2020 became a new milestone for graphic design trends. This is the beginning of a new decade and many designers are looking for innovative approaches that will help them create design solutions that will resonate with the upcoming era. Everyone wants to catch up with the latest trends, and the bravest designers want to use this year to create new trends that will set the tone for the whole decade. In 2020, everything can happen so we can see the evolution of graphic design that is based on creativity and experiments.
Although we might need a few more years to understand what design trends will dominate this decade, many designers are already making their predictions. Some trends are stronger than others, and some approaches have proven to be effective so they’re not going to disappear anytime soon. Let’s take a look at the strongest 2020 design trends so that you can improve your graphic design and keep up with the latest tendencies in this industry.
Minimalism is here to stay
Minimalism dominated graphic design at the end of the 2010s, and it will continue to influence designers’ decisions in the upcoming decade. Marketing departments are emphasizing honesty and transparency so designers try to reflect this trend in color schemes and shapes. A straightforward and simple manner of presentation helps designers emphasize trust.
Minimalistic design solutions also have another advantage: simple illustrations and easy-to-read fonts attract users who can interact with content and interfaces quickly. However, some minimalistic solutions may look too cold and impersonal so we can expect minimalism to eventually become friendlier and warmer, with pale colors and cozy elements.
Cyberpunk colors
The value of design increases all the time so brands are not afraid to go all-in, trying the craziest approaches in an attempt to stand out from their competitors. This is where cyberpunk comes in handy. Besides, the cyberpunk style has never been so relevant. Even though we still don’t see flying cars on the streets, computers and mobile devices have become an integral part of our everyday lives, and technology is more developed than ever. We are living in the future, and the future looks bright, with oversaturated colors that are not present in nature.
Neon blues and purples, along with hot pink and other vibrant hues can give your design a unique futuristic look. Neon colors perfectly complement dark backgrounds. Cyberpunk design solutions reflect the modern urbanistic lifestyle and add a splash of bright colors to our everyday lives.
Abstract 3D
Even though flat minimalism remains extremely popular, every trend has its flip side. The main trend that confronts flat minimalism is abstract 3D shapes. Thanks to advanced render technologies, 3D shapes became a trend in graphic design last year, and this trend will keep going stronger. When you see a bubble shape in a lava lamp, it immediately grabs your attention and delivers some information so designers don’t want to miss out on any opportunity to use the magic of 3D shapes.
Most often, designers create a 3D feel by combining images, several layers of typography, and abstract shapes. This approach also works well with vibrant colors and various gradients that make such designs even more eye-catching and memorable. Subtle gradients make vibrant colors look alive, while abstract shapes create an overall optimistic feel.
Street art
Futuristic design solutions reside side by side with retro trends. Retro schemes are not going anywhere but evolve and turn into new trends. One of such trends is heavily inspired by street art. This is a comeback of the 1990s and 2000s that reminds us about hip-hop, grunge, and punk. It’s also important to keep in mind that learning graphic design became more accessible than ever so there are millions of young designers who are creating new standards of aesthetics and bring elements of the street culture to the online world.
Graffiti-like shapes and splashes of spray paint create a sense of rebellion and edginess, protesting against ordinary design solutions and speaking of freedom. Designs inspired by street art look like they are going to leap off your screen, making brands closer to their consumers and telling them that the future is in their hands.
Type-only designs
More and more designers experiment with type-only approaches, creating a contrast with designs that rely heavily on 3D shapes or vibrant images. The right typeface can convey a lot of information, and designers experiment with fonts and multiple lines, delivering brand messages in a minimalistic yet effective way. “It makes sense to expect more and more businesses to adopt this approach in 2020, so this might be a year of font diversity and decorative typography. Designers who like simple approaches might find this trend especially refreshing,” notes Andrew Rand, a graphic designer at Best Writers Online.
Ultra-thin geometry
Lines are a fundamental element of graphic design. They not only create a form of an object but also express its nature. Geometric lines tell us that an object is technological or man-made, while curvy lines correspond to organic and natural forms. In 2020, designers will experiment with lines, creating unique shapes that look both sound and ethereal. To achieve it, many designers use ultra-thin lines that create a mysterious and futuristic feel.
There’s no surprise that this trend appeared recently because ultra-thin lines can only be properly displayed on digital devices, and the age of printing is almost over. Ultra-thin geometry is especially popular in industrial and tech branding because such designs are impossible to create without computer assistance. This design trend also reminds us of the future of technology: it becomes less and less tangible, as we move our data and apps to the cloud.
Wrapping Up
2020 is the beginning of the new decade, and many designers decide to reflect this transition in colors, shapes, and fonts. Some design solutions that became popular in the 2010s will continue to dominate the industry but there are also many new trends that are too interesting and unique to ignore. We hope that our list of the new design trends will inspire you and help you keep up with the mood of 2020.