Do you want to create a new WordPress site this year? Well, much has changed since you created your old website. In 2018, there are some exciting trends in web design that you’ll actually love. The internet is a dynamic world, and you need to embrace change as it happens.

While user-friendly and straightforward designs are still dominant, there are some web design elements that you should consider for your new project. Read on to learn more.

1. Custom Graphics

Visual content is an essential component of the overall design as they make your website more appealing and less dull. Plus, it engages visitors in ways that text can’t. Traditionally, developers have used stock photos and generic graphics to design their sites.

However, custom graphics is the new trend that is taking the use of visuals in a different direction. With custom options, you can give your site a personalized and unique look. Typically, they offer a distinct personality that sets you apart from the competition and the rest of the web.

2. Animated Elements

With the improvement of browser technologies, web developers can now use animated elements instead of static visuals. Using animations helps to give life to some of your lackluster pages. They also allow you to give your visitors an interactive and immersive experience.

Some of the areas where you can add animations on your website include logos and navigation and you can add hover effects and scroll trigger effects. However, when using animations, make sure not to overdo them as they might end up rendering your site dull, garish or too slow to load.

3. A “Mobile First” Approach

With the number of mobile users surpassing that of desktop users, Google is now pushing webmasters to adopt and embrace mobile-friendly designs. 2017 was the year when most of these changes occurred, and 2018 will see a dynamic landscape in web design. Plus, Google noted that mobile-friendliness is going to be one of the ranking factors.

For that reason, a mobile-friendly design isn’t just a component of the overall design. Instead, it’s the element that lays the foundation for your design. So, you should check your topography, speed, menus, and the above the fold content. You should also try adding sticky elements at the bottom of your mobile page, as recommended by The Web Shop.

4. Bold Fonts and Large Topography

With the increasing number of free and customizable fonts, designers now have assorted options to use when setting up websites. You’ll notice amazing sites with large letters that are supplemented by adequate whitespace for easy skimming. Many browsers are also supporting TrueType/OpenType fonts, meaning you can use your own typeface.

Designers are getting creative with the idea of using fonts to replace images, which tend to impact the speed of a website. When used correctly, fonts can be great visual elements, and this eliminates the need for browsers to download images when loading content.

5. Use of Micro-Interactions

Popularly known as emojis, micro-interactions offer an easy way to develop an interactive UX design. You’ll generally see them on Facebook, and they allow your visitors to express their emotions and ideas in simple ideograms instead of letters. Typically, they make responding to electronic messages and texts fast and simple.

With WordPress sites, you can have this feature built into the design of the theme. Alternatively, you can use plugins to offer micro-interactions to your visitors. Whatever the case, this function provides a richer user experience, and visitors can engage with your content more easily than before.

Get Your Design Ready!

Predicting the best WordPress designs for 2018 is not easy. However, there is value in studying and determining what elements developers and designers are actively using. With that in mind, you’ll find these web design elements useful when revamping your site or developing a new one. Keep in mind that the focus has always been the user experience, and that’s what you should always work towards.