‍

As someone who’s been working in web design for many years, I’ve seen trends come and go, but one thing has remained constant: a lot of websites look the same. It’s like we’ve all fallen into this pattern, using the same templates, structures, and predictable elements. It’s disappointing. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on delivering innovative design and productive solutions, working closely with numerous clients to create customized, standout websites that break away from the ordinary. My work has been recognized for its creativity and functionality, and many brands I’ve collaborated with have seen their online presence transformed through fresh, original designs.

I’ve shared my experience and insights on various panel discussions, addressing the importance of creativity and the power of design in shaping user experiences. Yet, despite the advances in technology and the many possibilities at our fingertips, the industry as a whole has leaned toward repetitive, safe choices. We have more tools than ever before, but instead of exploring new ideas, we recycle the same designs.

‍

‍

‍

A Designer’s Journey: From Innovation to Conformity

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of watching web design evolve. Early on, the excitement was palpable — every project was an opportunity to experiment, to find new ways to present information, and to engage visitors with fresh concepts. I’ve designed countless websites, always trying to find the perfect balance between creativity and functionality.

But somewhere along the way, things started to change. As the industry grew, designers (myself included) began relying more on templates, themes, and standardized structures. It made sense at first. Templates made building websites quicker and easier, and with the demand for fast launches, they became the norm. But the result? A wave of websites that all felt the same — clean, functional, but ultimately lacking soul.

‍

The Real Question: Why Have We Stopped Innovating?

We live in an era where technology offers endless possibilities. Tools like CSS Grid, SVG animations, and JavaScript libraries can do amazing things. And yet, most websites look like they were designed with the same 10 themes in mind. The problem isn’t a lack of resources or creativity — it’s a matter of mindset. We’ve become so comfortable with templates and predefined structures that we’ve stopped challenging ourselves.

When I look at the web now, I see a lot of websites that are “safe.” They follow the trends, they stick to familiar patterns, and they don’t take risks. But what about the websites that make you stop and stare? The ones that draw you in with a design you’ve never seen before, something that feels alive and interactive? Where did that curiosity go?

‍

What’s Missing: The Boldness to Experiment

In 2017, I decided to experiment with my students. I challenged them to break free from the cookie-cutter approach and redesign existing websites with creativity and freedom. What came out of that exercise was inspiring — designs that didn’t just showcase content but told a story. From generative art to interactive typography, the projects reflected a sense of curiosity and boldness that’s been missing in many modern web designs.

Here are a few examples that stood out:

1.ZKM Website Redesign by Frederic Haase and Jonas Köpfer
They created a generative design that changes with every page load, reflecting the museum’s commitment to cutting-edge art. It’s a perfect example of how technology can add a new layer of meaning to a website.

2.Streem Redesign by Daria Thies, Bela Kurek, and Lucas Vogel
Inspired by street culture, they built a website that mimics a city layout, transforming a traditional media site into a visually rich, interactive experience.

3.Medium Redesign by Amelie Kirchmeyer and Fabian Schultz
They took the classic blog post format and played with it, allowing typography to move, flow, and interact with the text. It was fresh, different, and engaging.

4. Hacker News Redesign by Fabian Dinklage and Florian Zia
Their redesign turned Hacker News into a dynamic space, visualizing the relationships between articles and users through interactive elements. It was far from the traditional news site format.

‍

Here’s What I Think: The Future of Web Design

Looking back at my journey as a designer, I realize how important it is to keep pushing the limits of what’s possible. The tools we have today are incredible, but it’s up to us to use them in innovative ways. Web design doesn’t have to be boring or predictable — it can be bold, expressive, and dynamic.

We need to stop relying solely on templates and start designing with a purpose. It’s time to make websites that don’t just inform but inspire. Design shouldn’t be about fitting into a mold; it should be about creating unique and meaningful experiences. The future of web design is waiting, and it’s up to us — the designers — to shape it.

‍

‍

Aram Andreasyan
Industry Leader, Design Expert

‍