2017 is already starting to prove an exciting year for web design. Let's look at some of the trends that will become more important as the year progresses:
1. Move Over Raymond, Everybody Loves Video
Let’s all agree on one thing first: car karaoke videos should go in 2017. Please? Okay, so karaoke aside, videos are literally flooding the content space. A recent report from Google predicts that 74% of all web traffic in 2017 will come from video. Yes, that’s right. Practically three-quarters of ALL web traffic will be generated through video content. Such an increase is reminiscent of the dot com surge. Back then, if companies weren’t online, they were scrambling to get online. Today, those companies that haven’t adopted video as a part of their ongoing marketing and branding efforts are scrambling to create shareable content. Websites will feature more full-screen glossy videos, as well as bite-sized pieces aimed at educating, sharing, and enticing.
2. A Deeper Understanding of “Mobile-First”
Entire agencies were made overnight under the banner of “mobile-first” design. Mobile traffic has increased so dramatically, though, that mobile-first is no longer a feature. It’s vital. Major brands have already adopted this, but smaller companies are still coming on board. However, what exactly mobile-first means is an area for further study. Simply designing a website with mobile accessibility in mind isn’t an automatic ticket to increasing conversions. Sure, NOT having a mobile ready site already leaves you missing all the action, but simply getting to the party doesn’t mean people will engage. With major dollars for large purchases still done via desktop, developing deeper mobile content and design strategies in order to increase customers will be phase two for mobile-first.
