Dangerous Design trends 2017

Being aware of design trends is good, but using them blindly isn’t. In a recently-penned, helpful article titled ‘Dangerous Design Trends 2017’ on Medium, UI/UX designer Eleana Gkogka elaborates on six popular design trends that can backfire and do more harm than good to the users’ experience.

“We, designers, know that following design trends is a crucial part of our job, but we shouldn’t use them blindly,” warns Gkogka in her introduction.

“Not every trend is useful, helpful or appropriate for every case. Even good trends can turn bad, damaging the user experience. That’s why we have to use them mindfully, filtering them and adjusting them when needed.”

Gkogka spotlights three main trends, each accompanied by an explanation on the dangers that come with thoughtless following, as well as recommended dos and don’ts to steer clear of such possibilities, before ending off with three honorable mentions:

1. Bright colors
2. Experimental layouts
3. Little details
4. Tiny typography
5. Experimental navigation
6. Animations

Preview her article below and read her full write-up here.

Vibrant colors help grab audience attention, but overuse can make the readers’ eyes “bleed” and subsequently turn them away.

“Bright colours, behind or even near text copy, can make reading unpleasant, annoying, or impossible. Bright colours reflect more light. It’s like flashing a torch on peoples’ faces, while they are trying to read. Even if they do manage to read, they will have a negative experience resulting in disliking you and whatever you are trying to say there.”

Dos: Balance bright colors with larger chunks of neutral or darker hues; use bright colors as a detail, particularly to guide the user. Find out more.

Don’ts: Avoid using vibrant colors as the main background color, as well as behind or near the main text copy. Find out more.

Read Gkogka’s full article, which includes the dangers of using little details, as well as all the dos and don’ts for popular design trends in 2017.

By Yoon Sann Wong

Ref: designtaxi.com

Photo by Cris DiNoto on Unsplash