Top five graphic design trends for 2020

2020 is here and if you’re anything like us, I’m sure you’re wondering what the world of graphic design will look like for the next 12 months.

Well, you can finally stop wondering.

As we move from the 2010s to the 2020s, we take a look at the emerging graphic design trends we should be keeping an eye on.

1. Ultra-minimalism

In the graphic design industry, minimalism has been intensifying through the noughties but as we enter the 2020s, design will continue to move towards being simpler and cleaner, giving graphic designers a powerful tool to help people easily navigate content. While flat design can sometimes be seen as cold and uninviting, design minimalism and colours palette are shifting towards becoming warm and friendlier.

2. Typography approach

Simple and bold typography was a big trend in 2019 and it’s likely to continue in 2020. Type is only going to get more creative over the next 12 months and as it is a great technique to help brands deliver messages, it is expected that we’ll see more brand braving typographic designs over photography.

3. Organic look and feel

Throughout the 2010s, brand and packaging design has been focusing on nature, openness and transparency and this trend is expected to escalate over the next few years. More brands are embracing naturalistic and stripped-down designs that focus on realness – consumers want honesty from the brands they buy from and typography, photography, illustration and product design is being deeply influenced by this.

4. Goodbye Insta-perfection 

While in the past brands have been obsessed with using overly filtered and idealised versions of ourselves, within the beauty and fashion sector, we are seeing a rise in brands using real people and representing truer diversity. We’ll likely see this trend expand into other sectors throughout 2020 as brands try and create truer connections with their customers.

5. Hello Generation Alpha

With Millennials approaching their forties and Generation Z entering their twenties, brands are now looking to influence ‘Generation Alpha’. Born during the 2010s, while they may still be young, this generation also has a strong influence on spending behaviours in families and so can’t be ignored. As Generation Alpha are considered more tech-savvy than previous generations, brands will likely move away from just using visuals to communicate to consumers and will develop designs that will surprise them to create long-term brand loyalty.

What are your predictions for the future of graphic design? Tweet us @Visua1print.