5 Design Trend Forecasts for 2024: Insights from Leading Creatives curated by June Mineyama-Smithson

As an artist and graphic design lecturer, I'm always tuned in to upcoming design trends. Join me to discover 5 design trends forecasted by leading creatives. If you're keen on navigating your creative intuition and drawing inspiration from everyday moments, explore my course Graphic Design: The Art of Shape and Color.

1. Flat & Bold Minimalism

In the age of short form contents and even shorter attention span, designers need to grub our audience's attention fast. Minimalist design characterised by flat and bold aesthetics — serves as a visual shorthand, allowing messages to cut through the clutter. This trend resonates with today's fast-paced digital landscape and delivers a smooth stress-free user experience without ambiguity.

2. Playful Typography

What's the most effective way to engage your audience on critical issues without overwhelming them? Graphic Designer and Typographic Artist Dani Molyneux shares her insights. “With the world facing yet more challenges, the need for conversation is ever important. PIayful typography is a useful tool to spread the word. It can help difficult conversations and bigger issues have a sense of play, lightening the serious + overwhelm. To get us all talking on things that matter.”

And brands are taking notice. Dani continues “In the branding sphere, I’ve seen more and more brands embracing the play with fluid monoline wordmarks brought to life through animation.” Why not experience a sense of play yourself by taking Dani's course Playful Typography for Powerful Communication in Illustrator.

3. Empowering Design

In the age of political polarisation and global conflicts, creatives are increasingly feeling the desire to unite people with the power of design. Illustrator and Designer Lisa Maltby believes in creating meaningful work over chasing popularity.

“It sometimes feels risky to be authentic in your work and trust your convictions, valuing that over chasing success or popularity. It involves choosing to communicate something meaningful rather than pleasing everyone, but it usually results in a far greater sense of purpose and human connection.”

Graphic Designer Kieron Lewis emphasises the importance of empowering the people and community. “Events and publications to celebrate people's differences through upbringing and culture will be more evident.” says the designer of Lagos, Peckham, Repeat, an exhibition celebrates the Nigerian community in South London.

4. Authenticity

AI fatigue is prompting a shift towards authentic, real-world projects crafted by genuine individuals. “Design automation with AI will free up time for (...) big ideas and strategy.” Katja Alissa Mueller — Head of Design & Brand. The good news is that AI is enabling us to re-engage in more human-centric activities.

Art director and graphic designer Emilie Chen says “Ideas are still the preserve of humans, and the work that will make its mark is work that feels innovative, ingenious and soulful — because only a human’s mind could have come up with it.” Well said! If you aspire to cultivate captivating ideas, delve into Emilie's Art Direction Generating Memorable Ideas course.

5. Caring Colour

Placemaking with optimistic colours and shapes is a great way to boost public well-being. According to Colour Consultant Justine Fox ‘‘2024 will see a more widespread use of colour and materials across all design sectors but more specifically within the built environment, that are designed to make a positive impact on people and the environment. ”

And happy people bring tangible benefits to businesses. The research shows that placemaking interventions increased positive feelings towards the locations by 63% and the likelihood of recommendation by 77%. This can result in increased sales, more productive use of space, and overall social and environmental benefits.

Learn more about graphic design and sharpen your creative intuition on my course Graphic Design: The Art of Shape and Color