Flat design is a type of design emphasizing a minimalistic style, the use of solid colors and clean typography. Since the release of Microsoft Windows 8 in 2012 there has been a steady increase in the use of flat design.
This was indeed a landmark moment for the increasingly popular trend, but what makes flat design so popular and how can you use flat design to help benefit you and your project?
Less Is More
You’ve heard it before and you’ll no doubt hear it again, but this statement certainly rings true when it comes to this type of design. Instead of over complicated graphics and distracting illustrations, flat design draws the attention of the viewer to the content itself.
Clean and Simple
Flat design is basically a minimalist design. The use of large elements with lots of white space means a design is less cluttered and easier to navigate around. The viewer is able to focus on one section at a time without being distracted.
Flat means flat
Each element in a flat design (icons and illustrations) have a 2D appearance. The use of texture, 3D effects and drop shadows is minimal to none existent allowing each element to shine in its own right.
Function First
Simple elements mean that their message has to be clear and easy to understand, quickly. A simple, well executed icon will describe your services much quicker than an elaborate illustration or photo.
Color Is Key
Flat design doesn't mean that design lacks dimension. By creating more simple artwork, designers are able to spend time creating well matched color palettes that include both bold and muted tones that will add depth to your design and can even help to convey your message and brand.
Focus on Type
By creating clean, simple designs typefaces are able to take center stage within a design. Unique, well chosen fonts will make your website stand out from the crowd and set you apart from your competition. When done well, typography can really help exemplify the message of your site.
A Better Experience
By eliminating unnecessary styling, flat design makes for clean code, adaptable designs and pages that load at lightning speed. It lends itself to work across multiple applications from mobiles to laptops. It makes for a much better, easier and more pleasant experience for the user.
Infographic courtesy of New Media Company.
Community manager at Visual Contenting. Jacqueline loves to talk about social media trends, new technology and how they help businesses accelerate their marketing efforts.
