Are you still using these six outdated web design trends?

An old client asked me, “Can you refresh this content to be used for rebranding?”

I answered, “When do you need it by?”

The client said, “As soon as you can.”

I was excited because he had been planning the website rebranding for a long time. The old website was slow and not up to date, but now he’s been having meetings with a web designer.

After a few months, he showed the new website to his staff. But when I saw it, I was surprised because it looked almost the same apart from the colours.

I couldn’t help but pull the web designer to the side and ask, “What happened?” He shrugged and, with an emotionless tone, he answered, “That’s what he approved.”

In the end, not many people used the website, and he got more business from social media. He probably won’t keep the website for much longer, even though it cost him some money.

As technology continues to evolve, web design trends follow suit. In 2023, there are a few web design trends that are no longer relevant and should be avoided if you want to keep your site looking modern and professional.

Flash animations

Flash animations were once a popular tool for adding visual interest to websites. But now, they tend to slow down the loading time, and they may not work at all on certain devices.

Automated music and sounds

A website is not like a greeting card. It used to be fashionable to add background music or sound effects to websites, but now it’s just annoying.

Not everyone wants to listen to music or other sounds while they browse a website, and having automated music play as soon as someone lands on a page can be distracting and lead to a quick exit.

Complex navigation menus

Complex navigation menus with multiple drop-down options can be confusing for users. Instead, it is recommended to use simple and intuitive navigation menus that are easy for users to understand and use.

Overuse of stock photos

Stock photos are a convenient way to add visual interest to a website, but too many can make a website look generic and outdated. It’s important to use original, high-quality photos that show the brand and its products in a positive light.

Pop-ups and pop-unders

Pop-ups and pop-unders were once a popular way to grab a user’s attention, but they have since become too disruptive. It’s better to use more subtle forms of advertising, such as banner ads or sponsored content.

Fixed background images

Fixed background images make it difficult for users to read the text on a page. It’s better to use responsive background images that adjust to the size of the device being used. The text should also be adjusted accordingly to be readable.

Overuse of textured backgrounds

Solid colour backgrounds or subtle patterns that complement the brand’s visual identity are better alternatives to textured backgrounds.

What to do if my client’s taste is outdated?

Sometimes, your design is up-to-date but your client’s tastes are frumpy. They may have an old-fashioned style that doesn’t match what is popular now. In these situations, it’s important to be careful and polite with your clients.

Start by asking questions about their vision for the website and why they are drawn to certain design elements. This can give you a better idea of what your client wants and help you make a modern website that meets their needs.

It’s also a good idea to provide your client with examples of modern websites that also have their preferred design elements to help them visualize the possibilities.

With patience and understanding, you can help your client move away from outdated designs and create a website that is modern and stylish.