Every year we experience big changes. With such rapid growth in technology over the past few years, we’re sure that the big 2016 web design trends will focus on maturing and expanding on those developments. Flat design will get more texture, “cinematic experiences” will become more common, and the use of JavaScript libraries will enable more experimentation. Growing popularity in WebGL and virtual reality are sure to transform websites as we know them, giving way to new and exciting interactive possibilities. Check out our newest web design trends roundup hereIn this article, we’ll break down 11 of the biggest 2016 web design trends we’re expecting to see this year.
So get comfortable and start reading – we have a lot to cover! 1. WebGL (Web Graphics Library)In terms of newer advancements, there’s a notable new kid on the block: WebGL (Web Graphics Library). This technology powers many of the most astonishing websites created recently. Simply speaking, WebGL is a way to render interactive 3D and 2D graphics inside browsers with hardware acceleration, without any plugin. Interactive 3D WebGL application2016 web design trends: Interactive 3D WebGL applicationWebGL was a big thing during 2015’s SIGGRAPH conference. The complete hour and a half presentation on 3D graphics and WebGL can be watched on YouTube here. During the video, you’re introduced to NASA’s web application “Experience Curiosity,” which marks the third anniversary of the Curiosity rover landing on Mars.
It allows visitors to experience a 3D NASA rover on Mars’ surface and manipulate its robotic arm. 2016 web design trends: WebGL Website Beloola uses three JavaScript libraryTo build this website, Blend4Web (online, interactive 3D visualization) and Blender (3D modeling and animation suite) were used. Beloola is the first fully web-based social network constructed as an immersive 3D world. It resembles Linden Lab’s Second Life, but doesn’t require any special software except for the browser.Another flavor of 3D in WebGL is the “Angry Wife” gaming promo. It looks like a video when you first look at it, but it’s not. It’s actually a 3D scene turned into a web page using the three.js JavaScript library. Australia’s SBS TV adapted Nam Le’s story, “The Boat,” about escaping Vietnam and turned it into an interactive video story using WebGL.