Web design is always evolving, and this year, we’re seeing many new and inspiring looks that are only possible today because of recent technological advances. Other notable examples of what’s in vogue now include innovative takes that elevate and put a new spin on aesthetic ideas and interactivity techniques first introduced online a few years ago. Together, all of these exciting styles create an impressive collection of 2024 web design trends used by companies big and small (and across industries).

But, if you’re skeptical and question whether or not “looks” really matter to your customers when it comes to your website, consider these research findings:

  • 38 percent of people stop engaging with a website if it’s unattractive
  • 39 percent will stop engaging if the site itself takes too long to load

The bottom line is this: If your website features an outdated layout or design that’s hard to use, it’s bad for business. Don’t get left behind.

Check out this visual rundown of the most inventive, trending ideas in modern website design and development as inspiration for a potential website redesign project:

  1. Bold typography
  2. Micro-interactions
  3. AI
  4. 3D elements
  5. Dark mode
  6. Custom illustrations

A closer look at the top 2024 web design trends

Beyond trendiness in 2024, the six styles that made our list also stand out for their effectiveness as a dominant aesthetic look and for their power when executed in tandem with (or as a complement to) other modern web design treatments.

1

Bold typography

Typography in web design for 2024 emphasizes creativity and functionality, with trends showcasing bold, experimental typefaces that make strong visual statements. 

Oversized fonts and custom typefaces are used to create striking headlines and to establish a clear visual hierarchy. Animated text adds a dynamic element to the user experience. 

I often see bold typography combined with minimalist backgrounds and white space, which results in an elegant, modern look while making websites easier to navigate.

Striking cases of bold typography in 2024 web design

Screengrab of DeSo's homepage which has an H1 using oversized typography, which is a 2024 trend in website design
DeSo uses oversized text that almost completely stretches across the entire screen. Using a pop of white on a dark mode gradient background (see trend #5), the bold typography is formatted using a magazine-like layout that combines different font styles and asymmetric spacing. This careful typesetting creates an assertive homepage title design that really grabs your attention.
Screenshot of AMP's homepage, which includes an example of the 2024 web design trend of memorable typography
AMP’s H1 typographic treatment dominates its homepage hero, matching the heft of the custom lettering used in the company’s logo and giving extra emphasis in the layout to the headline’s value proposition.
Screengrab showing the typography treatment used on interior designer David Anthony Chenault's homepage
On David Anthony Chenault’s homepage, elegant yet in-your-face typography is paired with micro-interactions (see trend #2) to help the interior designer’s portfolio digital stand apart from the competition.
Screengrab showing how Post Familiar uses the 2024 web design trend of large type to support selling online.
Here’s an example of how Post Familiar uses the 2024 web design trend of large type and dark mode backgrounds (see trend #6) to support its initiatives to forge an eye-catching online presence.
Screengrab of Workshop's homepage featuring the 2024 web design trend of bold typography
The typography of Workshop’s logo acts as a frame, cleverly connecting each page’s primary imagery with the main navigation.
Throughout Getty's microsite about Frank Gehry's Walt Disney Concert Hall, there are pops of bold typography to introduce new panels of media-rich content.
Throughout Getty’s microsite about Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, there are pops of bold typography to introduce new panels of media-rich content.
A trend within the trend

Did you notice anything when checking out these examples of bold typography in web design? Yes, sans serif fonts remain the go-to choice for most creatives in 2024 when they’re choosing fonts to use in their modern website page layouts.

In fact, the most-popular Google web font—sans serif or not—used for websites is the neo-grotesque typeface Roboto.

2

Micro-interactions

Micro-interactions are becoming essential in 2024, focusing on enhancing the user experience through subtle, interactive moments. These small animations or design elements provide feedback, guide tasks, and create delightful experiences.

Popular trends include animated buttons, hover effects, and swipe actions that offer immediate, intuitive responses. These interactions help users navigate, confirm actions, and enjoy a more engaging experience. As more user-centric designs develop, I expect to see more personalized micro-interactions that anticipate user needs, making websites more functional and enjoyable.

Trendy examples of micro-interactions in 2024 website design

Screengrab of Buddha Pizza's homepage that uses micro-interactions to create an engagin experience for users The web designers who created Valmont's site use micro-interactions to entice users to engage with its content and dig deeper.
The web designers who created Valmont’s site used micro-interactions to entice users to engage with its content and dig deeper. Also, note its complementary dark mode background (see trend #5).
Screengrab showing multiple screens on the M&M microsite that use micro-interactions to engage with users
Micro-interactions are everywhere on M&M’s charming microsite, enhancing the storytelling and guiding users from one fun fact to another from the popular candy’s history.
Screengrab of Buddha Pizza's homepage that uses micro-interactions to create an engagin experience for users
Buddha Pizza uses micro-interactions to animate its homepage hero area’s custom illustration (see trend #6) as well as its icon-based navigation bar. Also, notice how the choice of a high-contrast dark mode background (see trend #5) makes the animated, hand-crafted art really stand out.
Screengrab of a page from Astropet's site featuring the 2024 web design trend of micro-interactions
The 2024 web design trend of using micro-interactions isn’t just for animating illustrations and icons. Astropets integrates whimsical micro-interactions to delight customers during their online shopping journeys.
3

3D elements

Today’s website users have seen it all, so creating immersive, interactive, and memorable experiences is more important than ever. This is why many designers tackling website redesign projects now and in the future will embrace 3D graphics and animations to increase the appeal of pages important for marketing (and—hopefully—boost conversions, too).

In some sites, you’ll see designs leveraging effects, like parallax scrolling—amplified with 3D effects—to add visual depth. Others might use virtual showrooms to help users explore products from every angle. All of these sorts of 3D elements, when executed well (and with purpose), have the power to augment storytelling.

Must-see samples of 3D elements in 2024 web design

Screengrab showing how Kommo's website integrates 3D elements as part of its modern web design
Instead of angular 3D elements, Kommo’s site mixes things up by integrating into its web design elements of dimensional art that are digitally “skinned” with textures like fuzzy fabric, slick vinyl, and more.
Spline's homepage reads, "Spline, a place to design and collaborate in 3D
As a 3D design tool, it’s not surprising to see that Spline integrates 3D elements into its site design to create an engaging and exciting experience for website users.
Screengrab of the Toledo Museum of Art's homepage, which features the 2024 web design trend of 3D elements
The Toledo Museum of Art recently updated its brand, and the new identity is built off of a dynamically morphing 3D logo that serves as a canvas to showcase works of art. As part of the museum’s strategic brand activation plan, the dark mode website (see trend #5) was redesigned so that the logo could take center stage.
An example of Chirpley 3D bird characters
View of Chirpley's site to create micro and nano influencers
The website for Chirpley, an AI tool for influencer marketing, features 3D elements and micro-interactions (see trend #1) integrated into the site’s design. In combination, they create a distinctive user experience that matches the company’s playful and inventive brand identity attributes.
4

AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing web design in 2024 and beyond. Current trends include AI-driven personalization, where websites dynamically adapt content based on user behavior and preferences, enhancing user experience.

AI-powered chatbots provide instant customer support, improving engagement and efficiency. Looking ahead, AI will continue to innovate, with advancements in automated design tools, predictive analytics, and voice interfaces shaping the future of web design, making websites smarter, more intuitive, and more personalized.

Notable examples of 2024 website design work leveraging AI

Zenni uses AI to enhance its customers web experience
Virtual “try-on” AI tools are nothing new, but in the summer of 2024, Zenni took this technology to the next level with the latest iteration of its resource, which helps customers see what they might look like in different eyeglass frames—even if they’re already wearing glasses. With its sophisticated algorithm, the Zenni bot swaps a user’s current eyewear out for a potential new option on the fly.
View of Mailchimps's chatbot on it's website homepage
Like many other websites, Mailchimp also integrates a chatbot to assist customers and uses autocomplete suggestions and other AI technologies to streamline the user experience, making it both efficient and effective.
5

Dark mode

Dark mode web design will continue to gain traction in 2024, driven by user preference for reduced eye strain and energy efficiency on OLED screens. I expect to see more websites offering seamless dark mode toggles, personalized user settings, and adaptive designs that respond to ambient light. 

Additionally, the trend includes minimalist, readable typography and accessibility features, ensuring that dark mode looks good and enhances usability and user experience.

Inventive samples of dark mode in 2024 web design

Screengrab showing the TSF Group's dark mode website background
The TSF Group’s homepage hero features a splash of photography embedded in bold typography (see trend #1). It is set upon a rich, forest-green, dark-mode website background that’s further enhanced with subtle outline lettering that adds texture and interest.
Screengrab of Perpetuum's homepage, which features the 2024 web design trend of dark mode backgrounds for websites
Perpetuum’s updated spin on the dark mode web design trend creates an interface with appealing high contrast. Its homepage layout is saturated with a rich, solid indigo hue that morphs into a radial gradient backdrop that makes the custom illustration (see trend #6) pop off the screen.
The Giant Magellan's site uses an interactive photo of its famous telescope—viewing the twinkling midnight sky—to create its impressive dark mode website experience.
The Giant Magellan’s site uses an interactive photo of its famous telescope—viewing the twinkling midnight sky—to create its impressive dark mode website experience.
6

Custom illustrations

Custom illustrations in web design are trending in 2024. They bring a unique and personalized touch to websites and can help brands stand out, providing a distinct identity and enhancing user engagement. Trends include hand-drawn elements, vibrant color schemes, and whimsical characters, which add a playful and approachable feel.

Illustrations are also used to simplify complex information through visual storytelling. File sizes are smaller than photos and videos, which is important because nearly 50% of users won’t wait longer than two seconds for the website to load. 

As design tools become more advanced, I expect to see more animated illustrations and interactive elements that respond to user actions, creating a more dynamic and engaging experience.

Striking examples of custom illustrations in 2024 website design

Example of custom illustrations on duolingo's homepage
Duolingo is a good example of using custom illustrations in the 2024 web design trend. Each of the site’s homepage panels includes fun, one-of-a-kind artwork.
Fruitful's homepage features a cartoon of a girl on videocall in her cozy apartment
Fruitful's website features soft plant illustrations on the services page
Fruitful is a financial services website. When you think of a financial website, you expect a rigid and impersonal feel, but not this site. They have created an inviting custom illustration that is engaging and personal. Illustrations are sprinkled throughout the website, and many micro animations (and unconventional angles) are fun and engaging.

Web design trends come and go, but good partnerships never go out of style

The most popular 2024 web design trends have been an exciting blend of creativity and technology. All the trends mentioned above will continue evolving, making web experiences more efficient, engaging, and personal. 

It is crucial to understand your target audiences’ objectives and desired outcomes and implement designs and web technologies that aid efficient and effective content delivery with positive and engaging experiences.

Knowing that users’ needs are critical, the best web design and development firms always make strategic planning the foundation of any redesign project. When you choose an experienced agency to partner with, you can lean on their team’s expertise every step of the way. They’ll work with you to ensure the entire process goes as smoothly as possible, without preventable delays and unexpected additional costs.

Expect more from your website redesign partner

Based in Indianapolis, TBH Creative is an award-winning, full-service marketing and website design and development agency. With over 20 years of experience, our team has helped businesses across the country tackle complex website redesign projects.

Let’s talk if you’re looking for a partner to help you take your website to the next level. If you’re not ready to chat and are still in the early stages of planning, we’ll be here when you’re ready to get to work. In the meantime, here’s what leaders from the most ambitious brands have said about why they chose us.