Design Trends That Will Dominate In 2021

With design trends being everchanging in nature, there are way too many design trends that are popping up in 2021 catering to many different kinds of audiences. There are the post-pandemic people-focussed designs and there’s the movement-based design among many others. Here’s a list of 5 of my favourite design trends that in my opinion will dominate in 2021.

1. Minimalism

It calls for expressing the necessary and important elements in the creative. Cutting out the noise and getting to the point with minimal design is the way to go. No matter what the design style, minimalism is a nice way to get the message out to a rapidly scrolling thumb. Less is more, however minimal design can be complex in thought yet simple in delivery.

Have you seen: The Airbnb Animals campaign?

2. Retro Futurism

In this seemingly evident apocalyptic scenario, retro-futurism is a nice way to capture the attention of a synth-wave listening sci-fi-binging audience. Throw in some neon (in most cases), some good ol’ retro fonts, and mix them up with some nice design and you’re good to go. If you want to position your brand/product to look like it’s come straight out of the flick Back To The Future, then retro-futurism is your route. 

Have you seen: The rebranded Burger King & The Stranger Things marketing campaign? 

3. Serif Typeface

Serif fonts are back to claim their place in 2021. When paired with good design, perhaps some nature-inspired elements & a simple sans serif typeface, your design can really stand out and please all kinds of audiences. 

Have you seen: The Forest Essentials branding?

4. Fine Art Meets Design

Art, be it abstractionism, modernism, surrealism or any other form mashed with some smart graphic design can really bring a twist to your communication. Slap one of the ‘isms’ to your communication to capture attention and create recall. 

Have you seen: springsummer.gucci.com?

5. 3D Design

With advances in technology and easy access to 3D modeling tools, 3D is a good way to spruce up your design in 2021. 3D Designs allows the designer to see what they would not see when designing in 2D. It helps to understand how shapes work in the real world.

Let’s face it, everything’s better in 3D. 

Have you seen: You know that person wearing a green helmet, riding a green bike. Bam! Recall. 

To summarise, this year will be more of creative designs that communicate elements of surprise, compassion and connection with the audiences.