In today’s competitive business landscape, companies need to understand the principles of sales psychology to stand out in the market. Design thinking plays a crucial role in this process, as it influences consumer behaviour and drives purchasing decisions. By applying sales psychology principles, designers can create visuals that resonate with their intended audience, tapping into their emotions, thoughts, and desires.
The graphic design trends of 2023 are a response to the latest consumer psychology research, with each trend aiming to create visuals that not only grab attention but also evoke a strong emotional response. From minimalism to bold typography, these trends can help businesses create impactful designs that influence consumers’ perceptions of their brand or product.
As a leading branding agency service brisbane, Viabrand® has identified the most impactful design trends dominating the SME market. Incorporating these trends into your design strategy can help your business create visually appealing and emotionally resonant designs that drive sales and business growth.
1. Minimalism: The Power of Clean Lines and Muted Clean Colours
Lines, simple typography, and muted colours are still popular among Australian businesses in 2023. Technology companies, for example, could use a minimalist approach on their website to convey modernity and simplicity. According to a study by HubSpot, 76% of consumers say the most important characteristic of a website’s design is that it makes it easy for them to find what they want, and a minimalist design can help achieve this by reducing clutter and distractions.
2 . Bold Colours: Adding Energy and Excitement to Designs
Bright and vibrant colours can add energy and excitement to designs. A fitness apparel brand, for instance, could incorporate bold colours in their designs to create a sense of movement and excitement. A recent study by Emerald Insight found that well chosen colours have the potential to increase brand recognition by up to 80%, making bold colours a powerful tool for branding.
3. 3D and Depth: Creating Realism and Depth to Flat Designs
Designs with a 3D and depth effect can make flat designs more visually appealing by adding realism and depth. A real estate agency would typically use 3D designs to create realistic renderings of properties, giving potential buyers a better sense of the space.
According to a study by Nielsen Norman Group, users spend 10% more time looking at 3D images compared to 2D images, making 3D designs an effective way to keep users engaged with your content.
4. Gradients: Creating Depth and Visual Interest
Gradients are popular in 2023 and can be used to create depth, visual interst and a modern look and feel. Food delivery services are a great example of this technique being applied as gradients are incorporated into their branding and marketing materials to create a sense of texture reminiscent of the different layers of flavours in their dishes.
In a study conducted by Psychology Today, the use of gradients in design was shown to create a feeling of movement that subsequently assisted in guiding the user’s attention towards important elements.
5. Abstract Art: Adding a Unique and Creative Touch to Designs
Abstract art can add a unique and creative touch to designs and can be applied to backgrounds, illustrations, and typography.
An architecture business could use abstract art in their designs to express their creativity and unique perspective, standing out from competitors who use more conventional design approaches. Abstract has been shown to evoke emotions and feelings in viewers, which can help to create a strong connection with a brand.
6. Bold Typography: Making a Visual Impact
Design thinkers are using bold and unique fonts to make a visual impact that resonates with their target audience. A podcast agency business, for example, could use bold typography in their branding to reflect the dynamic nature of the sound wave phenomena and the visual representations their recordings produce.
In a study conducted by Smashing Magazine, the use of bold typography was shown to create a sense of hierarchy, making important information stand out, which can help to improve the overall user experience and reduce bounce rate.
7. Dark Mode: Providing a Modern and Sleek Look
Dark mode is increasingly popular in app and web design as it creates a modern and sleek look while reducing eye strain. Professional services like accounting or financial planning firms could benefit from the incorporation of dark mode on their brand website to accentuate the colours and details in data charts, graphs, and images.
In a study conducted by MeasuringU, dark mode was found to also lower energy consumption, and provide a more immersive experience, increasing user engagement.
8. Hand-drawn Illustrations: Adding a Personal Touch
Hand-drawn illustrations are popular in 2023 because they can give a personal touch to designs and create a sense of whimsy and fun.
Childcare centres or toy companies could use hand-drawn illustrations to create a playful atmosphere that appeals to both kids and parents. According to a study by Creative Bloq, the use of hand-drawn illustrations in design can create a sense of authenticity and personality, which can help to build trust with consumers.
9. Futuristic Designs: Reflecting Rapid Advancements in Technology
Futuristic designs with a sleek, high-tech feel are becoming more popular, reflecting the rapid advancements in technology.
A technology ecommerce retailer could use futuristic designs in their branding to reflect their commitment to staying on the cutting edge of technology. Futuristic designs have also been shown to create a sense of innovation and progress, increasing brand trust and loyalty.
10. Sustainability: Incorporating Eco-friendly and Nature-inspired Themes
Designers are incorporating sustainable elements, such as eco-friendly materials, minimalistic designs, and nature-inspired themes, reflecting the growing global concern for sustainability.
Manufacturing brands, for example, could incorporate sustainable elements in their packaging design to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. With recent research suggesting that up to 60% of consumers would pref to buy from environmentally conscious brands, sustainability is fast becoming a key driver of purchasing decisions.
By incorporating these 10 graphic design trends into their branding strategy, Australian businesses can stay relevant, competitive and resonate with their target audience.
Viabrand® is your design partner for bespoke graphic design solutions that meet your business needs and goals. Our team is here to offer guidance and support in all aspects of graphic design services. Whether you need a new brand identity, website design, or marketing collateral, we’ve got you covered.
To learn more about our services and how we can help take your business to the next level, Schedule a free, no-obligation 30-minute call. We’ll take the time to understand your needs and provide tailored solutions that are perfect for your business.