Web design has changed a lot in the last decade. iPhone release and its usage were awesome. We become acquainted with skeuomorphism. Later was a flat style. Since we are tired from detailing and small elements, we had met an amazing replacement. Now we see gradients in the web design, which the society took off with a bang. What is it - a new trend, or a temporary phenomenon?г
When does the heck gradient web design become popular? Let's go back to the past - in 2014. Flat design style was at the peak of its popularity and online services allowed to generate a color palette for your site; but frankly, it had only 32 tones, and colors even less. Not so much diversity, do you agree?
Gradients were a logical sequel to it and after 2 years the world was swept by a new passion. They very diluted the web design. Gradients are new trends and gained the greatest popularity since 2016. Strong positions and many influencers, and it's not surprising. In view of simplicity of flat style, it can really be called limiting.
Firstly, large companies and brands paid attention to gradients. Brands are always trying to stand out on the Internet and gradients have been helping them a lot. Now, together with bright colors, they are in trends of design 2020.
The most common are two-tone gradients. It's very easy to choose colors and tones. Use a color wheel to find the most liked and appropriate colors, and then pick the closest "in spirit". For example, red and purple; green and mint color, and the gradient of blue and light-blue colors are well-known from Linkedin. By the way, they used a radial gradient, not linear.
Gradient VS Flat design?
Well, there is no definite answer, but, if you want:
-Follow web design trends;
-Emphasize the features of your product or service;
-Try something new and fresh.
Then you should definitely use gradients. We will discuss why gradients aren't a substitute for flat design style, but rather complement it and together they create an excellent tandem. But firstly, let's talk about how to create the right and eye-catching gradient.
Gradient Design Principles
There are several different variations of gradients and classifications. For example, linear and radial gradient. However, the principles and the key points remain the same:
-Two-tone, rarely 3-tone gradient (required)
-Graphic elements in a flat style (required)
-External or internal shadows (at will)
The history of web design, as in fashion, flows smoothly, and often has the same turns, only slightly modified. Same situation with gradients. At first, constituent colors were taken from a flat design or material design, and now they are brighter and more challenging. Graphic design trends in 2020 have some concepts.
Special attention was paid to gradients in web design when Apple introduced new iOS style. Later, Instagram presented a new icon, which caused a storm of emotions. Many liked it, but still, there were loyal fans of the old icon.
Gradient Design Inspiration and Examples
We are proud of every our work, and we hope that they inspire you too!
Dark-violet and violet are the best with red color.
Here at Merehead, we use gradients not only in the web design but even in graphic and logo designs.
Example of web design gradient with different tones of blue color.
Example of web design gradient with light-blue and aquamarine colors.
