What Is Flat Web Design?

Move to “Flat Web Design” Underscores the Importance of Mobile

Everything comes full circle, even web design. You might not have seen it yet, but there’s a new trend in town, and its name is flat web design. It’s sweeping the industry, and the thing is it’s really existed since Microsoft introduced it in 2006…

So what is it that makes a “flat” web design?

Flat design is characterized by simple, bright solid colors, a lot of white space, plus the lack of drop shadows, gradients, and textures that have been a major element of a web designer’s arsenal for a while now. Often typography plays a leading role in flat web design. Flat web design is a “smooth” solution whose aim is to eliminate as many decorative elements of a “3D” type look as is feasible.

So why the move from 3D to flat design?

The reason that makes the most sense is that designers have found it harder and harder to cram all the elements of a 3D design into a world full of mobile screens. The 4 inch limitations placed on this are making moving to a simpler, more compact and functional user experience right out of the gate. This coupled with making pages load faster, and have far more responsiveness is key in a mobile world where seconds count.

Trend or is flat web design here to stay?

It would be simple to dismiss this as merely another fad in web design, and then leave it at that, However, with the next Apple operating system iOS7 rumored to be seeking a more flat design, can the rest of the web be far behind? Although it may very well turn into a trend, its simplicity and user-friendly functionality may help it to stick around more than most.