This Just In! – The Web Design World is Indeed Flat!
Everything comes full circle, even web design. You might not have noticed it yet, but there’s a brand new trend out there, and its name is flat web design. It’s capturing the industry, and the thing is it’s really existed since Microsoft introduced it in 2006.
So what is it that makes a “flat” web design?
Flat design is basically a design devoid of drop shadows, gradients, and textures which have ruled web design for years now. Flat design employs brighter, solid colors and a good deal of “white space”. Typography often figures noticeably into flat design.
So why the change from 3D to flat design?
There are several reasons why this is happening, but perhaps the most persuasive reason is that it’s an invention born out of necessity. The 2D environment that designers often have to work in, in this ever-more mobile world, demands economy of scale.
It’s become harder and harder to cram all you might want onto a 4-inch screen, making a 3D simulation somewhat disadvantageous and incompatible with a terrific user experience. With a flat design pages load faster, are less bulky and are more responsive. In a competitive world where you have a few short seconds to win over and hook your visitors, every second counts.
Trend or is flat web design here to stay?
It might be easy to dismiss this as merely another fad in web design, and then leave it at that, However, with the next Apple operating system iOS7 rumored to be seeking a more flat design, can the rest of the web be far behind? While it may very well turn into a fad, its simplicity and user-friendly functionality might help it to stay around more than most.