Top Five Web Development Trends in 2021

2021 is bound to be full of surprises, and while we can’t claim to know the future, we have a handful of reasonably safe predictions for this year’s web development trends. Whether you’re looking to start fresh with a new website or finally get started on that website revamp you’ve been putting off, here are some things to keep in mind moving forward.

As we saw in 2020, single page and smaller websites, known as microsites, are only getting more popular. Centered on a single product, event, or campaign, these websites often feature branding distinct from their parent company or organization, creating an intentionally separate digital presence – perfect as the centerpiece (or main attraction) of any marketing campaign. Seen in our recent work with Dropbox and Essence, you can expect to see microsites popping up everywhere this year. Learn more about microsites and their uses here.

Blending marketing and immersive Augmented Reality is the new frontier, and if you do it right, you can easily boost engagement and bring some personality to your brand. And with emerging technology such as WebXR, you can develop AR/VR elements that are fully-functioning in a user’s web browser, eliminating the need for additional hardware or software. Now easier than ever to bring immersive experiences to computers and smartphones, the opportunities for gaming, marketing, and entertainment are endless. Discover the benefits of AR marketing here.

It’s easy to notice that websites of every kind are upping their game when it comes to user experience. A fun way to upend the traditional experience is with scrolling effects. From parallax to horizontal, it’s easy to break up the flow with unexpected scrolls. Take it a step further with a design built around the scroll, like the CXR.Agency team did with this microsite for Dropbox and The Infatuation.

As many devices and platforms have shifted to offer “dark mode,” the trend has begun to take root in web and digital design. Appreciated for being easier on the eyes in dark environments (and for adding a dash of “classic cool”), it’s taken hold as a broader aesthetic in digital design, appearing in apps, websites, and branding everywhere. You can expect to see this increase in 2021, with more websites opting for darker palettes in general.

With consumers spending more and more time (and money) shopping online, 2020 was a year of rapid growth in this sector of web development. Looking ahead, there are so many areas in which brands can continue to improve – from overhauling user flow to offering 3D models users can explore through AR. And as more companies rush to improve their virtual experience, it’ll be imperative for online shops to look and feel their best in 2021. Look to our work with Thayers for an example of how you can get started.

Explore the various types of website design trends and discover the latest web development predictions and insights that can help you make informed decisions when starting.

If you’re excited by the trends but unsure what works for you, we’re here to help! Drop us a line and we’ll explore the best way to evolve your digital presence.

We reimagine how people interact with brands. Our web and app developers disrupt the status quo and uncover values others can’t find. We solve tomorrow’s business challenges in thoughtful, elegant ways and aim to be strategic leaders in app development in New York – innovators in user experiences. Explore our case studies for more information.