Negative space (or whitespace) is the empty space on a website. It is the room that separates different pieces of content and design elements on a webpage. From the UX design perspective, the lack of negative space can cause the user’s cognitive overload. So we should not forget to allow white space to make the web experience enjoyable for users.

There are two types of negative space on a website: micro- and macro. Micro-space is referred to as the room between small design elements, such as paragraphs, letters, and words. Whereas macro-space is the room between core design elements such as a header and footer.

Let’s focus on the macro whitespace. It is predicted that the intentional overuse of negative macro-space on a website will constitute a new design trend in 2020. Web designers have started playing with whitespace on layouts. Instead of cluttering a header with navigation details (as we used to do it before because it is the first thing users see when entering a website), designers try to leave this area clean and offer users extra-minimalist step-by-step navigation.

Here is one of the astonishing website ideas of MiLo Studio that demonstrates the creative use of negative macro-space.

You might be surprised to hear that overlapping layers have become a new graphic design inspiration. The extraordinary combination of different layers on a website can create a magnetic visual effect of added depth to a webpage and a feeling of more than four corners on a screen.

This optical illusion can be achieved by locating design elements on top of one another so that they are partially hidden from the eyes. You also can allow additional content to pop up and become completely visible once clicked.

Using overlapping goes far beyond the ordinary in web design and awakes the audience’s interest in a brand.

See what an excellent overlapping layers website concept BestServedBold has prepared on Dribbble.

If artists reveal their art on paper, why not do the same on a website? The hand-drawing technique is forecasted to become one of the top graphic design trends these years.

One of the most significant benefits of hand drawing in web design is that it helps convey information at a more emotional level and establish a personal connection with a target audience. There is nothing better to reflect the brand’s unique style than to do it using sketchy designs.

Hand-drawing art helps web designers create a sense of human touch and transmit the company’s values and goals behind the offerings displayed on a website. It makes a website look inviting and even fun and helps build customer trust and loyalty.

These hand-drawn astronauts on a website designed by Dannniel for Orizon are a great example.

13. Liquids

The visual imitation of fluids is another graphic design trend expected to gain momentum in 2020. Opposite to geometric shapes and sharp angles, the liquid-like design is saturated with round forms and smooth curves.

A brilliant example: is the animation by BestServedBold.

The liquidy shapes are often associated with something pleasant, safe, creative, and soft, while sharp forms often evoke a feeling of threat. Consequently, we can conclude that the imitation of liquids in design positively affects the users’ mood, helping them feel confident and calm while interacting with a brand.

Here you can see a liquidy design for Irshad Ahamed‘s website.

Conclusion

To build a great website, you need not only a UX skillset but also a whole lot of creativity and compliance with trends. Stay ahead of the curve with the top 13 graphic design trends described above.

Would you like to create a truly spectacular website? There is no right or wrong answer on how to design it. As Yoda from Starwars said: “Do or do not, there is no try.” Our team of professional web designers can help you execute your most imaginative web design ideas and “do it with no try.”

Finally, what are your favorite graphic design trends that can help turn a website into magic? Share them with our community in the comments below!