10 web design trends 2025

Published by Muzli on December 18, 2024

As we step into 2025, web design trends are taking bold strides, blending innovation with functionality to create engaging digital experiences. Here is a closer look at the standout trends shaping the future of web design this year.

Trend one: Unusual layouts

Screenshot from the website https://apossible.com/

In 2025, designers are moving away from conventional vertical scrolling layouts and adopting unusual layouts that offer more engaging and creative browsing experiences. These layouts break away from traditional design structures by incorporating features like horizontal scrolling, direct-to-explore elements, and fluid content arrangements. The goal is to create dynamic, memorable interactions with users by using unexpected approaches that deviate from the typical linear flow.

A textured black webpage with torn paper edges promoting tacos. Includes Polaroid-style photos of tacos, a customer holding food, and a “WED-SUN” schedule. A stamp reads “2000” as part of the visual theme. — Screenshot from the website https://taqueriarico.com/

While these layouts encourage creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, they still prioritize user experience. Designers ensure navigation remains intuitive and accessible, using cues like arrows, drag handles, or animations to guide users through these unconventional designs.

⭕ 1. Example of unusual layout

APOSSIBLE
As a non-profit we bring psychologists, technologists, artists and creatives together to work on applied experiments…apossible.com

DVEIN
DVEIN is a director with two heads, one is called Teo and the other Carlos. We work in commercials, music videos and…dvein.com

TAQUERIA RICO – TAQUERIA RICO
Come experience the authentic flavors of Mexico City in our variety of tacos, made with handcrafted tortillas and fresh…taqueriarico.com

zolviz – Transform Your Space with Expert 3D Room Design
zolviz specializes in bringing your dream spaces to life through expert 3D room design. Discover our unique approach to…www.zolviz.xyz

Trend two: Custom illustrations

The word “MEW” with illustrated scenes inside the letters. A cartoon cat in a suit holding a weapon, alongside stylized dog, with a nighttime city background. — Screenshot from the website https://mew.xyz/

Custom illustrations are taking the lead in web design. Instead of relying on stock images or generic visuals, designers are creating unique, brand-specific illustrations that help communicate messages more effectively. These illustrations are tailored to fit the brand’s identity and style, allowing for greater creative freedom and clearer storytelling.

The phrase “Let me show you where we can go” in large yellow letters on a purple background. In the center, a cartoon cloud character with eyes and legs. — Screenshot from the website https://www.flyingpapers.com/

Whether it’s flat design, line art, or brushstroke styles, the key is flexibility. Designers craft visuals that resonate with their target audience, creating more engaging and memorable experiences. By using custom illustrations, websites feel more authentic and personalized, helping brands stand out in a crowded digital space.

⭕ 2. Example of custom illustrations

MEW – cat in a dogs world
MEW – cat in a dogs worldmew.xyz

Flying Papers – Home
A diverse, vivid, and global community, bonded by their interest in cannabis. Whatever’s your reason for lighting up…www.flyingpapers.com

Timo Kuilder – Illustrator
Portfolio of Timo Kuilder – Illustratortimokuilder.com

Langmobile – Language learning services for families
Langmobile offers language learning activities to families all over the world. Online courses, summer camps, and more…langmobile.com

Trend three: Cursor-centric interactivity

The word “AIRBORNE” in bold letters on a black background. Below it, colorful objects like a cap, ring, and pillow. Text reads: “Lead the change, don’t let the change lead you.” — Screenshot from the website https://www.airborne.studio/

Cursor-centric interactivity focuses on using the cursor as a tool to enhance the user experience. Designers utilize the cursor’s movement to trigger animations, reveal hidden content, or change the appearance of elements when hovered over. This kind of interaction makes websites feel more dynamic and engaging.

Colorful photographs of people in vibrant, urban settings are scattered across the screen. Bold yellow and black text in the center reads, “A Little About LA BOCA.” — Screenshot from the website https://gelatolaboca.com/

Whether it’s highlighting a button when hovered over, expanding a menu, or revealing extra content under the cursor, these subtle interactions add depth and playfulness to the browsing experience. It’s all about creating a more intuitive and enjoyable way for users to engage with the content, making the browsing process feel seamless and interactive.

⭕ 3. Example of cursor-centric interactivity

Airborne
Brand, creative and development partners to tech and cultural changemakers Airborne interweaves strategy, design and…www.airborne.studio

Flowmingo Mini #6 – Final
Edit descriptionflowmingo-mini-6.webflow.io

Enterra Mouse Interaction
Enterra Mouse Interaction designed by Suprasoul. Connect with them on Dribbble; the global community for designers and…dribbble.com

Gelato La Boca – Vegan & Gluten Free – Argentina Artisanal Gelato To Dallas
Try the authentic taste of Argentinian artisanal gelato at Gelato La Boca, located in Dallas. Bringing Buenos Aires…gelatolaboca.com

Table Hover Animation with Image Preview
As soon as the cursor moves over a row in the table, the background appears, which fills the table row from the center…table-hover-animation.webflow.io

Protect Your Publications | Deleo Solutions
Ensure your written content is secure from copyright infringement with Deleo Solutions. We specialize in protecting…www.deleosolutions.com

Page Not Found | https://www.renflowdesigns.com/
Oops! The page you’re looking for can’t be found. But don’t worry, you can return to our homepage or use the search bar…www.renflowdesigns.com

Trend four: Grid and modular design

A futuristic robotic machine with an illuminated orange AI symbol is featured in the center. The background includes large black letters and a slogan, “Backing Tomorrow,” alongside a call-to-action button that reads “Apply for Incubation.” Social media icons are displayed on the right. — Screenshot from the website https://labs.chaingpt.org/

Grid and modular design is all about organizing content into clear, structured layouts, making websites easy to navigate and visually cohesive. Designers use grids to create modular sections that align elements like images, text, and buttons into consistent columns and rows. This trend is versatile, adapting to various types of content while maintaining balance and order.

Large typography with the words “Creative Developer” in bold black letters against a red background, with an excerpt of a personal bio or professional description beneath. — Screenshot from the website https://wodniack.dev/

What makes this design approach especially popular is its flexibility. It can be used for a variety of purposes — from e-commerce websites to portfolios — creating uniformity without sacrificing creativity. The grid system also allows for scalability, making it easier to adjust layouts for different screen sizes and devices.

In 2025, this approach continues to be a key design trend, offering a clean, organized look while helping users easily focus on what matters most.

⭕ 4. Example of grid and modular design

ChainGPT Labs | Fund, Incubate and Accelerate Web3 Projects
ChainGPT Labs | Backing the very best web3 builders -transforming visionary ideas into real-world growth. Apply for…labs.chaingpt.org

Pinnacle Design Lab | Unlimited Design Subscription
Innovate, Iterate, Subscribe. The Future is Pinnacle.www.pinnacledesignlab.com

AW – Creative Developer Freelance – France
Creative Developer with 15+ years and 140+ projects, specializing in animation-driven, high-impact websites. Partnering…wodniack.dev

Discover blog
Explore our blog articles for expert tips and streamlined support on securing a Green Card via EB1A, EB2 visas, and…www.pilot-republic.space

Trend five: Dynamic 3D experiences

Modern black gaming controller with glowing circular buttons and the word “SHAGA” displayed in futuristic white typography on a dark background. — Screenshot from the website https://www.odyssey.shaga.xyz/

Dynamic 3D experiences are becoming a powerful way for companies to showcase their products in highly interactive and detailed manners. Designers are increasingly using high-quality 3D renders to present products in all their dimensions, allowing users to interact with them like never before. With scrolling, users can view different angles, zoom in on intricate details, or even watch the products move and rotate in real time.

3D-rendered image of the iPhone 16 Pro floating against a glowing “PRO” backdrop. — Screenshot from the website https://www.apple.com/iphone-16-pro/

This immersive experience can be further enhanced with mouse-hover effects, providing additional details or actions such as changing colors or revealing features. Big brands like Apple have set the standard by incorporating 3D product showcases on their websites. These interactive models allow customers to feel closer to the product, helping them visualize it in the real world and engage more deeply with the brand.

As 3D technology becomes more accessible, expect to see this trend continue to rise in 2025, enhancing the way we interact with products online.

⭕ 5. Example of dynamic 3D experiences

Shaga Odyssey
Early Adopter Token Rewards: Tiered reward system based on order priority for the first 69,000 eligible controller…www.odyssey.shaga.xyz

Otherlife Creative Agency | Unconventional Solutions
Otherlife is a creative agency building unconventional solutions at the forefront of brand, digital design, web…www.otherlife.xyz

iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max
iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Built for Apple Intelligence. Durable titanium design. Camera Control. 4K 120 fps…www.apple.com

Peter Tarka / Projects
Edit descriptionpetertarka.com

Trend six: Playful and interactive websites

A colorful graphic featuring cartoon-style cards of different characters like Strategist, Creative Director, Intern, Project Manager, and Developer, each with unique attributes and roles in a playful design. — Screenshot from the website https://conceptcapers.com/?ref=onepagelove

In 2025, websites are becoming more engaging through playful and interactive experiences. Designers are integrating elements that invite users to participate, making the browsing process more enjoyable and immersive. These websites encourage creativity, allowing users to interact with content in unexpected ways — whether through games, interactive storytelling, or personalized features.

A creative 404 error page with large green “404” text at the top and white arrows at the bottom. — Screenshot from the website https://sannisahil.com/404

This trend moves beyond novelty, aiming to create memorable experiences that keep users engaged while showcasing the personality of the brand. Thoughtful interactivity enhances both user experience and site functionality, turning passive browsing into an active, fun adventure.

⭕ 6. Example of playful and interactive websites

Concept Capers
A comical card game for creative folkconceptcapers.com

Sanni Sahil | Design Director
As a passionate digital designer and independent design director, I am committed to creating visual narratives that…sannisahil.com

LBSB
LBSB är en hemlighetsfull framgångssaga. De fyra maskerade männen har sedan 2013 fått dansgolven att vibrera och…www.lbsb.nu

Bloobies | NFT collection for simple degens
I am a simple degen, I see bloobies I click mint.www.bloobies.art

Number seven: Dark mode

A black webpage with large white text reading, “It’s now way easier to earn a living,” advertising a platform that offers customizable paywalls for creators to profit from their content. A button labeled “Start earning now” is prominently displayed. — Screenshot from the website https://www.shareio.app/

Dark mode continues to be a prominent design trend in 2025, offering users a more comfortable browsing experience, especially in low-light environments. This mode reduces eye strain by using darker backgrounds and lighter text, creating a less intense visual contrast.

Side view of Apple’s 13-inch model device on a dark background, showcasing its slim 5.1 mm thickness, labeled as the thinnest Apple product ever. — Screenshot from the website https://www.apple.com/ipad-pro/

As a result, many websites and apps now feature dark mode as an option, allowing users to choose the interface that suits their preferences and enhances their comfort. Beyond practicality, dark mode also contributes to a modern, sleek aesthetic, making it a preferred choice for many designers aiming to create a contemporary look. Its popularity is driven by both functionality and visual appeal.

⭕ 7. Example of dark mode

iPad Pro
iPad Pro features the M4 chip with Apple Intelligence, 11-inch or 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR display, Wi-Fi 6E, 5G, and…www.apple.com

Better Stack – Radically better observability stack
Ship higher-quality software faster. Be the hero of your engineering teams. Start for free.betterstack.com

Shareio | Content sharing solution for creators
Protect, profit, and share your content effortlessly with Shareio’s upload-free, customizable paywall. Compatible with…www.shareio.app

Number eight: Scroll-to-engage storytelling

Web page featuring text about complex animations and modern interfaces with a deep space-themed background and glowing spherical visuals. — Screenshot from the website https://promo.emotion-agency.com/

Scroll-to-engage storytelling is a popular design trend where brands use scrolling as a storytelling tool to effectively deliver their message. Rather than simply displaying content, designers are creating websites that unfold a narrative as users scroll, making the information more engaging and easier to understand.

Screenshot from the website https://concept.peachworlds.com/

This method incorporates dynamic content, animations, and interactive elements to guide users through the story, ensuring that the message resonates more clearly. It creates a more memorable experience and helps users connect with the content in a way that traditional layouts may not achieve.

⭕ 8. Example of scroll-to-engage stories

Emotion – Cutting Edge Frontend Solutions
We specialize in crafting interfaces that deliver an unparalleled user experience. Prototyping, designing, and…promo.emotion-agency.com

CØNCEPT – Future of Electric Cars
CØNCEPT – Future of Electric Cars. Made with Peach Worldsconcept.peachworlds.com

Media.Monks | The Empathy Experiment
The Empathy Experiment visualizes the effect of higher or lower empathetic behavior in universally relatable…www.empathyexperiment.com

Number nine: Radiant glow design

A digital rendering of a dark blue VPN interface named “ARGUS.” The text “VPN THAT SIMPLY WORKS” appears at the center, with a glowing arc light effect and a white installation button on a futuristic tablet display. — Screenshot from the website https://fancy.design/works/argus-vpn.html

Radiant glow design combines gradients with light effects to create an engaging and visually dynamic website experience. This trend often features glowing or luminous elements embedded within soft gradient backgrounds, giving the design a vibrant and energetic feel.

A 3D-rendered mirrored disco star ornament suspended against a purple background, surrounded by abstract reflective shapes and a vibrant purple ground. — Screenshot from the website https://pinatap.beaucoup.studio/

By blending neon hues with subtle light effects such as glows and highlights, designers can draw attention to interactive elements like buttons, icons, and call-to-action sections. These styles add a futuristic touch, enhancing the depth of the layout and guiding user focus to key features. Radiant glow design works particularly well when paired with dark mode or minimalistic backgrounds, offering contrast and a sense of visual intrigue.

⭕ 9. Example of radiant glow design

Design subscription from FANCY
The Ultimate Design Subscription Service: UX/UI for web and apps, Branding, Landings, 3D, Illustrations, Animations…fancy.design

Reflect.app Re-Design ✨
Reflect.app Re-Design ✨ designed by Oğuz Yağız Kara. Connect with them on Dribbble; the global community for designers…dribbble.com

Beaucoup – Piña’tap
Immerse yourself in 6 different moods, express yours and share it to the world.pinatap.beaucoup.studio

Trend ten: AI visuals and content

In 2025, AI is revolutionizing web design by providing new ways to generate and personalize visuals and content. Designers are using AI tools to create unique, brand-specific graphics — from illustrations to 3D renderings — while optimizing images in real time to fit different contexts.

A collage showcasing various artistic styles, including photorealism of a woman crafting pottery, colorful vector art of a face, a hard flash photograph of a woman with a pink plate, a digital illustration of a blue-haired woman with a vase, and a vibrant plastic sculpture of a decorated bust with floral elements, all captioned to highlight different visual styles. All these images were generated by AI. — Screenshot from the website https://www.recraft.ai/

AI can also personalize website content based on user behavior, ensuring a more tailored experience. This not only enhances visual appeal but also streamlines workflows, allowing for greater creative freedom and efficiency. As AI continues to evolve, it will play an even greater role in crafting dynamic, interactive user experiences that feel personalized and engaging.

⭕ 10. Example of AI visuals and content

AI Image Generator – Create Art, Images & Video | Leonardo AI
Transform your projects with our AI image generator. Generate high-quality, AI generated images with unparalleled speed…leonardo.ai

AI Units – Product Landing Page
AI Units – Product Landing Page designed by Sam Halpert for Awsmd. Connect with them on Dribbble; the global community…dribbble.com

Infinite AI Artboard – Recraft
Premium image generation and editing tool. Store and share your own styles, create, fine-tune, upscale, and perfect…www.recraft.ai

Opinion on These Trends

While it’s amazing to see web design pushing boundaries with high-end animations, 3D visuals, and interactive elements, there is a downside to all this creativity. These features definitely make websites stand out and deliver messages in exciting new ways, but the truth is, they can also slow down load times and negatively affect the overall user experience.

Today, more and more companies are realizing the importance of having a fast, responsive website that loads quickly. Speed is becoming just as important as visual appeal, and there is a clear shift toward finding a balance between stunning design and performance. It’s about creating websites that are both engaging and efficient, ensuring users don’t have to wait around to enjoy the experience.

That’s all for now! I hope you enjoyed exploring these design trends for 2025.

All images belong to their respective owners and are used for teaching, commentary, and research. If you are a copyright owner with concerns, please contact me, and I will address the issue immediately.

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