10 Design Trends to Expect in 2022

As we step into 2022, those among us interested in design are looking forward to discovering which trends are forecast to take center stage in the coming year. So, we’ve rounded up ten design trends that seem promising, along with examples that adequately illustrate the use of each. Let’s dive right in. Cover image via Depositphotos.

1. Fonts with a Twist

Typography will be stepping outside the box in 2022. You can expect to see beautiful yet imperfect fonts that aim to shake up our established notions about typography.

Anything that plays with order is welcome: making a single letter different in size, using a different font, or rotating it upside down. Different patterns and styles may be used to hide or reveal messages and entice the visitor to find out more.

The Order of the Good Death is a great example of this trend. Their tagline features several different fonts, and this tactic is present across all of their pages.

Source: orderofthegooddeath.com

2. Video Is Here to Stay

Video has been popular for quite a while, and the trend is certainly here to stay. We can expect to see more and more brands incorporating videos into their homepages, delivering quick and effective messages and further improving their brand images.

The style of video we expect to see will, of course, vary. From stop-motion and slow-motion to animated and Hollywood-style shoots, nothing is off-limits.

Aura has already done a good job of adding this feature to their homepage. The brand has also made sure that it adheres to all those important SEO principles.

Source: goaura.com

3. Interactivity

Interactivity in design is also not a new trend, but it will fight its way to the forefront even more in 2022. We can expect to see different elements of gamification, as brands and designers do their best to capture the attention of an audience with an ever-dwindling attention span.

Take a look at Prometheus Fuel’s incredible feat in interactivity. Admittedly, the website is very slow to load, but once you enter, the wait is certainly worth it.

Source: prometheusfuels.com

4. Cartooney Illustrations

Illustrations are another trend we can expect to see more of, especially of the cartoon-inspired variety. Characters of all sorts, both fictional and cartoonified, will grace websites and 3D packaging in an attempt to help customers and visitors form a deeper connection with brands.

This emerging trend is already featured on the Medical Alerts Buyers Guide website, with their mascot turned into a cartoon. Kudos to the brand for adopting an emerging trend while still sticking to its original tone of branding.

Source: medicalalertbuyersguide.org

5. Storytelling

Storytelling is a copywriting technique that has finally inspired another design trend that we hope will take off in 2022. It allows brands big and small to communicate their messages more effectively and form more meaningful connections with their audiences.

Videos, imaging, typography, and the choice of layout and color story all heavily impact this trend. Take a look at how One Ocean has managed to nail it. They’ve communicated problems, solutions, and values simply, effectively, and memorably.

6. Candy Colors

Brands will rely on vibrant candy colors in 2022 to ensure their design stands out. The idea is that they’ll help designs penetrate through all the advertising noise customers are exposed to every time they open their eyes.

Color theory will still play a major role in these colorful layouts. The desired effect is one of vibrant cohesion, as opposed to a mish-mash of random splatter. Low Five Brewing has done an amazing job of hitting the nail on the head, creating a website that will remain etched in your memory.

Source: lowfivebrewing.com

7. Step out of the Color Story Box

Another prominent trend is taking a step away from the usual color stories most designers like to tell. We’re used to certain types of brands using a certain type of color story to achieve their desired effect. That trend is about to die.

Finli is a good example of a brand taking the traditional route, choosing the expected blue to convey a sense of trust and efficiency. The favorite color of the SaaS industry, it is soon to be replaced by a more bold choice.

Source: finli.com

Spores has gone for a more muted and neutral palette, one that is certainly unexpected and memorable. This is a choice we expect to see much more of in 2022.

Source: spores.app

8. Maximalism

Another oldie but goodie, maximalism is one of those bold trends that will likely see a comeback in 2022. It’s certainly not everyone’s cup of tea, but it is an attention-grabbing design choice that will serve louder brands well.

One and All’s website will hook you as soon as you lay eyes on it. And while the layout may take some getting used to, the boldness of the design matches the message wonderfully.

9. A Throwback to the ’90s

The ’90s are still going strong, and their revival will continue to entertain us in 2022 as well. We can expect to see the colors and stories of this era in both video and graphic design, and it will continue gracing runways and ad campaigns as well.

Pandora has already embraced this trend with their For Every Story campaign, marvelously executed by Anomaly. The campaign simply screams ’90s.

Source: thedrum.com

10. Art Deco

Finally, we can also expect to see a lot more Art Deco in the coming year. Its clean, strong lines and clearly defined principles will serve as a rest from all the wild and loud designs we’ve just seen.

The geometry it relies on to achieve its effect makes this one of the most appreciated design trends we’ve seen in the past century. Its revival is definitely something to look forward to.

The Kazakhstan Transport campaign has managed to capture the essence of Art Deco. They’ve tied it in with a story that bridges time and space. Talk about matching a story’s essence with its packaging!

Related: Art Deco Fonts Inspiration: 17+ Decorative Typefaces to Try

Final Thoughts

2022 promises to be an interesting year in the field of design. As we await further developments and look forward to what designers will come up with, let’s choose our own favorite trend and hope to identify it in some of the most successful campaigns to come.