From the early days of bad clip art, scrolling text and those obnoxious little repeating background images, web design has grown into a fine art that blends technology, usability, information and design to effectively communicate your brand and content. Here are some of the most recent trends in web design:

1. Responsive web design. Web design should consider how your site will flow between various browser and web device widths, starting with mobile first. My previous blog covers this in greater depth.

2. Taps for Flash.  Sorry Flash, we once loved you, but we’ve moved on. Flash is incompatible with mobile devices and wasn’t SEO-friendly. Thanks for the memories, and we’ll always have Paris. 

3. Social media integration evolution.  Consider adding links to Tumblr, Linkedin and the new visual darling, Pinterest – although you’ll have to get on the waiting list to see what it’s all about. Don’t be shy with your buttons – they deserve a prominent location and should be at an easily recognizable size. 

4. Minimalism, how we’ve missed you.  Sorry Edith Farnsworth, but Mies is alive and well. Minimalism works well with slower-loading, mobile-first platforms and allows for some breathing room for your content with fewer distractions. Punch it up with some great images and/or illustrations (not so many, though) and judicious use of bold colors and interesting, large backgrounds. Don’t overwhelm and remember that content is king. If your design looks just fine without an element, then let it go. To borrow from Adolf Loos, ornament is a misdemeanor.

5. The Parallax View.  Parallax, or 3D style animations can be brought to life with jQuery or JavaScript. They can be a great way to add some personality to your site using multiple layers of hand-drawn illustrations and a little motion. Drag the slider at the bottom of this animation to see what I’m talking about. 

6. You might have to draw me a picture. The infographic style is a visually interesting and effective way to simplify complex information, and a particular illustration style can be a great way to build your brand. Examples.