Web Design Trends for 2023

“To design is much more than simply to assemble, to order, or even to edit: it is to add value and meaning, to illuminate, to simplify, to clarify, to modify, to dignify, to dramatize, to persuade, and perhaps even to amuse. To design is to transform prose into poetry.” – Paul Rand

 

As technology continues to evolve, so does the world of web design. From the rise of artificial intelligence to the emergence of augmented reality, the trends of 2023 are sure to be exciting and innovative. In this blog, we’ll explore the latest web design trends that are expected to take the industry by storm in the coming years. Get ready to be inspired and amazed as we take a look at the future of web design!

Web Design Trends for 2023

Increased Web Accessibility

One of the most important web design trends for 2023 is increased web accessibility. This trend focuses on making websites more accessible to people with disabilities. This includes making sure that websites are optimized for screen readers, providing alternative text for images, and using high-contrast colors. The benefits of increased accessibility are that it makes websites more inclusive and user-friendly.

Minimalism

Another popular web design trend for 2023 is minimalism. This trend focuses on creating websites that are simple and uncluttered. This includes using fewer elements on the page, using white space to create a sense of openness, and using fewer colors. The benefits of minimalism are that it makes websites easier to navigate and more aesthetically pleasing.

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality is another trend that is gaining traction in the web design world. This trend focuses on creating immersive experiences for users. This includes using 3D elements, virtual reality, and interactive elements. The benefits of augmented reality are that it makes websites more engaging and interactive.

Dark Mode

Dark mode is a web design trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years. This trend focuses on using dark colors and shades to create a more immersive experience for users. Benefits of dark mode include improved user experience, increased engagement, and better search engine rankings.

The Y2K Aesthetic

The Y2K aesthetic is a trend that has been gaining popularity in recent years. This trend focuses on creating websites that have a retro, futuristic feel. This includes using bold colors, geometric shapes, and glitchy effects. The benefits of this trend are that it makes websites look unique and eye-catching. We even see the Y2K aesthetic making a comeback in the world of music and on TikTok trends.

Loading Screen Animations

Loading animations are another trend that is becoming more popular in web design. This trend focuses on creating animations that are used to indicate that a page is loading. This includes using GIFs, videos, and other animations. The benefits of loading animations are that they make websites more engaging and entertaining.

Web Design Trends for 2023 1

 

Lightweight, Efficient Websites

Lightweight, efficient websites are becoming increasingly important in web design. This trend focuses on creating websites that are fast and easy to use. This includes using smaller images, compressing files, and optimizing code. The benefits of lightweight, efficient websites are that they make websites faster and more user-friendly.

Kinetic Typography

Kinetic typography is a trend that is becoming more popular in web design. This trend focuses on creating animations that are used to convey a message. This includes using text, images, and videos to create animations. The benefits of kinetic typography are that it makes websites more engaging and entertaining.

Cinemagraphs

Cinemagraphs are another trend that is gaining traction in web design. This trend focuses on creating animations that are used to convey a message. This includes using text, images, and videos to create animations. The benefits of cinema graphs are that they make websites more engaging and entertaining.

Color Gradients

Color gradients are a trend that is becoming increasingly popular in web design. This trend focuses on creating color schemes that are used to create a sense of depth and movement. This includes using two or more colors to create a gradient effect. The benefits of color gradients are that they make websites more visually appealing and eye-catching.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many web design trends for 2023. These trends focus on making websites more accessible, efficient, and visually appealing. By incorporating these trends into your web design, you can create a website that is both user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing.

Your Guide to Web Accessibility in 2023

“Web accessibility is not only for people with disabilities but for all of us who are thankful that there are no barriers in using our abilities.” – Remberto Esposa JR.

 

The importance of web accessibility has been on the rise in recent years, as the internet has become an increasingly important part of our lives. There are a number of reasons for this, but the most important one is that the internet is now essential for many aspects of modern life, including education, employment, and social participation. This means that people with disabilities who cannot access the internet are at a significant disadvantage. Web accessibility is, therefore, important for two reasons: 1) To ensure that people with disabilities can access the internet and 2) To ensure that the internet can be accessed by everyone, regardless of their disability. Let’s start with the basics…

 

What is Web Accessibility

Web accessibility refers to the ability of people with disabilities to access the internet. Each type of disability presents its own challenges, but there are also many ways to overcome these challenges. With the right support and accommodations, people with disabilities can lead full and successful lives. Here are a few of the most common disability types:

Visual Impairments

Visual impairments can make it difficult to see and process information. This can make everyday tasks like reading and writing more difficult. Approximately 285 million people around the world have some form of visual impairment, including 39 million who are blind and 246 million with low vision. Allow users to adjust font size manually. Provide sufficient contrast using colors and textures. Provide alt text or descriptions for non-text content.

Hearing Impairments

For deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, your site needs to be easy to navigate. Provide multiple contact options. Make sure to add captions or subtitles to all video content. Review any automated captions for accuracy.

Cognitive Impairments

Cognitive disability ranges from dyslexia to autism. People with cognitive impairments are limited in the way and manner they receive information from the web. Use well-structured web content that helps facilitate orientation. Include multiple ways of navigating the website i.e. hierarchical list or search bar.

Your Guide to web accessibility in 2023 1

 

Why is Web Accessibility Important?

There are multiple international and national laws and standards that require websites to be accessible to people with disabilities:

There are also a number of voluntary guidelines and standards, such as:

These laws provide guidelines for how web accessibility is measured. Let’s break down those guidelines even further…

 

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

When making your website more inclusive, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a great place to begin. These protocols are designed specifically to make online content more usable for people with disabilities, and are informed by four principles:

  1. Perceivable – Beginning with the most basic guideline, this is the user’s ability to process the information on your website. Ask yourself, is there any content on the website that a deaf, low vision or colorblind user would not be able to perceive?
  2. Operable – People with disabilities need to be able to operate websites and applications using a variety of different tools. Some users with disabilities are unable to operate a mouse. Can every function of your website be performed with AND without a keyboard?
  3. Understandable – Just because a user can perceive and operate a website, does not mean they can understand it. Make sure your content is easy to understand. The connection between action and result should be obvious.
  4. Robust – Make sure your website is accessible on all platforms. That includes mobile devices, tablets, and desktops.

 

How to Ensure Accessibility On Your Website

There are a number of steps that you can take to ensure that your website is accessible to people with disabilities.

 

Testing for Accessibility

Here are 5 tools you can use to test the accessibility of your website:

  1. The W3C Web Accessibility Initiative’s Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool (WAVE)
  2. The W3C’s Web Accessibility Checker
  3. The Firefox Accessibility Extension
  4. The Google Chrome Accessibility Developer Tools
  5. The Safari Accessibility Inspector

For more tips on website testing, check out our recent blog on the topic.

The importance of web accessibility cannot be understated. It is essential for people with disabilities to access the internet, and for everyone to be able to access the internet regardless of their disability. Need help crafting an accessible website? The experts at J. Arthur & Co. have you covered!

6 Signs You Need a Website Transformation

Your website is the face of your business. It’s one of the first places potential customers go to learn about your company and what you have to offer. That’s why it’s so important to keep your website up-to-date and looking its best.

If your website is starting to feel a little out-of-date, it might be time for a transformation. Not sure if your website is due for a makeover? Here are six signs it’s time for a change…

 

6 Signs You Need a Website Transformation 

 

1. Your website is no longer mobile-friendly.

Mobile devices now account for almost half of all website traffic, and Google is basing its rankings on the mobile version of a website rather than the desktop version. This means it is essential to provide a great mobile experience for your customers on your website.

2. Your website looks outdated.

Google’s John Mueller recently suggested that poor design could hurt a website’s search rankings, which means that sometimes looks do matter. While it’s important that your website function seamlessly, it also needs to look fresh and modern, not like it’s stuck in a bygone digital era. Here are few design trends that are very outdated: 

We’ve come a long way in the world of Internet aesthetics. If your website has more than one of these outdated trends, it’s definitely time for a facelift.

3. Your website isn’t achieving the results you’d hoped for. 

If your website is still effective but starting to look outdated, there may not be an immediate need to change it. But if you’ve seen a significant decrease in traffic, leads, and conversions, your visitors are obviously not happy with what they’re seeing, so you may want to consider an upgrade.

Five Signs You Need a Website Transformation JA

 

4. Your competitors have much newer websites. 

You should do what’s right for you, but if your competitors have better websites, you’ll be at a disadvantage. If your website is lagging behind the competition, consider an update.

5. Your website has not optimized the user experience. 

The key to a successful website is making sure your users are happy. If your site is difficult to use or doesn’t have interesting, valuable content, your users will go elsewhere. Sometimes small changes can improve the experience for visitors on an existing site, but often the best solution is to create a new website with user experience in mind. For more information on UI/UX tips and trends, check out our insights

6. Your website still uses flash. 

Flash-based websites tend to have long loading times, which can be frustrating for visitors and can also negatively impact your website’s ranking in search engines. The shift away from using flash began in 2010 when Apple stopped supporting flash on their mobile devices. If you’re still using flash, it suggests you haven’t made any significant effort to improve your website in nearly 10 years.

 

If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to consider a website transformation. If you’ve built your new website, but aren’t quite ready to launch, read our blog about website testing checklists to keep your business on the right track. If you haven’t updated your online presence and you’re looking for a team to help you achieve your goals, J. Arthur & Co. has what you need. Connect with usand we can collaborate with you on a plan to transform your website. Remember, your website is the face of your business, so make sure it’s putting your best foot forward. 

 

 

15 eCommerce Trends to Watch Out For In 2023

eCommerce is always evolving. What was popular a few years ago may not be relevant now and what is popular now may not be relevant in a few years. This is why it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends so that you can ensure that your online store is always ahead of the curve. 

In this blog post, we will be discussing 17 eCommerce trends that we expect to see in 2023. Some of these trends are continuations of trends that we have seen in recent years while others are completely new. 

By the end of this blog post, you will have a good understanding of the direction that eCommerce is heading and what you need to do to stay ahead of the competition!

ECommerce Trends for 2023

1. Personalization will continue to be important.

Personalization has become increasingly critical in recent years and this trend is expected to continue in 2023. Consumers have become used to being treated as individuals and they now expect brands to personalize their experience. This means that brands need to collect data on their customers so that they can offer a personalized experience.

There are a number of ways to collect data on your customers, such as through website cookies, social media, and surveys. Once you have this data, you can then use it to personalize the user experience on your website and  them products that they are interested in. 

2. Environmental sustainability will have an effect  on consumer behavior.

We are starting to see a shift in consumer behavior where people are becoming more conscious of the impact that their purchase has on the environment. This trend is expected to continue in 2023 and we will see more brands offering sustainable products and packaging. Consumers will also be more likely to purchase from brands that they perceive to be environmentally friendly.

3. Customized packaging will increase in popularity. 

There has been a trend in recent years towards more customized packaging. This trend is expected to continue in 2023 as consumers become more interested in personalization. Brands are now offering more customization options for their packaging, such as the ability to add a personal message or design. This trend is driven by the fact that consumers want to feel like they are receiving a unique and personal product.

4. There will be more useful applications of artificial intelligence. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is starting to become more widely used in eCommerce. This trend is expected to continue in 2023 as AI becomes more sophisticated and is able to handle more complex tasks.

AI can be used for a number of tasks, such as personalizing the user experience, providing customer support, and managing inventory. AI is also becoming more important for marketing tasks, such as targetting ads, writing captions, and understanding customer behavior. 

5. Data protection will become even more important. 

Data protection is an vital issue that is often overlooked in eCommerce. However, this is expected to change in 2023 as data protection becomes a more important factor in the purchasing decisions of consumers.  Consumers are becoming smarter about data protection are now more likely to purchase from brands that they trust to protect their data. This means that brands need to focus on ensuring that their data protection practices are up to par with the competition.

 

 

15 eCommerce Trends to Watch out for in 2023

 

6. Mobile shopping will continue to drive sales. 

Mobile shopping is expected to continue to grow in 2023. This is due to the fact that more and more people are using their mobile devices to shop online.  In fact, it is estimated that by 2023, over 70% of all eCommerce sales will be made through mobile devices. This trend is being driven by the fact that mobile devices are becoming more powerful and easier to use for shopping.

7. Video content will remain effective. 

Video is a powerful marketing tool that is expected to remain popular in 2023. This is due to the fact that video is an engaging and visually appealing way to communicate with consumers.  Additionally, video is a great way to show off products and give consumers a better understanding of what they are buying. Video is also a great way to build trust with consumers as it allows them to see the faces behind the brand. 

8. Subscription revenue will remain attractive (even for products).

Subscriptions are a popular way to sell products and this trend is expected to continue in 2023. This is due to the fact that subscriptions offer a number of benefits for both consumers and brands.  For consumers, subscriptions offer a convenient and hassle-free way to purchase products. They also offer the ability to try new products without having to commit to a purchase. For brands, subscriptions offer a recurring revenue stream and the ability to build a loyal customer base.

9. Online storefronts will introduce new payment options. 

We are starting to see a trend towards a wider variety of payment options being offered by online stores. This trend is expected to continue in 2023 as brands look to provide a more convenient shopping experience for consumers.  Here are some of the payment options that are expected to trend upward in 2023: mobile payments, subscription payments, and installment payments. This trend is being driven by the fact that consumers are looking for more flexible payment options.  

10. AR will become more of a reality. 

Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that is starting to become more widely used in eCommerce. This trend is expected to continue in 2023 as AR becomes more sophisticated and is able to offer a more realistic experience for consumers.  AR can be used for a number of tasks, such as product demonstrations, virtual try-ons, and product customization. This technology is becoming more popular as it allows consumers to get a better understanding of the products that they are interested in. As far as VR (virtual reality) goes, click here to read more about its current state.

11. Voice search will become second nature for most consumers.

Voice search is a technology that is starting to become more widely used. This trend is expected to continue in 2023 as voice search becomes more sophisticated and is able to handle more complex queries.  Voice search is a great way to provide a quick and easy way for consumers to search for products on your website. This technology is also becoming more popular as it allows consumers to hands-free search while they are doing other tasks.  

12. Influencers and influencer marketing will remain a valuable asset.

Influencer marketing is a trend that is expected to continue in 2023. This is due to the fact that influencers have a large and engaged following that can be used to reach a wider audience.  In addition, influencers are considered to be trusted sources by their followers. This means that their endorsement of a product can go a long way in convincing people to make a purchase. 

13. Digital content will be requirement, not a suggestion.

Digital content is any content that is in a digital format. This includes things like blog posts, videos, and infographics.  Digital content is expected to become a requirement in 2023 as it is a great way to engage with consumers and build trust with them. This trend is being driven by the fact that consumers are now using the internet as their primary source of information. 

14. User-generated content will grow.

User-generated content (UGC) is any content that is created by consumers. This includes  reviews, social media posts, and blog posts.  UGC is expected to grow in popularity in 2023 as it is a great way to engage with consumers and build trust with them. This trend is being driven by the fact that consumers are now using the internet as their primary source of information.

15. Inflation will make consumers diligent researchers.

All consumers have felt the sting of inflation on their pockets. In addition to raising prices, inflation affects consumer behavior by forcing customers to due their research before making a purchase. This means that brands need to focus on providing a competitive price for their products. 

These are 15 eCommerce trends that we expect to see in 2023. Some of these trends are continuations of trends that we have seen in recent years while others are completely new.  By staying up-to-date with these trends, you can ensure that your online store is always ahead of the competition.

 

 

Embracing Usability: How to Win with Simplicity

“Usability is about people and how they understand and use things, not about technology… As a user, I should never have to devote a millisecond of thought to whether things are clickable – or not.”Steve Krug, Don’t Make Me Think

 

For the most part, the easy-to-use products are the most successful. Consider the major differences between the Apple iPhone and Samsung’s smartphones. High-end Samsung devices often have cutting edge smartphone technology powering their device, but Apple leaned heavily into usability and it has paid off significantly. Though usability covers a wide range of industries, in this blog, we will narrow our focus to the usability of company websites. First, we’ll cover the key components of usability. Next, we’ll underline why usability is important. Lastly, we’ll highlight how UI/UX savvy web design helped a client of ours upgrade and modernize their website. Let’s dive in…

Usability can be broken down into 7 key components

  1. Learnability – From the moment the user lands on the website, how easy is it for them to accomplish basic tasks?
  2. Utility – Does the website design perform the functions that user needs?
  3. Efficiency – How quickly can the user perform the intended task?
  4. Memorability – Should the user stop using the design for a significant amount of time, how easily can they reestablish proficiency with the design?
  5. Errors – Does the user make errors while using the design/product. If so, how many errors do they make? Are they easy to fix?
  6. Satisfaction – How pleasant is it to use the design?
  7. Accessibility– The site’s content needs to be obtainable and functional to people with disabilities. Accessibility is actually a prerequisite to usability. If a person can not access a web page he certainly can not use it.

 

Why Usability Matters

Usability is absolutely necessary to the success of your design, product, or website. Let’s consider the usability of a website for example. If the website is cluttered and difficult to navigate, users will leave, increasing your bounce out rate. If your font choices and text blocks aren’t optimized for readability, the user will quickly become frustrated and exit your page. Poor grammar, spelling errors, and slow load times? Say goodbye to your engagement. There are millions of websites, why would a user spend time on yours if it’s not optimized?

The following statistics illustrate how vital usability and user experience (UX) are to the success of your business: 

Quick Usability Tips for your Business

  1. The user experience begins before a user visits your site.
  2. Use heat maps to understand audience behavior.
  3. Remove time consuming forms to improve cart abandonment.
  4. Reduce cognitive friction.
  5. Partner with UI/UX web design experts to map out the necessary changes and give your website a facelift.

Working with J Arthur & Co. 

We are committed to delivering exceptional marketing and web services to companies.
Let’s take a look at how J Arthur & Co have enhanced usability for its business partners…

Usability 101 - J Arthur & Co.

Consider the first image of Wyndham Newport Hotel’s home page. Then take a look at the updated version. A few things should stand out:

 

By making many smart adjustments like these we were able to completely transform the usability of Wyndham Newport Hotel’s website. Now, instead of clutter and disorganization, the user experiences the efficiency of a clean design that guides them exactly where they need to be as soon as they land on the page. Click here to check out their current website, the difference is night and day.
A website with excellent usability can take your business to the next level! Make sure you partner with a web design agency that understands usability, UI, and UX’s role in driving conversions for your business and meeting your goals.