The Biggest Design Trends of 2016

The year is about to end, and it’s once again time for the “Best of 2016” lists to come out. Of course, no “Best of 2016” list would be complete without a list of the biggest design trends that hit the art world this year. So what’s it going to be this year? Calligraphy? Watercolor? Minimalism? Or, God forbid, the return of Comic Sans? Keep reading below to find out!

1. Color overlays.

Color overlays instantly change the mood of a photograph by using only a few colors.

2. Neo-memphis design.

These are quirky, brightly colorful, geometric shapes reminiscent of the 80s that have come back in style for many product brandings.

3. Even more minimalism.

Notice how the icons on your phone used to be a little more 3D, but they’re now flat with very minimal colors? Minimalism is actually quite easy on the eyes, which is why it has become such a huge trend this year.

4. Going retro.

Many brands are now bringing back the classic logos. In reality, there are many classic logos that never should have changed. So if you share that opinion, then you must have loved this trend.

5. The blend of digital and physical drawing.

With the launch of technology that allows users to feel like they’re actually drawing, the divide between physical drawing and digital drawing is becoming blurred.

6. Competitive design software.

Professonal design software used to mean the entire Adobe suite. These days, new design software with a wider array of expansions and tools are becoming common in the design industry.

7. AI art.

Creative tasks are no longer exclusively in the realm of human minds. According to Wired founder Kevin Kelly, companies are already using AI to automate the intelligent and creative tasks traditionally done by web designers. Yikes!