-The year 2020 is one in which traditional designs and aesthetics are blending with new creative technologies and a dynamic sense of society to produce provocative, unusual designs.
– The sleek, futuristic vibe of the modern aesthetic continues to be popular, and is now playing out in monochromatic and/or typography-driven designs.
– An emphasis on the human experience, including creativity and artwork,
permeates the world of graphic design.
As we face an ever-changing, increasingly globalized world, design is at the forefront of our shared cultural experience. There is more content being created than ever before in history, and design permeates it in both the digital and physical realms. Even during this visual renaissance, there are notable trends in the world of graphic design. These visual styles represent a fusion of traditional and emerging themes. Let’s look at the various aesthetics that are dominating the year 2020 and how they work together.
Minimalistic, Simple Designs
The so-called modern aesthetic of smooth lines, monochromatic palettes, and sleek textures is still going strong. This visually appealing look connotes sophistication and elegance, yet is simplistic enough to be highly accessible and soothing. Some designers are producing stunning designs that center around a strong color; others are playing with typography in textdriven yet simple designs. It’s also common to see minimalistic designs that focus on creating opportunity for reflection through lots of space and minimal clutter.
No matter which approach one takes, minimalism is here to stay, from uncluttered, spacious designs to futuristic vibes and hues.
Distorted, Distressed Designs
Graphic designers are experimenting with dense, layered designs inspired by mixed-media artwork, comic books, and the urban aesthetic . Often, these designs make creative use of textures and typography to evoke emotions and promote a rough, natural look and feel. This distressed look is further enhanced by distorted fonts and digitally altered photographs that give the design a gritty vibe. These designs are at the opposite end of the spectrum from clutter-free, minimalist works, yet can be equally as evocative and beautiful.
Dynamic Animation and Immersive Designs
As websites become more sophisticated, they can accommodate ever more complex design.
In tune with current society’s emphasis on the human experience, web designers are creating immersive designs that use playful animations and user-influenced movement. People are now browsing webpages that respond fluidly to their mouse, with shimmering, gliding, and bubbling effects that give the websites an ultra-dynamic look and feel. Even in static graphic design, a sense of dynamism and motion appears in many works. This trends reflects the rapid pace of today’s society, as well as the sweeping changes that are taking place around the world.
Hyper-Realistic, 3-D Designs
Even as some designers drift into the world of the fantastical, others fully embrace realism and attempt to blur the line between design and the “real world.” Photo realistic paintings, photo heavy design, and 3-D graphics and animation all make designs appear to leap off the page(or screen). These designs are intended to produce an immersive, relatable image and push the boundaries of reality. Today’s designers are tapping into the human condition to play on our perceptions — and create memorable designs as a result.
Sustainability and Responsibility
In the age of the image, it’s not surprising that many designers are using their work to make a change. Powerful, emotional graphic design is at the core of many social movements, and once again, a strong emphasis on humanity is giving design a responsible, conscientious vibe.
Plus, many designers are embracing a nature- or human-oriented aesthetic to promote environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility. The world of design is also shifting to be more inclusive, with a new emphasis on accessibility and diversity in visual experiences
Wrapping Up
As we move forward in a new decade, century, and millennium, we are witnessing the convergence of classic design traditions and provocative new visual experiences. Designers are playing with people’s expectations to create striking new works that cause strong emotional reactions. At the opposite end of the spectrum, a hyper-modern, minimalistic approach gives people a visual space in which to reflect and better absorb the messaging.
Across both the physical and digital realms, the world of design reflects the dynamic, shifting nature of an increasingly globalized world. Different visual elements are blending together, a sense of movement permeates the design, and an emphasis on humanity ties it all together.
The year 2020 represents an exciting time for the world of design.
