Web design trends for eCommerce in 2021

The eCommerce field is growing so fast that if you invested in Amazon stock yesterday, you'd be a millionaire today. But to stay competitive in eCommerce, you have to understand that user behavior is changing rapidly and you have to adjust to it.

We've already written about web design trends in 2017. Some points remain today, such as stylish typography, white backgrounds, and high-quality large photos. But a lot of new things have also been added.

Let's talk about interesting trends in web design that will help attract customers to the online store.

1. Micro-animation

It shouldn’t be too much, as it can affect the speed of loading the site, but a few dynamic elements will add uniqueness to the online store and cause emotions of users (it should be ecstasy). WOW-effect is added by micro-animations, which are set in motion depending on the user's choice.

2. Dark Mode

More and more online stores are additionally developing an interface in dark mode. This pleasure does not come cheap, but what can’t be done for the convenience of customers. Today switching to dark mode is more common in mobile apps than on desktops.

3. A harmonious combination of colors

A well-chosen color palette for an online store will not only have a good effect on conversions and prolong the overall time spent on the site, but will also contribute to brand awareness.

Author: @dibas_creativity

We've selected a few trending color palettes that you can use for your online store.

4. Frosted glass effect

Generally used to evoke emotion in users, as it really looks very effective. The frosted glass effect can also be applied to inactive elements.

The frosted glass effect is easy for a web designer to implement, but difficult for a developer, so the cost of such implementation can be quite high.

Author: @dibas_creativity

5. Object outside the composition

This means that the object in the photo can partially extend beyond the visible area. This effect can also be used for web banners, for product cards and for the whole style of the online store. Not really a trend, since the technique has been used for quite some time, but is still relevant.

6. Emoji

Emoji accompany us everywhere: messengers, social networks. They allow users to share their emotions. Web designers picked up this trend and began to implement emoji in eCommerce projects as well. You can integrate emojis not only on the product card, but also in the blog under each article. Allow your customers to interact with the site as much as possible.

7. Minimalism

Still a trend, especially in e-commerce. Minimalism is welcome in everything: fonts, photos, and even context. People are tired of reading, they need relaxation, visual aesthetic pleasure. The main message: as few details as possible and more space.

Author: @mahmudur.uiu

8. Neon

Used mainly for products that are related to sports or auto themes, as it gives a sense of movement. Also neon can be used for video, audio, game sites, online stores with technology.

Author: @lumenofy

9. Translucent elements

Translucent elements allow you to save more air and space. In the example below, with the help of translucent backing, the designer placed the necessary information without overlapping the main photo composition. In addition, the whole style looks light and minimalistic. It is worth paying attention to the small illustrations as well. Drawn in the same style as the site design, they evoke associations with nature and recreation. In this design, everything is beautiful: fonts, colors and shades, properly thought-out grid and hierarchy.

You can choose a ready design for your online store or order updates to the design. Our specialists are always ready for interesting tasks.

Author: @ui8net

10. Illustrations

Illustrations add a spark to commercial and any other projects. Vivid illustrations remind you of a carefree childhood and appeal to almost all clients regardless of age or social status. Illustrations are much easier to comprehend than photographs, so it's definitely worth trying to incorporate them into the design of your online store (of course, if the subject matter and products match).

 Author: @ae.designpro

11. UX copywriting

Not related to web design, but partially related to UX/UI design. All areas are closely related, so UX copywriting can be considered part of web design. UX-copywriting gives short hints to users what to do next, where to click and navigate, it calls to action. Qualitative UX-copywriting can greatly increase conversions.

12. Rainbow gradient

Rainbow gradient successfully combines with monochrome: black and white. Online store in this style allows you to focus the user's attention on the most important elements. This example is not an eCommerce project, but in an online store this design would look rather effective.

Author: @ui.fawwaz

13. Vertical Swipe

Unusual for the user interactive elements make the project more interesting. The vertical swipe is one of those elements. The main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise the usability will suffer.

Author: @ui.joel

14. Highlighting of active elements

Highlighting can be used not only for active products, but also for all the elements on the site that you want to draw the user's attention. For example, you can use highlighting for "combo" offers or for promotional items. Once implemented, you will definitely notice an increased demand for highlighted items.

Author: @mahmood.d.webdesign

Do you want to realize any trend in your online store SoloMono? Write to our specialists, and they will bring your ideas to life.

15. Icons in project style

Icons already became a part of any online store, landing, or corporate site long ago. But in the trend are icons that are designed in the style of the whole eCommerce project.

Author: Jobel Ahmed

16. Rounded corners

Elements with rounded corners give the design more softness and aesthetics, looking more modern than traditional geometric shapes. Many designers today are switching to rounded shapes.

17. High-quality subject photography of goods.

Photos in HD quality generally leave a pleasant impression of the entire design, so this part can also be attributed to the web design, although it's more about the content. The style of photography and web design should be in harmony. If you don't yet know which web design to choose, it's best to take a subject photo of the product against a white background. This is the most universal option.

 Author: @arshakirpk

Conclusion

Overall, online store designs are becoming lighter and more weightless. Sharp forms are being rounded off. The main emphasis is placed on the attractiveness of the goods, as well as on evoking certain emotions in the user. For example, for an online store of the beauty industry, you can choose the concept "Relax", and for sporting goods "Drive". When developing should always remember that the design of the online store should in the first place to facilitate the purchase of goods, in the second - to cause associations with the brand and be remembered. Would you like to introduce something unique into your template? Write to our specialists, they will calculate the cost of work and will help to place an order.