The pandemic year 2020 has completely transformed the way of life around the world and we do not doubt that it will be remembered forever. Due to restrictions and confinements, companies have had to digitize more than they already were. Online shopping and telecommuting have been the order of the day throughout 2020. And at the moment it does not seem that things are going to stop and go back to the old normality. Whether you start or have been working on the Internet for some time, you will have to stay up to date on concepts and trends to keep up. Here we show you what will be the main trends in design in 2021.
Retrofuturism
Retrofuturism in a simple definition would be the way the future was seen by past generations. It takes into account the customs and technology of its era. Characterized by a mix of old-fashioned retro styles with futuristic technology, it explores the themes of tension between the past and the future. And it does so amid the alienating and empowering effects of technology. In conclusion, retrofuturism is a movement that rescues the social and artistic customs of an earlier era and adapts them to a supposed utopian future. It presents a union between retro aesthetics with modern and avant-garde technology of the planned future. Blue and violet colors, well defined lines, chrome effects, neon and pixel art define the visual style of retro-futurism. Everything revolves around technology and science as a source of progress. The renaissance of vinyl is a clear example that retro is in fashion.
3d design
3D design is the set of techniques that help us to project in three dimensions. With the aim of integrating the digital with the physical, 2021 will bring realistic images combined with photos or illustrations, managing to be the center of attention. Visually it will be a practical design that will affect the user’s attention. This trend has been consolidating for a long time thanks to technological advances such as virtual reality and augmented reality. 3D is here to stay, designers who do not have 3D skills are going to have it a bit complicated in the coming years.
Psychedelia and Pop Art
Pop Art was an artistic movement of the 20th century characterized by the use of images of popular culture taken from the media. He used popular imagery in opposition to the elitist existing culture and highlighted the banal aspect of some cultural element, often using irony. Psychedelia occurred in parallel and subordinate to psychedelic music, which was the most widespread socially. Concert posters, record covers, light shows, murals, comics, etc. were used to reflect the kaleidoscopic patterns of lysergic hallucinations. Through these hallucinations they interpreted in the key of revolutionary social, political and spiritual feelings inspired by these altered states of consciousness. This year we will see again those kinds of illustrations vibrant colors, grainy textures and eye-catching titles that defined the style of the 1960s and early 1970s. The excessive use of color, abstractions and optical illusions will capture the user’s attention in a world marked by the sobriety of minimalism. The objective is to break the visual monotony and get us to wake up from our lethargy.
Surrealism
Surrealism Surrealism is a type of art that is composed of techniques that go beyond the common standard in the use of colors, shapes and composition. Reality mixes with the surreal in photographic compositions or illustrations, everyday elements are transformed creating a perfect illusion and a combination of ideas. We will see this trend on posters, books or records. Optical illusions alongside bright colors to attract attention. Typefaces breaking the rules without text alienation and mixing the words and letters. It will be used in 2021 as a form of criticism or denunciation and used in conjunction with other trends.
Nature
This technique has been used for a long time and this year it will continue to be present. It is a great influence for all those companies that offer ecological and sustainable products. The awareness coupled with the desire to enjoy nature more, especially after being indoors, has increased this type of technique. If I can’t go to nature, let nature come to me, that would be the slogan for this design.
Responsibility
Socially responsible design is one of the most sensitive and honest approaches to design. It goes beyond luxury and the recognition of the designer, it is there to improve the society in which we live. It is for this reason that more and more we can see ads with real people, the kind we see every day on the street. Leave clichés behind and focus on reality. This year the variety and particularity will be applied beyond the simple globality in search of a real change in society.
Monochromatism and duotones
As an alternative to overly ornate designs, this year the color palette of the design will be significantly reduced. A more relaxed atmosphere will be created while facilitating reading with a structured and clear composition.
Voxel Art
Voxel art is an evolved version of pixel art in which you work in a vector way using three planes (x, y, z). It is basically a three-dimensional pixel structure. The term voxel comes from the English terms volumetric and pixel. Broadly speaking, voxel art is a digital art form that uses these 3D pixels to create illustrations, animations, and video games. It is a growing trend, especially in the fields of animation and video games. Next year we will see voxel art to the fullest.