4 Reasons Why Flat Design Is Here to Stay

Flat design seems to be taking over these days and is one of the biggest trends in web, on mobile devices and even print. Flat designs refer to those designs that lack 3D effects such as drop shadows or bevels. The stylistic details of a flat design can be known to vary a bit, as it does with most design styles. But usually, a flat design is minimalistic, with tons of white space and the use of primary colours mostly. Fonts are thin and without flair, and buttons lack 3D effects or strokes. So the question really is, should we allow flat design to occupy a shelf in our cupboard or is it going to break our hearts and walk away? According to experts, flat design is here to stay. And here’s why:

1. Great Aesthetics

Design’s most basic foundation is the aesthetic character that can be infused into a project with the aim of selling an idea and kick-starting a visual dialogue with whoever interacts with. Flat design has a strong hold on aesthetics, with its visual palette being welcoming and easy on the eyes. It is a minimal and clean technique that focuses on fantastic colour schemes, typography, and simple icons. With this design, the focus can inadvertently shift from design itself, to content. This is another tenet for a successful design that must assume the role of a carrier, never stealing focus away from the content that drives it. A great design should complement its content, just like the subtle touch of flat design seems to do.

2. Easily Made Responsive

Flat design’s simplicity really shines in that its aesthetics capabilities seem to translate seamlessly on smaller screens such as mobile and handheld devices without compromising on impact. Its flexibility cannot be denied. Its ability to scale down to smaller screens results from its focus on 2D environments and the fact that it shies away from depth. With reference to delivery styling, flat design focuses on blocks of information, which makes it easy to rearrange the content on the page for responsive environments. These scaled down visual presentations meet a number of clients’ needs, thereby complimenting designer intent with client desire together.

3. Faster Load Times

Another tenet for a good web design is that it should load quickly. In today’s increasing mobile market, fast delivery of goods is of utmost importance. This mean a lightweight website trumps all else. Flat design meets these parameters without a problem. Its load times stay low due to its focus on plain color fields for blocks and buttons, simple imagery and icons. It also comprises a lack of noticeable gradients, drop shadows, and other dimensional effects. Simpler environments therefore  offer a prompt load-time.

4. Enhanced Functionality And Usability

The most basic rule of design is for it to have high usability ad functionality. It shouldn’t mislead or confuse users, should be easy to follow and be concise in presentation. Some designers tend to focus heavily on recreating a 3D environment, and in the bargain, end up sacrificing function for fashion. With flat design’s minimal, clear layouts, it is easy for designers to guide a user’s eye and help them navigate a page easily. This means there is a paradigm shift from the design of the website to the needs of the user. These user-centric designs are more likely to go beyond just making an impression, but to also make a conversion. Through the reduction of unnecessary clutter on the screen, the basic importance of content presentation is never lost.