Top 10 design trends for 2008 (and not just for the web either!)

Another year brings another set of trends in the world of design and all things cool. Often, the web and the offline fashion trends show a lot of similarity, so we've put together our top ten design trends (on and offline) for 2008 - come back and check how accurate our predictions are at the end of the year!

The Top Ten

1. Illustration

In 2007 we saw elegant flowers and swirls, 2008 will bring geometric shapes. Graphic design will be more organic and strong in colour.

2. Web Design

Out with shiny buttons and gradients. Big fonts and simple graphic elements are the way forward.

3. Wall Art

Everywhere you go you will see wall art, my advice is to go for something that looks edgy and hand drawn.

4. Music

Pop is making a comeback! Out with Indie and Rock & Roll and in with Take That, although personally I think I’m gonna stick with what was cool last year ;-)

5. Colour

Whether it's the clothes you wear, the paint you put on your walls or the colour of your website - be brave, go with something bright and energetic - red, green or purple are good.

6. Typography

Once again go for something hand drawn, things don’t have to be neat and perfectly aligned like days of old.

7. Iconography

Simple, abstract shapes are the way forward. Try drawing them by hand and scanning them in, it will be a welcomed move from web 2.0 speech bubbles!

8. Get an iPod shuffle

If you don’t have one already then you may need to go and get one, they are small, easy to wear and look great.

9. Trainers

Retro is in and Gola is making a comeback! Canvas pumps are also cool although they do remind me of the plimsolls that we used to where for P.E as kids (cringe).

10. Accessories

Girls: Get a new bag - the bigger the better. Go for something bright too, yellow is cool.

Boys: Get a studded belt, hopefully 2008 will bring the return of wearing your jeans around your waist and not having them hanging below your boxers.


So, there you have it. Stick with these tips and you won't go far wrong - plus, you'll be one step ahead! If you don't mind not keeping one step ahead, then feel free to forward this article onto a friend!

Brett