The Future of Web Design: Trends Defining 2026

1. Minimalist UI

AI companies like Perplexity, OpenAI, and Google Gemini are at the centre of the media right now, and so are influencing this trend of minimalist UI. Interfaces are stripped back to the essentials, focusing on the core task. As AI products become more complex under the hood, the front end is no longer has a need for all the UI noise.

This is a change that’s going to continue to extend further even further into products themselves. Adobe, for example, now let’s you create changes with a simple prompt, removing the need for many of the buttons and controls. So expect to see a lot more stripped back interfaces in 2026.

2. Brutalism Strikes Back

Like all trends, there’s always an opposite reaction. As websites are adopting minimalist designs, others are wanting stand out. Queue Brutalism; and to be honest I feel it has never really gone away, it’s always lurking in the background. Think bold colours, expressive typography, and heavy textures being used to create strong contrast and provoke a reaction.

3. Retro Nostalgia

Not as far as a stretch retro and nostalgic design. I think pop culture has definitely had a hand in this with the final season of stranger things and the resurgence of “purple rain” by prince. Especially design choices like Eleven’s retro Body Glove wetsuit, starts to bring back nostalgia. Another theory is that those who lived in that period around the turning of the internet are now in decision making positions.

We’re seeing nostalgic UI elements like old style buttons, block interface patterns, and intentionally dated graphics being used to recapture those emotions.

4. Motion Becomes Essential

We saw a lot of motion in 2025, and this will continue into 2026. Platforms like Framer have made motion design even more accessible without the development expertise.

WebGL is also becoming more accessible to designers, introducing more cool effects like liquid textures, particles and other distortion effects. Motion is no longer a nice to have, and is effective way to increase engagement when done right.

5. 3D Without the Headache

You no longer need to be a specialist 3D designer to be able to create interactive 3D elements for your websites. Designers now have access to tools that help to bring bring products to life in a more tactile and engaging way.

6. Immersive Web Experiences

Although some might say we have taken a step backwards from entering the Metaverse, with Meta closing production of its’ Meta goggles, there still seems to be space for immersive environments on the web. Creating interactive spaces you can move through. Raising the bar for what a website can be.

7. Embracing Imperfection

To avoid looking or feeling overly AI generated, there will be a shift into more organic and human aesthetics. Hand drawn elements, raw textures, imperfect shapes, and visible grain help reintroduce a human touch. And don’t forget, em-dashes have been ruined for us designers.

8. Colour Predictions

Last year was dominated by very bold neon colours. As design shifts toward a more human touch, colour follows. Personally, I think with the overstimulation of AI change and the increased noise online, softer colour palettes are going to be back.

We are seeing more muted tones, pastels, and nostalgic colour combinations. Again, with retro and brutalist themes, we are getting more of these paired back grade school colours like crayon reds, washed blues, and mustard yellows, creating a very playful look.

9. Surrealism Gets Real

One theme I have not seen many talk about is the use of surrealist imagery. With enhanced AI image generation, designers are going to start capitalising on bold, surreal visuals. These kinds of images work especially well in hero sections, and can be tailored to the brand to create a unique visual.