5 Graphic Design Trends in 2024
Introduction
As we step into a new year, the world of brand design continues to evolve, guided by innovative trends that shape visual identities and captivate audiences. In this exploration, we'll share our top five brand design trends poised to redefine the aesthetics of 2024.
Trend 1: AI is your new best friend
In the coming year, anticipate a surge in AI-powered tools that will enhance your workflow and expand your capabilities. The future of AI is centered on enhancing your creative workflow, not displacing it. As a graphic designer, try not to fear AI. Your job won’t be replaced by AI, it will be replaced with a person who knows how to use AI. Be that person!
AI Tools: Some of our favorite AI tools to introduce into your workflow
Trend 2: Inclusive Visuals
In 2024, graphic design assumes a crucial role in authentically portraying the diverse tapestry of our world. The era of generic, nondescript representations has faded, replaced by a commitment to incorporate visual elements that celebrate a wide array of races, ethnicities, genders, abilities, and body types.
Noteworthy examples include Google's expanded emoji library, featuring a broader range of skin tones, hairstyles, and gender expressions, reflecting more comprehensive identities.
Designers are also championing accessibility, ensuring that visuals are usable for individuals with visual impairments or cognitive disabilities. This shift towards inclusivity is more than a passing trend; it signifies an acknowledgment of design's potent capacity to foster empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging in our shared world.
Image from Google Inclusion Report
Trend 3: Maximalism
In 2024, the design movement of Maximalism is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, characterized by an explosion of color, pattern, and texture. Bold geometric shapes, clashing color palettes, and funky retro fonts take center stage, embodying the more-is-more mentality that defines this trend. Maximalism goes beyond design; it becomes a narrative explosion, establishing immediate emotional connections through intricate details and captivating visuals.
Design by Shumi Perhiniak
Trend 4: Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
The realm of graphic design is increasingly intertwined with immersive opportunities, opening up new possibilities. Conversely, graphic designers play a crucial role in crafting visually compelling virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) environments that elevate user experiences, leveraging the innate storytelling capabilities of design. According to graphic designer Grace Fussell, the transition to VR offers a remarkable avenue for transforming conventional 2D creations into immersive 3D wonders. She emphasizes that the integration of mixed reality enables designs to become uniquely interactive, enhancing accessibility and impact for a broader audience.
Design by Serafim Mendes
Trend 5: Visual Accessibility
In recent years, an emerging trend that has gained significant traction is the focus on visual accessibility. As digital platforms and content continue to play a central role in our daily lives, there is a growing recognition of the importance of ensuring that information is accessible to individuals with visual impairments or disabilities. This trend encompasses a variety of strategies and technologies aimed at making visual content more inclusive. From implementing alternative text descriptions for images to adopting responsive design principles that accommodate various screen sizes and devices, businesses and content creators are increasingly prioritizing the creation of content that can be easily accessed and understood by a diverse audience. Visual accessibility not only aligns with principles of inclusivity and diversity but also reflects a commitment to providing a seamless and equitable online experience for all users.
Example of color accessible palette from Radish Lab
Conclusion
In the realm of 2024's brand design, we witness a harmonious blend of creativity and technology. AI emerges as a valuable ally, enhancing rather than replacing human creativity. Inclusivity becomes paramount, celebrating diversity authentically. Maximalism brings vibrant narratives through bold designs, while the integration of VR and AR opens new immersive dimensions. The final trend focuses on visual accessibility, emphasizing the importance of creating universally accessible content. Together, these trends not only redefine aesthetics but also contribute to a dynamic, empathetic, and inclusive design landscape that resonates with the diverse experiences of our shared world.
