With August well on its way, and 2023 quickly passing, we thought it’d be a great time to take a look at what’s trending in the world of design, what we like, and what you should know.

As with any trend, you’re presented with two choices: jump on for the ride or keep doing what you’re doing. Jumping on a trend can be a tricky proposition for an established company, but it can also be a great way for up-and-comers to gain some real traction in their field. Whoever you are, deciding if you should ride a trend is a potentially complicated subject, and one we address here.

But we’re not here today to talk about if you should, we’re interested in what it’s all about. 

So, with further ado, here are 9 design trends to watch as 2023 rounds the bases….

• Distorted Fonts

How do you spice up the regular and expected? Why, with distortion of course! 2023 has seen a rise in font bending, squashing and stretching that adds an element of chaos to otherwise staid and boring arrangements of letters. Distortion is a fun way for designers to glitch up their text without actually having to glitch. You can bring elements of fun and the unexpected to your branding with just a bit of distortion. Just make sure it still appears intentional. 

• Overstimulated Branding

Inspire the senses with color, flash, and general craziness you wouldn’t normally think to use. Basically, this is the kitchen sink of branding: using every option in your arsenal to get the attention of your viewers. If you want your brand to appear young and energetic, overstimulated branding is your ticket. This kind of branding, when used right, is an absolute feast for the eyes. Used incorrectly, and you’ve got a garish, ugly mess on your hands. Think it through!

• Minimalism

Doing a lot with a little requires savvy editing and bold choices. Paring your branding down to its simplest elements shows an understanding of your message and mission. Using one or two colors and a large, singular font will communicate your brand’s purpose of doing more with less. This approach is especially effective for brands who stress the importance of living a simple lifestyle. 

• Return of the Serif

Two hundred plus years and running, serif fonts are making a big comeback in 2023, and adding a touch of timeless class along the way. Modernism can’t be en vogue forever when the classy serif is ready to whisper away from the ends of your letters. And this year has seen a big return.

• Sarcasm and Humor

Unsurprisingly, brands not taking themselves too seriously has been big in 2023. After seemingly endless years of pandemic madness, as well as intense predictions of an impending global economic collapse, people aren’t taking themselves too seriously. It’s either that or pull your hair out. As a reaction, brands are using humor to break the ice and remain relatable during these times of hardship. When it comes to creating unforgettable experiences, laughter is always the best medicine. 

• Mascots

Believe it or not, 2023 is the year of the return of the mascot. Giving your brand a persona through a created character is a fantastic way to give your company more personality and add a layer or relatable warmth. Sure, a mascot isn’t right for all brands, but those that can might do well to look into the possibilities. 

• Grunge

The 90’s are back and, with them, one of the most iconic facets of the era. The brutal immediacy of grunge is great for a messy, powerful presentation. Plus, grunge incorporates facets of punk and counterculture that can give your brand an edgy sense of risk and danger. Use of hand-drawn images and rough-hewn textures have returned with a vengeance in 2023, and it smells like teen spirit to us!

• Mission First

Putting your social or environmental goals front and center is huge this year, with companies incorporating mission statements directly into their main branding and marketing campaigns. Brands are realizing that simply saying you want to make an impact and actually making an impact can hinge on how clear your message is. So, if you’ve got something important to say, the time is right for mission-first branding.

• AI Design

You knew this was coming and, love it or hate it, it’s unavoidable. Artificial Intelligence is the thought on everyone’s mind this year. With AI design tools, designers have been able to create branding they could only imagine in years past, and AI assistance is improving exponentially, even as you read this! Questions about its legality and originality persist, but AI isn’t going anywhere, so you should make sure you know what it’s all about. If you have any questions, your favorite online branding agency in Dubai is just a click away. 

Design and marketing trends are always changing and evolving. Sometimes classic eras make dramatic returns, and sometimes the future comes rushing in to change everything. No matter what’s trending, it’s important to stay on top of it. A partnership with a leading design firm is the best way to accomplish that. Creating the perfect design and branding for your company, while incorporating current and up-and-coming trends, is literally our job. It’s what we do best, so you can show the world your best!