The world of design is extremely dynamic, and there is always something new to learn and explore. Every decade sees new trends emerge, and the past decade has been no different. The 2010s have seen some of the most significant technological advancements and innovative techniques in graphic design. Here are some of the most prominent graphic design trends of the decade:
Flat design
Flat design moved away from the elaborate and intricate graphics of the past and focused on using clean lines and geometric shapes. This design trend eliminated shadows, gradients, textures and other embellishments, and focused on simple, more straightforward designs.
Minimalism
Minimalist designs sought to convey a message in the most straightforward and uncluttered way possible. The idea was to focus on the essence of what is most important, leaving out unnecessary elements that could be distracting. Many brands adopted minimalist designs as it aligned with their modern, forward-thinking ethos.
Gradients
Gradients, both linear and radial, played a huge role in design in the 2010s. They add depth and life to a design, and they made it seem like it was alive and with motion.
Bold and saturated colours
Bright and bold colours, particularly neons, became increasingly popular over the past decade, as designers sought to catch the eye and grab attention. These colours were often chosen to create a vibrant and energetic look.
Custom typography
Typography is the backbone of most design work, and the past decade has seen an increase in custom fonts. Many designers are experimenting with digital hand writing, unique shapes and ways to create beautiful letterforms that stand out in a sea of textual noise.
Image and text masking
Image and text masking have become increasingly popular over the past decade, particularly in layout web design. This technique involves placing an image invisibly over the text, creating a visually engaging design.
Illustration
Illustrations have always been a core part of design, and the past decade has seen some innovative techniques in their use. Hand-drawn images have become popular as digital art expands its presence. Illustrations are a great way to add personality and depth to a design, particularly when they are combined with bold text.
Responsive design
As more people access the internet using mobile devices, the need for responsive design has grown. Web designers now have to think about how their designs are going to look on devices with different screen sizes, and this has led to the development of responsive design. It’s a framework that allows seamless transitions across all devices.
In conclusion, the past decade has seen some significant changes in the world of graphic design. Advances in technology have allowed designers to experiment with different styles, techniques, and enhance the quality of their work. The above-mentioned trends will continually evolve and adapt to new technologies and new ideas. Over the next decade, we will undoubtedly see new trends come to the forefront that will change the way we see graphic design just as the technologies of the 2010s have influenced the world of graphic design today.
