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Trends in Web Design – How to Create a Website That Aligns with Current Trends?

Project "Innovations in VET education" is co-financed by the European Union

Introduction to the WebQuest Topic
Information for the Teacher

Introduction to the WebQuest Topic

Modern web design is a dynamically evolving field aimed at creating functional, aesthetic, and user-friendly websites. Each year, new technologies, tools, and approaches emerge, enabling the creation of increasingly advanced websites. At the same time, user expectations change, with rising demands for speed, interactivity, and aesthetics. Trends in web design are responses to these needs, aiming to provide users with the best possible experiences.

What Are Trends in Web Design?

Trends in web design are a collection of styles, techniques, and technologies that gain popularity over a period and influence the look and functionality of websites. Each period is characterized by specific trends, driven by technological advancements, changes in user preferences, and external influences such as evolving legal norms, new technologies, and inspiration drawn from other industries.

Why Follow Current Trends?

Designing websites according to current trends is key to creating sites that are both attractive and functional. A website that aligns with the latest design standards not only catches users' attention but also enhances their engagement and satisfaction. Websites that ignore these trends may appear outdated, less intuitive, and harder to navigate. Additionally, current web design trends often respond to the requirements of search engines, which can affect a site's ranking in search results.

The Latest Trends in Web Design

Responsiveness (Responsive Web Design)

Responsive web design is one of the most important trends in recent years. This technique allows websites to automatically adjust to the screen size, ensuring an optimal user experience regardless of whether they are using a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Example: Websites like Airbnb and Netflix adjust their layouts perfectly to screen sizes, providing excellent navigation for users, no matter the device.

Mnimalism and Simplicity (Minimalist Design)

Minimalism is one of the most popular trends in web design. It involves removing unnecessary elements to create a clean, easy-to-navigate site. Minimalist design also emphasizes large spaces, limiting colors and fonts.

Example: Apple's website is a perfect example of minimalist design. The simple layout, large spaces, limited color palette, and legible fonts make the site elegant yet functional.

Interactivity and Animations (Interactive Design & Microinteractions)

Interactivity and animations have become essential elements of modern websites. Microinteractions are small animations that happen in response to user actions, e.g., a button changing color when hovered over, or elements on the page subtly shifting when scrolling.

Example: Spotify's site uses animations with every interaction, such as playlist animations or button reactions, which make using the service smoother and more engaging.

Large Typography and Custom Fonts (Bold Typography)

More designers are using large, bold text that grabs the user's attention and makes the site more dynamic and eye-catching. Custom fonts are also gaining popularity, allowing websites to stand out and express a unique style.

Example: Medium uses large text to highlight important information and engage users. The New York Times uses custom fonts that give the site a unique character.

Dark Mode

Dark mode, which is becoming increasingly popular, allows users to change the background to darker tones, reducing eye strain, especially at night. Dark backgrounds have become a standard in many apps and are now also used on websites.

Example: YouTube and Twitter offer a dark mode, improving user comfort at night and adapting the site to user preferences.

Asymmetry and Unconventional Layouts (Asymmetrical Layouts)

Traditional, symmetrical layouts are being replaced by more creative, asymmetrical designs. These sites are more dynamic, with larger images, non-standard text placements, and visual elements.

Example: Awwwards.com, which showcases the best websites, frequently features pages with asymmetrical layouts that grab attention and encourage interaction.

Page Speed and Optimization (Page Speed Optimization)

Increasing user demands for page load speed have forced designers to focus on optimization. Slow-loading pages can discourage users and negatively impact SEO.

Example: Websites like Google and Amazon have optimized their sites for speed, offering users instant access to information and services.

Informacje dla nauczyciela

This WebQuest is intended for vocational, technical school, or high school students enrolled in computer science courses. The goal is to familiarize students with the latest trends in web design. Through independent research and group work, students will explore modern web design principles such as minimalism, dark mode, microinteractions, and personalization.

Through this WebQuest, students will:

• Learn about the latest trends in web design

• Explore various techniques and tools that enable the implementation of modern solutions on websites

• Learn to assess which trends are suitable for different types of websites and audiences

• Practice teamwork, organization, and time management

• Develop presentation skills and learn how to convey information in a clear and engaging way

The work will be done both individually (collecting information) and in groups (preparing presentations on the selected trend). Students will work under time pressure, which will simulate the realities of working in IT-related professions.

Suggested time for the WebQuest:

12 hours

Evaluation criteria will include:

• The degree to which the topic is covered (maximum grade: 5, exceeding this knowledge: grade 6)

• Aesthetics of the presentation and the way information is presented

• Engagement and ability to collaborate

Evaluation:

• The teacher will help students analyze the content together until they fully understand it. The teacher will provide assistance, advice, and explanations, not ready-made solutions. This method will be a good way to encourage independent work and creative thinking.

• The teacher should thoroughly analyze the content with students until they understand it. The teacher should provide assistance, advice, and explanations, not ready-made solutions. This method will encourage independent work and creative thinking.

• Group division can be done according to various criteria, e.g., based on students' cognitive abilities, skills, or interests to balance the groups.

• The teacher can assist students while they work in groups by asking guiding questions. It is important to remember that they are learning a new work process.

• The teacher should provide specific information regarding the assessment of students' achievements, both during group work and in the final review.

• The time allocated for the project should be adjusted to the students' abilities. It is not predetermined. The suggested timeframes for each phase should be treated as approximate.

TASK

You will divide into 4 groups, and each group will be responsible for preparing a presentation on one of the current trends in web design. The goal is to thoroughly understand the chosen trend, recognize its advantages and disadvantages, and learn how to apply it in practice.

Each group will prepare a presentation covering:

• The characteristics of the selected trend

• The advantages and disadvantages of applying the trend in web design

• Examples of websites that implement the trend

• A comparison of the chosen trend with traditional design methods

• During the presentation, one group member will take the role of an expert and explain the chosen trend in detail, while the other group members will act as listeners, asking questions and initiating discussions on the applications and functions of the trend.

• Group 1: Minimalist Design

Minimalism in web design focuses on simplicity, large spaces, few elements on the page, and bold colors. This group will discuss how minimalism impacts the user and its pros and cons.

• Group 2: Dark Mode

Dark mode is a trend that has gained popularity as it reduces eye strain and saves battery life on mobile devices. This group will analyze which websites use dark mode and the benefits of implementing it.

• Group 3: Microinteractions and Animations

Microinteractions are small, subtle animations that make a website more interactive and engaging. This group will examine how microinteractions affect user experience and the tools used to create them.

• Group 4: Responsiveness

Website responsiveness allows the layout and functionality to automatically adjust to different screen sizes, from desktops to smartphones and tablets. This group will discuss the principles of responsive design, the benefits of responsiveness, and examples of websites that effectively implement it.

Resposibility

• Each group will divide the tasks in a way that enables efficient collaboration. Sample task distribution:

• Research and analysis: Group members will gather information about the selected trend, using the provided resources.

• Preparing visual materials: One or two members will be responsible for creating presentation slides containing illustrations, examples of websites, and key information.

• Presentation: One member will prepare to take on the role of the expert, and the others will be listeners, actively participating in the presentation and discussion.

Why work in groups?

• More effective time management, as dividing tasks allows for simultaneous completion of different parts of the project

• Exchange of ideas and mutual support, which leads to a better understanding of the topic and improves the presentation

• Learning how to collaborate and divide roles, which is very useful in future professional projects, particularly in web design

• Expanding knowledge of modern design trends, which serve as a foundation for future projects in the IT industry

Stage 1: Introduction to the task and familiarization with the topic

• The teacher will present the WebQuest topic, explaining what trends in web design are and why they should be applied

• The teacher will present examples of popular trends and indicate sources of information that will be useful for the task

Stage 2: Working on presentations

• Each group will gather information on their assigned trend

• Students will examine examples, discuss the presentation format, and assign roles within the group

• The teacher will support the groups by helping them analyze and understand the chosen solutions and their practical applications

Stage 3: Presentation and discussion

• Each group will present their work, explaining the details of their trend, its advantages and disadvantages, and practical examples

• After each presentation, a discussion will follow where listeners can ask questions and share opinions

Stage 4: Evaluation and summary of the acquired knowledge

• The teacher will evaluate the presentations based on their content, group involvement, and the quality of the prepared materials

• The ability to convey information and participation in the discussion will also be evaluated

Stages of work and time

2h

Stage 1

4h

Stage 2

4h

Stage 3

2h

Stage 4

Points	2	3	4
Content Quality	Work is weak in terms of content. Missing elements.	Work is good in terms of content. Minor or no errors.	Work is excellent in terms of content. Correct, engaging information.
Presentation of Work	• Presentation is unclear, superficial, and not engaging. • Lack of participation in discussion.	• Presentation is clear, good, and interesting. • The student participates in discussions but with limited input.	• Presentation is attractive, thorough, and engaging. • The student actively participates in discussions and contributes significantly.
Aesthetic Impressions	• Work is unclear, untidy, and poorly executed. • Poor arrangement of elements on the page.	• Work is clear, neat, and carefully done. • Good arrangement of elements on the page.	• Work is aesthetically pleasing, clear, and highly polished. It stands out visually. • Excellent arrangement of elements on the page.
Group Work	Lack of involvement of all group members in work and creative collaboration.	Good involvement of all group members. Satisfactory collaboration skills.	Full engagement of all group members. Excellent cooperation and motivation within the group.