be told, we don’t have to catch on to every trend that comes along. Simply being aware of the possibilities and ideas that are out there will give us the tools to decide for ourselves and create a powerful, delightful design that is playful, versatile, and practical – for everyone.