While this was a misguided science question back in the sixteenth century, today it is a comment on web design.Current websitedesignis based on time weathered principles that combine design theory,SEO, content chunking, reader response, page architecture and user recognition. In our most recent decade we have witnessed a change in design as a reaction to the upsurge in mobile devices and the obligation to produce fast load times. Designers have made adjustments and changes to their practicesto meet the demands of the IT age and the web servers that dominate them.

One design trend, which is here to stay, is the rise and reception of flat design. Most users probably think of Flat Designas “that plain style,” butthe design actually has its roots in utilitarianism – not aesthetics.

The Flat Trend – Born of Necessity

The flat design trend may seem like a simple style choice that became popular but in fact, the popularity of the design lies in its usability and not its look. Flat design is clear and easy to read, even on small devices. The simple, sans-serif script is tighter and allows for smaller logo and image files. Smaller files mean faster download times and swift web surfing. Since people tend to browse the web in their spare time, making it a smooth experience is paramount if you want to capture every potential bit of traffic. So now you know, browsing speed is the reason behind the rising popularity of flat icons. Even Google changed their logo this year, and you can expect more of the flat trend in the future. If it’s not flat yet, it will be, and if it is, it will get flatter still.

Elements of the Flat

The basis of flat design stems from postmodern minimalism.  Because of its appeal to designers, flat design and interface is now part of the mainstream. There are some variations within the realm of the flat, yet the two dimensional arena has several commonconventions, which appear in most flat settings.

Simple Icons

An icon is a metaphorical representation meant to convey an idea. A simple icon is easy to recognize and easy to load.  A big part of flat design’s usability comes from this ease of use.  It all got started at the release of iOS 7, when Apple suggested that App designers use only simple icons.

Now, simplistic icons are a seminal characteristic of flat design.  Even websites that are not completely flat sometimes sport flat icons. These simple icons are a hallmark of flat design and have web designers everywhere saying: “Once you go flat, you never go back!”

Block Elements

The preferred overall layout of flat design has stabilized and settled on a grid type layout, which makes sense, because it works well with mobile apps and scrolling ecommerce. Blocks within the grid contain design elements, headings and links to other blocks.

Big Cap letters

Big, spaced, clear, sans-serif typeface is the first choice for flat design. It’s easy to read, frees up a lot of space on the page, and offers great opportunity for creating hierarchy and contrast.

 

Bright colors

Bold color choices go hand in hand with the block design and other simple shapes involved in flat creations. The bright colors engage users and help them distinguish elements within the site. Flagrant or garish color use is not the norm, more often you’ll see a compilation of hues and contrast that helps the messagestand out and the user find meaning.

 

The idea that flat design mustevolve is an inevitableprospect. New variations,likeMaterial Design, from Google, are starting to edge in to the arena as designers look for newand exciting ways to create user experiences. But the flat element will endure. You can count on it.