Tango with Tangerines into 2012: Graphic Design Trends for the New Year
January 5, 2012
2011 was a year filled with honeysuckle pink. We saw Earth-friendly product packaging and logo design. We witnessed the death of the “fold” as web design evolved to accommodate screens large and small. We also evolved as consumers—of products and information alike. So, in 2012, how will our methods of communication evolve and influence the world around us?
The core of graphic design is communication. We must convey our messages in the simplest and clearest ways possible so our target audiences understand them. Images are portrayed through every service line of a company: brand, print and web design, industrial design, architectural design and interior design. Guiding and transforming those images to meet consumers’ needs is all part of the graphic design experience.
It will be interesting to see how businesses small and large will evolve their way of thinking—and their images—to thrive in our ever-changing market. Last year, for example, we witnessed the rebranding of McDonald’s into a Starbucks-esque eatery and coffee shop. McDonald’s responded to trends in peoples’ eating habits so that the international brand could continue to thrive in North America’s evolving culture. Everywhere, the chain’s restaurants underwent massive renovations. McDonald’s transformed its fast food experience into a relaxing, modern bistro-inspired atmosphere, where consumers feel comfortable, rather than rushed as they finish their spring salads and McLattés. Plushy armchairs are replacing uncomfortable metal-and-plastic seats. Architecturally, the buildings’ facades are more angular and minimalistic in design. McDonald’s fresh look is less child-friendly and more suited to 2012’s new wave of young adult consumers. We will surely see more of this type of image evolution in 2012 as businesses strive to stay connected to their audiences.
2012 promises even more interesting trends in the design world. These include:
Pantone Colour of the Year for 2012 is “Tangerine Tango” #17-1463
The designers behind Pantone Colour Books choose one distinct colour each year to represent the evolution of colour trends. This year’s signature hue, a deep orange, will be used as an accent tastefully throughout print, web and interior design.
Responsive web design
This is a unique web coding method that restructures your design into a different layout for each common screen type, whether desktop computer, iPad or smartphone. The user will experience a different site layout depending on the device used.
More custom fonts
This year, designers and bloggers alike will seek more creative freedom through expressive typography. Custom hand-written or scrawl typefaces are easy to design because oftentimes they’re based on the designer’s handwriting. Simple font-designing software allows anyone to design, publish and use their custom fonts in personal projects, such as online portfolios or blog sites.
As we move together into a new year, we are promised some amazing advances in the world of technology and design. Evolving your brand through web design, print design and even architectural design are ways that you can stay ahead of the competition and encounter new demographics in your market.
