Skip Navigation

Design & Digital Trends 2025

Profile photo of Martyn McDermott.

By Martyn McDermott

5 min read

Design example of Hand Drawn Illustrations And Imperfect Elements

The Future of Web Design Is More Human Than Ever

Yep, we’re jumping on the design trends article bandwagon. We hope you find something useful in ours.

Platitude alert: the technology landscape is evolving at an astonishing pace—yes, yes. However, from our perspective, the real spark is how these technological leaps are actually encouraging more human-centred practices. Is tech finally getting out of the way, like a teenager who grows up and pitches in around the house? Let’s see. 

Below is an exploration of emerging trends that are reshaping how we create online experiences at MAJOR. Some are speculative, some are probably old news already (that’s how fast things move), and some we just plain made up (maybe). We hope these insights help you see ahead of the curve without drowning in complexity or fear. 


concept design for a personalised landing page welcoming the user by name
AI Personalisation

OK, let’s get AI out of the way first. We all know Artificial Intelligence isn’t just sci-fi anymore. It’s embedded in our everyday, learning from user behaviours to deliver personalised interfaces that evolve on the fly—like webpages that greet you by name, know your parking is about to expire, or shift designs based on the weather or your mood. OK, so maybe this is one of the made up ones, but this level of hyper-personalisation is on the near horizon. 


Hyper Contextual Interfaces example from a jewelery store where the background colour changes on the site dependant on mood
Hyper Contextual Interfaces

Today’s personalisation is only the beginning. As our data becomes more fluid, hyper contextual interfaces will draw on a near-infinite number of data points—geolocation, weather, sensor inputs—to craft experiences that feel part of our conscious flow. Imagine interfaces that detect frustration and switch to a calmer layout, or apps that adapt their colour scheme to match your surroundings. These might sound futuristic, but their roots are already growing in design labs worldwide; Goodyear were at CES this year showcasing their intelligent tyres! The challenge will be avoiding empty gimmicks and instead using AI and big data to offer experiences that genuinely help users achieve their goals, allowing brands to stay empathic in an era of shrinking attention spans. 

concept diagram from Goodyear's sensor based tyres announced at this years CES


Connected Spaces Concept shot by Magnopus
Spatial Web Experiences

Interactive 3D product showcases, virtual tours, and web-based augmented worlds have been around for years, but often at the cost of speed or usability. Now, the technology is finally catching up. Expect immersive design to shift from novelty to necessity—raising the bar for user engagement and unlocking new avenues for creative expression. Static two-dimensional browsing may feel old-school sooner than we think, as the line between digital and physical blurs.

Still from Connected Spaces Platform video showing avatars interacting with AR inside a digital environment

Sustainable And Ethical Design

Eco-minded thinking is no longer a fringe offline concept—it’s a digital must-have. From hosting on renewable energy servers to minimising data loads with lean code, digital creators are finding ways to reduce carbon footprints. Transparency in data collection and privacy is also becoming standard, not just a perk. This does more than protect the planet; it builds trust and loyalty among audiences who want to see that brands care about more than just profit.


Advanced Micro Interactions

No one likes extra steps or confusion online. Subtle animations or notifications—micro interactions—bring digital experiences to life by offering instant feedback. As they grow more refined, voice commands, gestures, or gaze-tracking may soon replace traditional buttons and menus. This frictionless approach makes interfaces feel intuitive, putting the user at the centre and removing barriers between them and what they want to do.


Design example of Hand Drawn Illustrations And Imperfect Elements
Hand Drawn Illustrations And Imperfect Elements

AI’s dramatic rise is sparking a countertrend, a newfound love for human craftsmanship. Quirky sketches and playful imperfections add warmth to digital interfaces, countering the faceless vibe of polished algorithmic layouts. Hand-drawn elements inject personality, and biophilic design introduces organic shapes and earthy tones—even virtual greenery. These design choices are a definite attempt to bring calm and authenticity to spaces that might otherwise feel sterile, reminding users that there are real people behind the pixels.


example of a clean website design in black and white utilising whitespace
Minimalism With Purposeful White Space

In contrast to some of the bolder trends, there’s definitely a move towards “less is more.” We all crave a bit of peace, and minimalism delivers it through ample white space and uncluttered layouts. This approach heightens usability by focusing attention on what matters. It also ties neatly into sustainability—fewer flashy elements can mean fewer data demands and faster load times, letting your content shine.


 Looking Towards A Human Future

These trends aren’t just about chasing shiny new features. They reflect a broader shift towards technology that truly serves people, rather than forcing them to adapt to clunky interfaces. Whether you’re refining your brand’s identity or exploring the latest AR wow-factor, the key is empathy, clarity, and a dash of curiosity for what’s next. Yes, the future can feel overwhelming, but it’s also ripe with possibilities if we remember to put people—not just pixels—first.

  • Climate-Positive Website - EFWA Accredited.
  • Ecologi.
  • SME Climate Hub.
  • The Green Web Foundation.