Posts by "creativepattern"

11 Engaging Web Design Trends for 2023

Web design is constantly evolving, and keeping up with the latest trends is essential for creating a website that is both visually appealing and user-friendly. Here are the top 11 web design trends to watch for in 2023:

  1. Minimalism: Simple, clean designs will continue to be popular as they are easy to navigate and create a sense of elegance.
  2. Dark mode: With more and more users accessing the internet on their mobile devices, dark mode will become increasingly important to protect users’ eyes from the bright screens.
  3. Asymmetrical layouts: Asymmetrical layouts will be used to create visually interesting and dynamic websites.
  4. Microinteractions: Microinteractions, such as hover effects and animations, will be used to make websites more engaging and interactive.
  5. Bold typography: Big, bold typography will be used to create a strong visual impact and make the text more readable.
  6. 3D elements: 3D elements will be used to create a sense of depth and dimension, making websites more immersive.
  7. Bright, bold colors: Bright, bold colors will be used to create a vibrant and energetic visual aesthetic.
  8. Scroll-triggered animations: Scroll-triggered animations will be used to create a sense of movement and engage users as they scroll through a website.
  9. Organic shapes: Natural, organic shapes will be used to create a more relaxed and soothing visual aesthetic.
  10. Split-screen design: Split-screen design will be used to create a sense of balance and symmetry, as well as to highlight different elements of a website.
  11. Authentic imagery: Authentic, candid imagery will be used to create a sense of realism and relatability.

These trends will help to create websites that are both visually stunning and easy to use. As always, it is important to keep in mind that trends are just that, and not all of them will work for every website, so it’s important to pick the right ones that suit your specific needs.

Business Card Mistakes To Avoid 

By giving out business cards, you’re opening the door to contact. You are introducing your company, providing your contact information, and arousing interest in your enterprise. All of this can only be realized with a strong design. All the time and money you spend making business cards would be wasted with just one little error. Because of this, we’ll discuss some frequent business card errors brands make and how to prevent them.

 There are a few errors that reduce the efficacy of business cards.

Excessive use of colors or typefaces

On a business card, as opposed to other marketing materials where you communicate to your consumers in whole phrases, you merely make a few key points. Therefore, you need to have a plan in order to discern between each type of information. Some people turn to utilize a distinct color, a different font style, or perhaps both for each detail. Some make it difficult to discern each detail by using bold fonts, italics, or excessive line width fluctuations.

 

Too many typefaces and colors can both detract from the visual appeal of your business card. They give the design a crowded, disorderly appearance. because they influence how a design feels. Additionally, typefaces have a part in it. You don’t want to mislead your clients. You just want to
present your brand to them smoothly.

 

Failure to use the secure printing area

 

Do not fill every available square inch of space just because you have a limited amount of room to deliver your content. This is what occurs when you don’t pay attention to the cutting lines and borders in
business card designs.

 

Poor pictures

 

Although they are not required, images do help your design appear more modern. Additionally, patterns that appeal to the eye are simpler to recall. Here are several errors to avoid when using graphics in your
business card designs, though.

 

Using stock photographs: Use actual photos, not stock photos, when displaying your products or services.

The credibility of your business card design is compromised by stock photos.

 

Using photographs of bad quality: Whether it’s a headshot or a snapshot of a product, choose a photo of high quality that will print well.

 

 

Business Card Design – Why It’s Important 

Certain antiquated marketing techniques cannot be replaced. The business card is one example of this. Over the past few decades, the marketing landscape has changed dramatically. Today, the majority of consumers evaluate a company based on its online presence. There is no question in my mind. However, the appeal of physical company assets like business cards makes them well of the extra time and money. It all depends on how you adapt business card designs for the digital era.

But are business cards still useful in today’s world?

You are heard. Many small company owners have that idea. Do you believe it is worthwhile to endure the design and printing costs of business cards at the early stages when the business funds are already tight? Yes! Every year, close to 10 billion business cards are manufactured. That demonstrates that companies still believe in the power of a business card for branding. Not persuaded? Let’s examine a few advantages that a business card provides.

Designs for business cards give a good initial impression. Additionally, they convey to others your commitment to your concept. And it provides a solid foundation for developing trust.

Attending networking gatherings with your business cards at the ready demonstrates your openness to and readiness for new opportunities. Clients seeking services or goods as well as businesses seeking partnerships are keen to deal with an organization that is actively embracing growth.

A professionally made business card serves as a memento of your company. Since your clients are exposed to your brand every time they see your business card, your exposure soars. And after a few impressions, they continue to remember your brand. We all enjoy conducting business with well-known brands.

When it comes to its ROI, business cards have likewise retained a solid reputation.

In spite of the advantages, you should be aware that around 88% of business cards are thrown out in a week. Here are some design blunders to stay clear of when creating business cards so that you can be sure your card will not suffer that terrible fate.

The 5 Most Important Guidelines For Accessible Design

As a designer, you can no longer afford to overlook the growing trend toward inclusive design. Having designs that properly represent your company and its message is vital. Designing in a style your target audience will understand is even more crucial. Among these considerations is making products accessible to persons with a wide range of impairments. The percentage of people who are disabled in some way is staggering. Sixty-one million adults in the United States. Accessible design is crucial and should not be ignored. On December 3rd, the world celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Therefore, it is appropriate to discuss accessible design today.

People that have trouble identifying colors are also among your target audience. That’s why it’s crucial to start emphasizing accessible design. Do you have no idea where to start? We’ve got you covered. We’ll provide some practical advice on easy tweaks and design factors that can greatly impact.

An approach to accessible design in visual communication

In discussions on diverse advertising and promotion, the focus is generally narrowed to highlighting the need to showcase individuals from various cultural backgrounds. Facilitating a sense of belonging for individuals of many backgrounds. Recognizing and appreciating the value of people of all backgrounds. In any case, inclusiveness encompasses more than that. Another important aspect of inclusive marketing is assessing and improving the user experience for people with varying ability levels.

Creating products that are accessible to people with disabilities covers a lot of ground. Making sure all of your consumer touchpoints are accessible is a crucial part of this. There are numerous steps a business may take, ranging from an accessible UI design to app features that facilitate use for all types of people. However, we’ll be focusing on graphic design accessibility here.

For instance, what if the user cannot see the text because there is insufficient contrast between the text and the background? What if a visitor who is colorblind has problems with your infographic because the pie chart’s slices are different colors? The design’s purpose has been lost. Because of this, it is crucial to include accessibility elements in your branding and marketing strategies.

The nice aspect is that it really doesn’t take much effort to use accessible design in marketing. Minor adjustments will make your design accessible to everyone. Let’s have a look at some potential approaches to making this happen.

1. Pay close attention to your typography.

The legibility and readability of the text are affected by certain typographic features. Although there are no hard and fast rules for picking the best typeface and designing your typefaces, there are a few things you can keep in mind to make your design more accessible to persons with visual and neurological impairments.

Think carefully before using a small font.

The eyes have to work very hard to read small letters. Also, it adds extra effort for your consumers without adding any value. Most likely, they won’t do it. Also, typefaces smaller than 12 points on a mobile device might be difficult to read. As of 2015, mobile devices accounted for 58.99% of all worldwide online traffic, making the option to forego the use of small fonts a necessity for creating an accessible design.

The font you choose is important.

Some of the most readable and attractive typefaces are serif styles. You can count on it. However, when designing with accessibility in mind, sans-serif fonts stand out as the obvious winner. Their simple, uncluttered letterforms are easier on the eyes. This is true for both analog and electronic layouts.

2. Color contrast demands particular attention.

A design is only complete with the use of contrast. The level of contrast between two colors indicates how different they are from one another. Arrange them next to one another or stack them to create a foreground and background.

3. Use caution while using text overlays.

If you want to make your design accessible, you should avoid superimposing text on top of busy backgrounds. It might be tough to read even the most readable fonts when a lot is happening in the background.

4. Include descriptive subtitles for videos and alt text for images.

Always remember that some users may use assistive technologies like screen readers. Therefore, your picture may be of little value to them without appropriate alt text. The short answer is “yes,” alt text serves a wider purpose than just assisting search engine optimization. Facilitates user-friendly, accessible design. Still, it’s important to avoid overly-detailed sentences and stick to the essence of your message.

The 7 Must-Know Tips for Successful Banner Design

If you’re trying to make a bold statement, a banner with striking colors and simple text is a practical way to do it. There are banners and other forms of advertising everywhere. How can you make sure that your banner stands out as we walk through the streets and buildings?

A great accidental banner does not really happen. Design decisions need to be made strategically. Find out how to create the perfect vinyl banner by following these seven tips.

  • Ensure you have a good idea of what you want 

Having a clear understanding of your purpose is the first step toward designing the right banner. Why do you want to create one? How does it accomplish its goal? Banners can serve a variety of purposes, and they can be used temporarily or permanently. When you design your banner, every part of it must support your goal.

  • Substantially improve the banner’s visibility

A banner’s physical surroundings are crucial when it comes to placement for a variety of reasons. To make your banner catchy, consider what it will compete with to catch the attention of passersby. It would be better to choose a color like white, blue, or green rather than red or orange.

  • Select your colors carefully

Marketing and graphic designers know that color is also crucial to communicating a message effectively. Colors account for 62 to 90 percent of how people form opinions about people and products within 90 seconds. There is a strong association between green and money in the United States. You want to represent your brand in the shade and tone of blue you have chosen. It is highly beneficial to hire a print company with color-matching expertise to achieve maximum accuracy.

  • Make sure your images are of high quality.

Using low-quality images on your finished product can make it look blurry or grainy. The right type of file with a high enough resolution will allow your image to appear sharp even when enlarged. Raster and vector files are two of the most common file types.

  • The text should be read at a distance.

Images on the banner will appear sharper the farther a person is from it. Make sure any text on your banner can be read from a distance it will be viewed by knowing how far away it will be viewed. The most difficult fonts to read are script fonts, especially from a distance.

  • Be concise with the text

The text on your banner should be concise, regardless of its size. It is helpful to follow the three-by-five rule when designing banners. People won’t take as long to read your banner as you expect. Are there any ways you can package your message to capture the attention of this short audience?

  • Be sure you have focus points

Your banner can be highlighted in a variety of ways. Focus points can be images, logos, words, or lines of text. If you want, you can simply make the highlighted portion of the banner larger than the other elements. The first thing you need to do is catch people’s attention so they’ll look at the rest of your page.

What Do You Need to Know About Designing Your Small Business’s Home Page?

Online presence makes it easier for your company to get promoted and increase sales. Website requirements differ according to the type of business. When it comes to its design, every corporate page still needs several things in common. Small businesses especially deserve special attention.

How do small businesses differ from larger ones?

The home page design of your small business website should follow five ground rules to bring substantial profit. Besides being the most prevalent, small businesses are also in high demand. Compared to large conglomerates, they differ greatly both in terms of the number of employees as well as the amount of creativity and marketing budget they can allocate to their products.

How do I start? Why do I need a homepage?

Here are five tips to help you design an excellent small business homepage:

  • Create a consistent design for the homepage

It is recommended that every page, starting with the home page, have at least one zest. It can be implemented in a variety of ways, such as scrolling, icons, or animated logo designs. Use it everywhere.

  • Make your website easier to use

Make sure you don’t distract your audience from your call to action button by adding too many details to the webpage you create. Your homepage should not be oversaturated with bright colors and fonts that are difficult to read. Simple is better in the 21st century: keep it simple and you’ll achieve better results.

  • Provide a brief description of your product or service

Having a well-designed homepage design will let people know about your products and services and encourage them to buy them. If you are offering goods, you might want to explain them with videos or photos. How your brand is perceived directly depends on the quality of the visuals you provide.

  • Put some creativity into your homepage

With inventive homepage design, you can achieve success on a limited budget. Users are more likely to stay on your homepage if they can scroll. Many homepages allow users to scroll them diagonally, in circles, from right to left, etc. Think outside the box and don’t forget how user-friendly your page should be.

  • Responsive website design

Finally, you need to consider how your homepage looks on different devices. Even though this seems like a common truth, we often forget it or consider it sufficient. In reality, it isn’t. The majority of people who visit your website use phones and tablets. What is the best way to present your products and services to these people? You should never ignore this issue.

Final words

Small businesses do not have as many famous websites as large conglomerates. People often lose sight of how people view their brand when they chase massive profits. In most cases, it can be seen through the homepage design. Don’t let your competitors outpace you! Make yours better than theirs!

What Color Psychology Can Do for Your Conversion Rate

Most people underestimate the importance of color when it comes to influencing people on the Internet. Colors remain in the background, so we don’t notice them. Nevertheless, it’s the main color that conveys emotions and creates a certain ambiance for the site.

As part of this article, we will discuss the psychology of effective site design, focusing on colors in particular. Colors evoke beauty, but they also change perceptions, making them the second most significant factor in business efficiency. It can be used as both a motivator and a stimulant to motivate someone to act, such as buying a product, if you manipulate it correctly. Furthermore, you can create an atmosphere that is calm and peaceful.

The wheel of colors

The color wheel consists of seven basic colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and purple. The other colors can be obtained by blending complementary colors. These are called secondary colors. Colors have opposite colors that create the strongest contrast. A website’s colors are more than just decoration. Nevertheless, they are an essential component of your business, which may determine its success.

Similar colors – these colors look good together; they complement and enhance one another, creating a peaceful and comfortable environment. You can easily find them by looking at the color next to the one we’ve selected on the color wheel. There will be no difference in appearance.

An example would be purple, blue, and pink. Colors according to mood and sensation – warm and cool colors.

Colors can inspire people to act or purchase (warm colors), or they can soothe and calm them down (cool colors). For example, red, yellow, and orange are warm colors. Blue, green, and violet are cool colors.

Combinations of colors

There is more to selecting colors than just picking one or two. They must harmonize with each other to create a unified image, with each color serving a specific purpose. Three colors are grouped in a triangle on a color wheel, making it a well-balanced and reliable color scheme.

The scheme is based on four complementary colors that cross over one another into a contrasting rectangle. By using a vibrant palette, the website can become a hit: it evokes a sense of joy and happiness. Sequential systems combine colors that we previously called analogous or similar. There are a few instances where this color combination is used, but it can create an interesting effect.

Color schemes can have a significant impact on your site’s success. Users should experience the top positive emotions at the end of the experience.

Emotional perception of color   

Color and user reaction play a significant role in influencing conversion in e-commerce. Consider the colors and what stands out to you. The color orange is associated with vigor and creativity. Dark yellow suggests wealth and comfort, while bright yellow implies energy. The most appropriate color to use for corporate websites is blue; dark tones are even slightly depressing. For things that are trendy and interesting, purple is a great color to use. The color black is highly attention-grabbing and should not be overdone.

Final thoughts

There is no doubt that color plays an influential role in web design, so you should consider it from the start. Green or blue websites do not affect the emotions and impressions users feel when they visit them. A subconscious part of us tells us to click on a button. We rarely pay enough attention to it because it is not visible.

How to Select the Right Logo Position

Once you’ve designed a logo, you’ll want to incorporate it into your branded materials. Your logo may go in one of these three spots: Ideally, it would be at the top of the page, either to the left, in the middle, or to the right.

User experience guidelines recommend positioning your company’s logo in the upper left corner of each page. Nonetheless, a few companies buck the trend by putting their logo in the upper right corner. Very surprising! It depends on where it’s utilized, but don’t worry; we’ll get to it shortly.

Therefore, continue reading if you are still determining where your logo should be placed!

Why is Logo Positioning Important?

There are several factors to consider when deciding where to put your brand. The Nielsen Norman Group researched the best location for a company logo. Since people’s eyes tend to wander to the left, they discovered that logos aligned to the left are the most effective.

Also, consider these statistics: Users are 89% more likely to remember logos in the upper left corner than logos in the lower right corner. Really, that’s important!

There are several advantages to being really particular about a top center or right location, such as being unique, setting yourself apart from the competition, and sticking out from the crowd.

When deciding where to display your logo, it is important to consider the intended audience. Next, let’s look into it.

Guidelines for Properly Placing a Logo

Depending on the context, your logo’s placement may change. Let’s look at the right places for your logo on various platforms, such as websites, emails, letters, stickers, and more.

Websites

The right side of your website is different from the place for your logo. The Nielsen Norman Group found that consumers first go to the site’s upper left-hand corner for the logo. The ability of your site’s visitors to recall your brand may improve if you put it at the top right corner of your page. Furthermore, users expect to see a site’s navigation in the upper right-hand corner, and finding it elsewhere may cause them needless stress.

The top-left location is preferred when designing a user interface since it is the most natural and straightforward. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. Centering the logo may be a good choice if your website seems modern and lighthearted. For a fantastic logo placement example, look at Mailchimp’s website.

Scale is the final factor to think about. Your site will be accessed across various mobile phones, laptops, and tablets. It’s important to design a logo that can be scaled up or down without losing quality.

Emails

Similarly, you should position your logo at the upper left or middle of an email. The logo may appear at the top and bottom if the email is sufficiently lengthy. Here’s a chance to experiment with your logo in new ways, such as including both an image and some text in the first part of the email and then simply using the picture in the latter part.

Use white space to separate sections if you have much information to convey in a lengthy email. It will help you distinguish your logo from the surrounding text. Your email layout will be more streamlined and simpler to read.

Letters and documents

Documents and letters from a company seem more official when they have the company logo. Putting your logo in the appropriate spot on paper and mail is no different from doing it on a website. Put your logo in the page’s upper left corner.

Take into consideration how the logo will appear on the letter. Make sure to make it so big that it dominates the page or so little that it’s unreadable. Format it to look its best in the available space on the page.

Aside from the logo itself, the surrounding space is also important. Make sure there’s enough breathing room between sentences, so the recipient knows who sent the letter immediately.

Billboards

The readability of your billboard is the most critical factor to consider when placing your logo. It’s important to make sure your brand stands out on a billboard since there are often a lot of competing images. You shouldn’t just slap your logo down; it should be integrated into the whole design.

The bottom half of a billboard is often used as a logo placement. Spotify’s billboards often include the company logo in the lower left corner. By maintaining a steady visual style, the audience may quickly learn what to expect from the brand and where to focus their attention.

Labels, stickers, and other office necessities

There’s a lot of leeway in how you choose to incorporate your brand into items like stickers, labels, and stationery. Once again, you can utilize many versions of your logo in various contexts. Stickers should have the logo, but stationery should feature the company’s initials. Follow your instincts and brand strategy.

Now It’s Your Turn

You clearly spent some time and energy on that logo. You’ll be able to put it on billboards, t-shirts, stickers, and emails now. Logos should be placed strategically when there is a lot of text and visuals on the page.

Hopefully, this post has helped you figure out where and how to position your logo.

Learn the Ins and Outs of Logo File Formats

Your logo creation process will provide a variety of digital file formats. You may ask why there are so many distinct formats and how you might use them. It’s not easy to understand, but this article may help.

There is a particular function for each file type. It’s crucial to choose the proper file, whether it’s going to be printed on a shirt or brochure or used as a profile photo on Instagram.

These days, PNG, SVG, EPS, and PDF are the most often used file types for logos. You’ll learn about the various file types and their respective applications here.

PNG: Portable Network Graphic

It’s important to note that PNG is a raster (pixel-based) picture format. Logos, icons, text, flat pictures, etc., all work well when saved as PNG files in a digital format. PNG is the only option for creating transparent backgrounds in digital images. PNG files, including PowerPoint presentations, are the best option for any digital application. Printing is not suggested, and animation is not possible in this format.

The Advantages of PNG Files

  • The picture retains its quality regardless of how you modify its size.
  • Features extensive color support (up to millions of colors)
  • Large file sizes are often necessary for high-resolution images.
  • Allows for transparent backgrounds
  • Using PNG files, you may upload your logo to online platforms like blogs and websites.
  • Web-based stores like Etsy Profile and cover images on social media
  • The favicon is the icon that appears on your browser tab.

SVG: Scalable Vector Graphics

When it comes to showing 2D images, charts, and drawings online, the Scalable Vector Graphic (SVG) format is widely used. Instead of using pixels, SVG files use mathematical algorithms to create their visuals. Vector files retain their quality and should be used wherever feasible. SVG files may include animation. Using an SVG file is the best option if you plan on printing your logo.

The Advantages of SVG Files

  • It retains its resolution regardless of size.
  • The smaller size compared to JPGs and PNGs
  • Transparent backgrounds are supported.
  • Good to give to a designer if you want them to work on your logo
  • Utilize SVG files to include your logo on Stickers and labels.
  • Clothing, caps, socks, and other goods
  • Business cards, posters, letters, and other printed items
  • Websites

EPS: Encapsulated Postscript

The EPS vector file format is widely accepted as the best option for high-quality printing in the commercial sector. A common use of EPS is for very big, detailed pictures like those seen on billboards and posters.

Keep in mind that EPS files can’t be edited once saved. Therefore, you will need to return to the original design file and make the necessary adjustments before saving the EPS again. Another drawback of EPS files is that they can only be opened and seen in dedicated programs like Adobe Illustrator.

The Advantages of EPS Files

  • Perfect for adjusting the size of pictures
  • Reducing the file size does not compromise the image’s quality.
  • Since most commercial printers can open EPS files, this format is highly recommended for large-scale printing projects.
  • Massive, detailed graphics, such as those used on billboards, large posters, and other eye-catching marketing materials, need an EPS file to accurately represent your brand.

Portable Document Format

The abbreviation “PDF” means “Portable Document Format.” This flexible file format allows anyone to share and display documents with little hassle, regardless of their tools, hardware, or operating system. In addition to being digitally signed, PDFs may include in-document media like audio and video and interactive elements like links and buttons. Their primary functions are printing and editing.

The advantages of PDF files

  • The layout is the same across all platforms (smartphone, computer, tablet)
  • It is simple to share
  • Transparent backgrounds are supported.
  • Simple format
  • Put your company’s logo on PDFs.
  • Print products such as business cards, stickers, labels, apparel, and other merchandise

Okay, Now It’s Your Turn

The intended purpose of your logo should guide your selection of the appropriate file format. Let’s review what we covered:

If you’re printing business cards, brochures, apparel, or other items, utilize SVGs if your printer accepts them; otherwise, use an EPS or PDF file.

Concerning file types, PNG is the greatest option for achieving background transparency. PNG files are best for digital applications, whereas SVG or EPS files are preferable for submitting a logo to a designer for modifications.

You may begin working on your logo with the knowledge of which file formats to use.

A Comprehensive Guide to Dark Mode

Dark theme design, when done correctly, may capture an audience. We’d want you to aspire for that in your design. Here are 7 design recommendations for making the most of the dark theme on your website’s appearance and readability.

1. Think about your brand.

Some brands don’t do well on dark backgrounds. This means you should examine your business’s background, brand personality, and color palette before devoting time and energy to developing a dark theme UI. Do you think a black background would work better to emphasize your story? Can you use it to draw attention to specific aspects of your product? Does this make sense in the context of what you’re selling?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, a story with a dark theme might not be for you. Otherwise, go ahead and do it!

2. Avoid using all black.

A complete absence of color is unnecessary for a dark web design theme. Dark grey, instead of pure black, can provide the same appearance and feel but reduce the stark contrast between the text and the background.

When working with a dark grey background, you may utilize a larger spectrum of colors and create more depth with shadows and elevation.

3. Avoid very saturated colors.

Color “saturation” describes the degree to which a hue is emphasized. It is commonly accepted that more intense colors seem more authentic. The lower the saturation, the greyer it seems. Bright, saturated colors, such as royal blue on a white backdrop, stand out well. However, this blue can be hard to see when placed on a dark background, requiring the reader to make an extra effort to see the text.

4. Make sure your colors have adequate contrast.

As the background of your design needs to be sufficiently black so that white text stands out, color contrast is crucial in dark mode and dark theme design. The comparison of two colors is known as “contrast.” The design will look dull and cluttered if there isn’t enough contrast. With excessive contrast, your lighter parts may appear to shine and cause an unpleasant visual experience.

5. Make white backgrounds softer

White backgrounds need not be Crest White Strips white, just as black backgrounds aren’t needed to be pitch black. The contrast between the white text and the black backdrop might be unpleasant if the whites are too bright. Alternately, use a slightly darker hue of white to soften any white backgrounds.

6. Match the color to the message

Colors elicit distinct emotions based on their context. For instance, a vivid pink on a white background may convey a sense of playfulness. The same shade of pink, set against a deep black, may appear edgy and mysterious. Verify that your choice of colors conveys the intended meaning.

7. Communicate profundity

Design your website with a distinct structure of information. Shadows are frequently used to do this on a white background. Though, shadows aren’t as accessible on dark UI. Instead, use light to draw attention to certain features; the brighter an object’s light, the more prominent it will look in the design’s foreground.