trends to watch in 2025
2025 is here, and your website shouldn’t be living in 2015. If your site is still looking like a high school project, it’s time for an upgrade. Let’s be honest—web design is no longer about slapping up some stock photos and a generic logo. It’s about making a statement. Your website isn’t just a digital placeholder; it’s your online home, your virtual handshake, your first impression—so why is it still looking like a template from the early 2000s?
Are you done playing small? Are you ready to stop blending into the digital wallpaper and start standing out? Let’s dive into the top web design trends that are coming for the throne, because your website should reflect your personality, your ambition, and most importantly, your unique style.
minimalism with a punch
Minimalism isn’t going anywhere. But forget the boring, flat, lifeless designs of the past. We’re talking about minimalism with edge—sleek, clean, and easy on the eyes, but with bold typography, strategic splashes of colour, and design elements that give a little attitude. The goal? Make your message loud and clear while keeping your visitors hooked. Your website is your stage—give it a spotlight, not a beige background.
maximalism is here to stay (and it’s not for the faint-hearted)
Think maximalism is just for interior design? Think again. Bold patterns, vibrant colours, oversized elements, and lots of them—this is where the wild side of web design gets to play. If your personality is bigger than life and your brand speaks to people who want to feel something, then go maximalist on your website. It’s time to unleash the loud, vibrant, unapologetic version of your brand that will make visitors stop in their tracks and pay attention.
While minimalism has its place, don’t underestimate maximalism. It’s about embracing abundance and letting your brand’s personality shine. Whether you’re keeping it simple or throwing everything at the wall, the key is finding the right balance that aligns with your message. Both approaches can co-exist, depending on the mood and style of your brand—you don’t need to choose one over the other.
dark mode: is it time for a switch?
Dark mode has been gaining momentum as a modern design trend, offering a sleek and moody atmosphere that’s easy on the eyes for many users. But light mode isn’t going anywhere either. It remains a classic choice, providing a bright, clean look that suits a wide range of websites and audiences. The real question is: Which mode suits your brand and your visitors? Some websites successfully combine both dark and light elements to create a balanced, user-friendly experience. Ultimately, the goal is to design for contrast and readability while creating an inviting, functional space that reflects your unique style.
micro animations: small touch, big impact
Tiny details can make a world of difference. That’s where micro animations come in. They’re not just for making things look pretty—they’re about creating interaction. A little hover effect here, a slick button transition there, maybe even a cheeky animation that makes your user do a double-take. Micro animations make a website feel alive, and who wants a website that feels like it’s stuck in 1999? Not you. Let’s keep it fresh, fun, and engaging.
bold typography: make your words work harder
Forget the boring fonts you picked off a free stock font site. In 2025, typography is everything. Bold, striking fonts that demand attention are ruling the web. Whether it’s custom-designed fonts or just the perfect pairing of fonts that speak your brand’s language, typography should never be an afterthought. Your words should hit hard, and your fonts should help them land. Get rid of the “safe” choices, and get comfortable with bold, creative typography that matches your energy.
scrolly-telling: storytelling on a scroll
Gone are the days of static, one-page websites that make you feel like you’re reading a 1995 brochure. Enter scrolly-telling—the art of using smooth scroll animations to tell a story as visitors move through your website. It’s like bringing your brand to life with every inch of the scroll bar. From parallax effects to video backgrounds that move as you scroll, this trend is about more than just looking pretty—it’s about creating an experience that immerses visitors in your story. So, let’s make sure your visitors are actually experiencing your brand, not just reading it.
what’s sticking around?
responsive resign:
Your website isn’t just viewed on a desktop anymore. With mobile browsing dominating, responsive design is a must. It’s about creating a seamless user experience across devices—be it a phone, tablet, or laptop. In 2025, if your site doesn’t adapt, you’re leaving money on the table.
humanisation:
People are craving connection, so humanising your website with authentic content, real-life imagery, and personable messaging remains crucial. Users want to feel something, not just consume information. Websites that embrace this connection through storytelling, approachable design, and emotionally engaging content will continue to thrive in 2025 and beyond.
ready to step into 2025 with a website that’s actually you?
Let’s face it, the internet isn’t getting any quieter. If your website is still sitting there, stagnant, giving off the “I’m just here because I have to be” vibe, it’s time to take action. You need a brand and website that match your personality and unique style—something that’s not afraid to stand out, take risks, and reflect your vision.
So, are you ready to expand your reach? Let’s create a platform that reflects your vision, makes a statement, and most importantly, shows the world that you mean business. No more vanilla, boring AF websites.
2025 is here—no more excuses. Is your website keeping up, or is it still stuck in the past?
If you’re ready to elevate your website, then let’s connect and create something amazing!
Leigh Carnell
Creative Director at Expansion Zone
expansionzone.co.za
info@expansionzone.co.za