Graphic Design In The Future: What Will It Be Like?

I think I have always had a thing for art. Forms like literature, paintings, films, and music know just how to move and fascinate me. In my engineering days, I was introduced to a new type of art: design. Since it was only a small part of an overwhelmingly drab curriculum, it failed to get my attention. Only after I landed my first job as a technical writer did I realize how intriguing design can be.

First things first ( get it, designers? ;) ), what is design?

All design is art, but all art is not design. Although both are visual and have a message to convey, art has to be interpreted while design is straightforward. So while a work of art can mean different things to different people, a design has to have just one meaning to its viewers. If design leaves room for interpretation, it isn’t any good.

Why should you care?

Just like art, design is everywhere! It’s there in the clothes you wear, the gadgets you use, even in your office cubicle. Owing to its powerful combination of aesthetics and functionality, it is easy to see why design will always be in demand. Of all the kinds of design, graphic design is what interests me the most. The reason is simple: graphic design typically involves typography and images. It’s one of the most visually appealing and effective ways to convey a message. What’s not to love?

What does the future hold for graphic design?

Although I don’t think it is my place to predict the future, I am quite certain that certain factors will have a heavy influence. In order to be prepared for the future, we need to consider current trends and future needs and work accordingly. Let’s take a look.

Graphic design has successfully made its way in our everyday lives, both real-world and digital. It has upped the appeal of things we use/see on a daily basis, such as advertisements, brands, games, apps, websites, etc. As technology continues to advance and popular preferences change, so will graphic design. Irrespective of that, the following factors will be of prime importance:

1.  Responsiveness

Even if you don’t know much about graphic design, you’ve probably heard the term ‘responsive’ quite x a bit. Since most people are now accessing the World Wide Web on a variety of devices, responsiveness has moved from a ‘nice-to-have’ feature to a ‘must-have’ requirement. In the future, responsive design will definitely involve more interaction between us and our devices. Therefore, we must ensure that current designs meet today’s definition of responsive. Those who don’t do so will surely be left behind, both today and tomorrow.

2.  Minimalism

Minimalism is a trend that is only going to become more popular over time. As more and more people embrace the ‘less is more’ ideology in their lives, they are going to want to see the same in the designs around them. While minimalist graphic design today is largely black and white, future designs will probably gravitate to brighter and bolder colors.  It’s probably best to start using more color today itself. You might even be the one to get this trend started!

3.  Reality

The general public has never been more aware of the heavy airbrushing and photoshopping in magazines and media. Despite that, body image issues are at an all-time high. Thankfully, quite a few actors and models are stepping forward to speak about how it is all an illusion. Some have even ensured that their photos are released free from any digital manipulation. Going by the many positive conversations this has started, the number of beautiful people keeping it real is not going anywhere.

4.  3D Printing

Ah, 3D printing. Isn’t it the closest thing we have to magic? As of now, mainly affluent industries and brands are using this revolutionary technology to create a variety of products.  However, it isn’t long before it goes mainstream. I think it will blow up so much that not only will every organization be using 3D printers, all of us will have a very affordable printer of our own right at home! And that’s going to open up a whole new world of customization when it comes to graphic design. Imagine: all you have to do is feed in your design, and your 3D printer will quickly convert it into a real-world object. The best way to get on the bandwagon is to get a taste of this technology as soon as you can. I know I will!

5.  Sustainability

Climate change is real and we need to conserve our resources before it’s too late. Just like other forms of design, graphic design needs to be sustainable too. As responsible companies and individuals, we have to be environment-friendly for moral and financial reasons. It has become so much of a prerequisite today that organizations which aren’t green are not looked upon favorably by consumers.

Sustainable practices are only going to get bigger and better in the coming years. If you haven’t already implemented them, you could always start small and work your way up. Turning off your devices when not in use, using eco-friendly printers and printing materials, limiting the number of times you print your designs – these are some basic steps we can all incorporate right away.

Dr. George Sweeting said, “The best way to prepare for the future is to do your best where you are right now.” What graphic design trends do you think we need to consider today to be future-ready?

This blog post is a part of the Design Blogger Competition organized by CGTrader.