Wix Studio Unravels Web Design Trends Thriving In 2024 Thus Far

Illustration by Ashger Zamana for Wix Studio, featured with permission

With attention spans calibrated to the lengths of TikTok clips, it’s become more important than ever to create web experiences that stick with visitors long after they’ve clicked away. To help designers stay above the curve, Wix Studio has unveiled the hottest web design trends shaping the digital landscape for 2024 so far.

According to the web platform’s newly updated report, maximalism continues to enjoy its moment in the spotlight. Think bold colors, clashing patterns, and enough visual stimuli to make your retinas dance—a far cry from the minimalist designs that dominated the past decade.

Everyone also has a soft spot of nostalgia, with websites honoring the good old days by blending traditional web elements with the aesthetic of the Y2K era for a unique fusion that feels both familiar and fresh.

However, not everyone’s jumping on the “more-is-more” bandwagon. There’s a counter-movement brewing, with some designers opting for a more “handmade” feel or embracing “anti-design” minimalism. Check out some key concepts below, and view all 10 trends here.

Hyperreality

In 2024, designers are blurring the line between reality and simulation, creating experiences that feel more real than reality itself. Surreal animations and warped video elements transport users to otherworldly realms, immersing them in a captivating simulation. The meta approach transcends beyond web design, from NPC (non-playable character) TikTok accounts to MSCHF’s viral big red boots.

Illustration by Ashger Zamana for Wix Studio, featured with permission

A Human Touch

Amid the tech-driven frenzy, there’s a growing admiration for personal touches in web design. Handmade illustrations and script lettering are infusing digital spaces with warmth and personality, while subtle gradients and depth give these design elements a dynamic, layered feel. This emphasis on a human touch offers a refreshing contrast to the often-sterile digital landscape.

Illustration by Ashger Zamana for Wix Studio, featured with permission

Elevated Brutalism

Web Brutalism has been around for years, but 2024 has seen an elevated version of this style emerge. Designers are blending the raw, minimalist principles of Brutalism with more refined aesthetics, resulting in a striking visual language. Limited color palettes, oversized typography, and high-impact photography create a sense of utilitarian elegance that stands out in the crowded digital space.

Illustration by Ashger Zamana for Wix Studio, featured with permission

Interactive Whimsy

Moments of playfulness are much appreciated during these overwhelming times. Websites are incorporating subtle animations and bold display fonts to delight and engage users, offering a much-needed respite from the stresses of daily life. By striking a balance between clean design and interactive elements, these sites capture the attention of audiences and leave them feeling refreshed.

Illustration by Ashger Zamana for Wix Studio, featured with permission

Maximalism

If there’s one trend that has continued to dominate the web design landscape in 2024, it's maximalism. Designers are embracing bold typography, vibrant color palettes, and oversized visuals to create a visually striking impact. This “more is more” approach defies the minimalist tendencies of the past, offering a bold and unapologetic style that captivates audiences.

Illustration by Ashger Zamana for Wix Studio, featured with permission

Heritage Revivalism

A fascinating subtrend within the maximalist movement draws inspiration from the lavish ornamentation and intricate details of 17th and 18th-century Baroque and Rococo art. Heritage Revivalism represents a shift away from generic, digitally-optimized visuals towards a more historically rich aesthetic. Its emergence has been facilitated by technological advancements, with higher resolutions and larger screens now capable of showcasing minute visual details. Pairing classic typefaces like Garamond and Caslon—prized for their historical significance and vintage appeal—with rich jewel tones, florals, ornamiental frames, and Toile De Jouy designs creates a sense of timeless elegance in the modern digital landscape.

Illustration by Ido Israeli for Wix Studio, featured with permission

’80s Excess

This maximalist offshoot infuses web design with the nostalgic feel of vintage print media, such as grainy textures, subtle monochromatic gradients, and a liberal use of retro-styled photography. Layouts draw inspiration from old-school magazine techniques, featuring delicate line motifs and images with distinctive borders. Typography choices also reflect this throwback trend, with neutral semi-serif or thin serif fonts often paired with decorative scripts to hark back to the visual extravagance of the 80s and early 90s.

Illustration by Ashger Zamana for Wix Studio, featured with permission

[via Wix Studio, featured with permission]