Design trends are continually changing at a fast speed, making them difficult to track and keep on top of. Staying current offers relevancy and modernity, but this is weighed against the risk of short lived trends in graphic design and the loss of authentic brand identity. For designers and brands alike, the question looms large: to follow design trends or not to follow design trends?
In this article, we will take a look at the appeal and risks of following current design trends, helping you to decide whether or not you want to follow them in your marketing efforts.
The appeal of following design trends
Following a design trend can seem appealing as it injects a sense of modernity into your brand. It tells your audience that you’re in tune with the current market and are staying ahead of the curve. Failing to adapt to current design trends may risk your brand seeming out of touch, which can result in consumers gravitating towards more trend-aware brands.
Design is a powerful tool that shapes our perceptions of a brand. Designs such as the Apple logo have a sleek and minimalist aesthetic, appealing to today’s modern taste. Current design trends can provide a competitive edge in a crowded market and can also inspire designers to explore more innovative ideas. On the other hand, outdated designs are a hazard. They can damage credibility and make your brand seem behind the times.
The risks of following design trends
The main risk of following trending styles is that current design trends can quickly become outdated. Although some trends stay for a long time or come back, the majority can be short lived and overshadowed by newer trends. Creators whose designs revolve around trends may find that they won’t be relevant for long as people will move on to the next thing. If keeping on top of current design trends, you need to keep up with it and update it regularly, which may become quite a hassle and is not recommended when trying to build brand recall.
Choosing to follow trends in graphic design can also compromise a brand’s unique identity which is needed to stand out in a competitive market. A consistent and authentic brand identity reinforces the brand’s message, ensuring it resonates with consumers and remains relevant over time, and also ensures brand recall – that consumers will see your designs and instantly recognise it as your brand. It’s important a business focuses on its core values rather than fleeting trends as they are more likely to be more memorable and successful.
A popular design trend at the moment is debranding and a lot of big brands have hopped on the bandwagon. Businesses such as BT, Pringles and Warner Brothers have all opted for flat, minimal logo designs which have people divided. Consumers build emotional connections with logos as they are a key signifier of a brand, so when this is changed, it can cause consumer backlash.
The benefits of implementing design trends
Implementing current design trends offers a range of benefits that can enhance a brand’s appeal and effectiveness. Let’s take a look at some more ways it can benefit a business:
Relevance and responsiveness
Following a design trend keeps a brand’s visual elements fresh and appealing to modern tastes, ensuring the brand stays relevant. It also shows that the business is responsive to consumer preferences and current design trends. This can help meet the needs of their target audience.
Increased customer engagement and sales
Current and modern designs are more likely to attract and retain customers as they align with current tastes and expectations. It can also make a business look progressive and in tune with the latest trends. This will then boost overall sales of products or services and drive business growth.
Creativity and innovation
Embracing a design trend can significantly boost creativity and innovation within a business. By incorporating the latest trends in graphic design, designers are exposed to new ideas and approaches which can inspire fresh approaches.
The benefits of ignoring design trends
Although implementing design trends comes with its benefits, ignoring design trends can also help a business differentiate itself and stay relevant.
Differentiation
By not implementing trends, businesses can differentiate themselves from its competitors who may be following current design trends. The business can then establish a distinctive presence in the market. It also allows them to maintain their unique brand authenticity. A strong and consistent identity will resonate more with their customers and will make the brand more memorable.
Consistency
Avoiding trends ensures design consistency which avoids trend fatigue. A business constantly following trends in graphic design can lead to customers getting tired. Ignoring trends avoids this downfall, maintaining a fresh approach that will stand out over time.
Focused vision
Designers not worrying about current design trends allows them to focus on the businesses core values and mission. They can then create and make design choices that are aligned with long-term strategic goals rather than focusing on a trend that will come and go.
Finding a balance
There are benefits to both implementing and ignoring design trends, so it’s important to find a balance between the two. Start off by assessing the relevance of each trend to your business’ core values. From this, you can integrate trends selectively, ensuring they complement each other, rather than modify your existing design language. This will allow you to stay current whilst also preserving your unique brand identity, avoiding the pitfalls of fast moving trends that may dilute your brand image.
Additionally, prioritise timeless design elements and test trends on a smaller scale before fully implementing them. This allows you to evaluate audience response and adjust accordingly, ensuring trends enhance rather than overshadow your core message. By focusing on trends that align with your brand’s values and maintaining a consistent visual identity, you can achieve a blend of modernity and authenticity that resonates with your audience and supports long-term success.
We’ve come to the conclusion that…
Design trends can certainly be followed, but it’s important to do so thoughtfully! If a trend aligns well with your brand, it’s a great way to stay relevant and engaging. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance and avoid leaning too heavily into a trend as this can come with risks.
If you’re considering following current design trends – or choosing to set your own direction – and need guidance building a brand, designing a logo or refreshing your visual identity, we’re here to help! Get in contact with us to start shaping a brand that stands the test of time.