Choosing which design style to pursue for a project will be more critical than ever, as the challenge to attract audiences and stand out from the crowd tightens in a world overloaded with information. But even with an information-driven world, design has the opportunity to make people feel even more – to draw out emotions and create reactions intuitively found in human interaction.

Duotones & Dual Exposure

In late 2015 Pantone shook the design world by declaring Rose Quartz and Serenity as 2016’s “Color of the Year,” possibly sparking the trend on the use of blended, duotone colors in the digital landscape. By 2016, plenty of websites started adopting the use of duotone, most notably Spotify, creating both a striking and vibrant look, that even as it is in 2017 the style has permeated. Lately and by 2018, the style will have evolved to be incorporated into double exposure layer effects as well; providing a balance of Color and drama in the specified photos.

Bold Colours

Even as gradients or colour transitions have recently staged a comeback, Bold, individual colors still hold their ground and relevance in the design world. In the midst of so many brands popping here and there, nothing makes one stand out than having brads donning a courageous and vivid palette. However, making bold decisions about colors is also about being smart on which ones work well together and which ones work with your brand’s look in order to fully capture the audience you intended to talk to.

Vibrant Gradients

As choices for colors get more bold and courageous, it’s not surprise that gradients, or color transitions as we’re calling them now, have continued to evolve. It has been a while since the gradient’s comeback, but it sure looks like it will stay as brands and designers have utilised this style in web design, logos, user interfaces and various forms of media. Color pairs, triads or combinations overall will only get more bold yet also stylish and attractive.

Geometric Patterns

Following in the footsteps of flat design and minimalism, geometric lines and shapes have taken on a new form as distinct patterns in design. Paired with bold choices in color, geometric patterns bring with it a certain complexity yet also a sense of excitement; of which makes any design overall eye-catching and quite compelling.

3D

As the world has slowly moved forward from flat design, 3D has rose in prominence and it is not going anywhere anytime soon, especially with the strengthening immersive technologies of AR and VR. Whether they’ll be used to represent real-life objects or be a piece of original art in itself, 3D models will be more refined than ever; having smooth finishes and surfaces, Employing Proper Lighting and looking almost identical to the object which they represent. Not only will 3D typically provide depth to any work, it will also give viewers a sensory perception of the object(s) at hand – of how smooth they may feel, or in what directions they might move.

Refined Metallic Finish

More powerful rendering tools have paved the way for 3D models to look very smooth and refined. With this, it is no longer impossible to achieve a realistic and an alluring metallic look that just speaks luxury and class. By employing proper lighting, reflections and shadows, metal surfaces and elements need not look awkwardly-executed and lacking in depth and realism.

Isometric Design

Design no longer has to be purely flat, it can take on plenty of perspectives even while being so. Isometric projection presents objects and elements in a three-dimensional angle to make each distinct, and presents the opportunity for a creative and compelling bigger-picture view and story.

Designs will be getting bolder and pack more unique punches as designers and brands wrestle to stand out and become more memorable. Viewers and audiences can expect more immersive design experiences that beautifully balances information with entertainment and delight.

Design in 2018 will definitely be a blast.​​​​​​​

*Article by Mark Daniel Banaynal from Epicco Digital.