Like it or not, your website’s appearance matters a great deal to your business’ online success. That’s why nearly 40 percent of businesses had plans to upgrade their website design in 2016.

A poor website design can seriously affect your bottom line, so it definitely pays to be aware of the pros and cons of various design trends.

In this article, we’re focusing specifically on flat web design. Keep reading to learn more about this trend and decide if it’s right for your business’ website.

What Is Flat Web Design?

Flat web design is a relatively new design trend that features the following characteristics:

• Clean and minimalistic design
• Simple and smooth user interface
• Bold, bright colors and unique typography
• 2D illustrations, no strokes, drop shadows, etc.
• An obvious visual hierarchy

Both small business and major companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple have been all over the flat design trend for the last couple years, and for good reason.

When it’s done well, all kinds of businesses can use a flat design to make their site look sleek and modern.

Flat Design Pros and Cons

Flat design is currently very trendy, which can help your site get recognized more easily. It’s also compatible with responsive web design, so it’s perfect for mobile browsers and apps.

Some of the other benefits that come with utilizing flat design include:

• The framework is flexible and easy to update
• Bright colors boost mood and create positive associations with users
• Websites look sharp, clean, and professional
• Content is easier to read
• Unnecessary “boredom decorations” are eliminated

At the same time, there are some drawbacks that come with this design style. For example:

• As a new trend, it may not have a long “shelf life”
• It can hinder usability for complex sites
• It can make some sites look boring or too simple

Flat design is especially unforgiving to novice designers.

Because there aren’t any decorative elements to hide behind, use of typography and color must be spot-on. Those who aren’t comfortable pairing fonts or colors will likely have a difficult time making a flat design work for them.

When to Use a Flat Design

Because it’s simple and professional, flat web design is great for simple things like online portfolios or tech websites.

But, for things like entertainment or gaming websites, or sites geared toward children, the minimalist approach might not be ideal. These websites can benefit more from fun and interesting graphics, decorations, and UI elements.

If you’re not sure if a flat design is right for you, take a step back and ask yourself how a minimalist design will serve the people visiting your website. Will it make things easier for them, or will it be confusing?

Remember, it’s not just about looks.

Need Help Designing Your Website?

Do you need help implementing a flat design on your website? Or, are you interested in trying out something totally different?

Either way, the professionals at Redbox SEM are here to help you design the perfect website for your business.

Contact us today for a free quote!