‍

‍

After more than eight years in the design industry, I’ve learned that trends come and go — but clarity, performance, and a deep understanding of user needs never lose their place. Throughout my journey, I’ve had the privilege to work alongside incredible professionals, exchange ideas with global mentors, and lead teams through challenging yet rewarding projects. I’ve also had the opportunity to share my voice as a mentor myself , even guiding well-known designers whose work now shapes major companies.

Through panel discussions, workshops, and countless team sessions, one thing became clear: web design is not about looking impressive — it’s about working effectively. And in 2025, we’re seeing this shift more than ever.

‍

‍

‍

The New Priorities: What’s In

‍

1. Visual-First, But With Purpose

High-impact visuals are still very much alive — but they come with a responsibility. The best websites today strike a delicate balance: animations that support, not distract; imagery that tells a story, not fills a void.

Take Pay With Peppermint — subtle movement, clear whitespace, and focused copy make the experience smooth and intentional. Another standout is Heavn One, which uses original visuals and creative scroll mechanics to showcase physical products without overwhelming the user.

But it’s not about doing more — it’s about doing just enough. As seen in The Line Studio, animations make sense when the website itself is about animation. For most businesses, simpler visuals often deliver stronger results.

‍

2. Bento Grids Are Still Here

Bento-style layouts, popularized by Apple and others, are evolving. It’s no longer just about aesthetic blocks — it’s about flow and clarity. Good bento design guides the user, alternating between image-rich and text-only sections to maintain rhythm and readability.

Sites like Lovi and Paste show this balance well, mixing interaction with solid storytelling. Chronicle also demonstrates how muted text and simple layouts can still communicate complexity — without clutter.

‍

3. Conversion Comes First

This might be the most important trend in 2025. While designers often get caught up in artistic transitions, businesses care about results. Websites today must answer one question fast: What problem does this solve, and how?

Look at PhotoAI, Perspective, or Buffer — they’re clear, functional, and focused. Minimal visuals, fast load times, and simplified messages that reduce user friction are the way forward.

‍

What’s Fading Away

‍

✘ Brutalism Didn’t Stick

While bold and interesting, brutalist design isn’t practical for most users or products. Sites like Shader work in niche areas, but the style rarely supports professional appeal.

‍

✘ Overcomplicated Interfaces

Excessive animation and interaction overload users. Brands like Linear have simplified their sites to improve clarity. Heavy effects and scroll hijacks are slowly disappearing — and rightfully so.

‍

✘ AI Backgrounds and Gimmicks

Too many concepts on social platforms rely on AI-generated fluff. Clouds, blobs, random light effects — they may catch attention, but they rarely convert. Design must connect to the product, not just look trendy.

‍

A Professional’s View on What Matters Most

Having worked with startups, global teams, and top-tier designers, I’ve seen how good design can shape real outcomes. In my leadership roles, I’ve helped guide design strategies that improved performance, led public discussions about design culture, and mentored designers whose work you probably use daily.

What 2025 shows us is this: we’re returning to the essentials. Websites that load fast, speak clearly, and keep users focused are the future. Good design doesn’t need to shout. It just needs to work.

Whether you’re designing, leading, or learning, let’s make this a year of meaningful digital experiences.

‍

‍

Aram Andreasyan
Industry Leader, Design Expert

‍