9 design trends to watch for 2025

As we enter 2025, AI generated designs are at their peak influence on image design composition. This year, we will see the consolidation of AI as a valuable ally in creating marketing materials, blending classic design trends with innovative approaches. 

This innovation will involve designing experiences beyond visuals, emphasizing the creation of design assets that appeal to the senses of hearing and touch.

A quick look at design in 2024

Before we dive into 2025’s design trends, let’s do a recap of 2024:

• Artificial Intelligence has become an essential tool used daily by creators.
• Skeuomorphism, a design approach that imitates real-world objects, has influenced many technology designs. 
• Diverse aesthetics continue to evolve, incorporating various color palettes and textures. 
• The color that defined this year was peach fuzz.

In 2025, several of these design trends are still prevalent, but they have undergone significant changes and incorporated new elements. AI has evolved beyond being just a tool for manipulating images; it now serves as a collaborative partner in daily co-creation. 

Additionally, designers are merging various elements with minimalism to produce clean yet impactful designs. 2025's new Pantone color of the year also reflects a vital design trend: sustainability.

Top design trends for 2025

Let's explore the design trends for this year. We will provide a general overview, examples of design assets using these trends, and exclusive insights from Linearity's experts.

Here’s our shortlist of design trends to look forward to:

1. AI as a collaborator to be more efficient
2. Parallax scrolling with a twist
3. Kinetic typography
4. Microinteractions
5. Minimalist maximalism
6. Retro yet timeless with textured grains
7. Personality over gender in design
8. Physical and sound design
9. Sustainability: the use of the Mocha Mousse color

1. AI and design automation

Tamara Borzova, Marketing Designer at Linearity, sees the growing influence of AI in design, particularly in creating or modifying content.

This aligns with the broader industry trend of integrating AI to enhance creativity and efficiency. For instance, Adobe's use of AI in Adobe Sensei automates complex processes, and Canva utilizes AI for photo editing and design suggestions.

According to the latest "AI and the Creative Frontier" study from Adobe, 90 percent of creators believe that generative AI tools can help them save time and money by taking care of repetitive tasks and supporting their creative brainstorming process. 

Linearity aims to enhance designers' efficiency by integrating AI while allowing for creativity. Features like AI-powered Background Removal and Auto Trace streamline design workflows, highlighting the synergy between technology and creativity. We have introduced AI Background Replacement and Auto Animate to simplify your work, enabling you to focus on creating amazing designs and animations.

How to leverage AI and design automation

• Incorporate AI tools: Utilize AI-powered design tools for tasks such as tracing images, removing backgrounds, suggesting layouts, and generating color palettes. This integration can significantly minimize the time spent on repetitive tasks. 
  
  For instance, you can begin automating labor-intensive processes, like animating static images.

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• Focus on creativity: Use the time saved by AI automation to focus on the creative aspects of design that AI can’t replicate, like conceptual thinking and storytelling.
  
  You can seamlessly integrate fully customized backgrounds into your existing photos. This allows you to unleash your creativity without being restricted by location constraints or large budgets. Simply type in your idea or select a theme to get started.

• Stay informed and adapt: Continuously learn about new AI tools and features to stay ahead of the curve. Adapt workflows to integrate these tools effectively.
• Balance AI and the human touch: While AI can enhance efficiency, maintaining a balance between technology and the human element in design is crucial for creating unique and emotionally resonant works.

2. Parallax scrolling with a twist

This trend is expected to continue well beyond 2024. Parallax scrolling is an advanced web design technique where elements move at different speeds while scrolling. It creates an immersive, multi-dimensional effect. Several companies have used this technique to enhance website storytelling and user engagement.

Designer and Founder of CSS Tricks, Chris Coyier, points out that implementing parallax scrolling presents some challenges, too. Technical updates, such as those in iOS, can affect how parallax effects are implemented and function. This means you need to adapt and problem-solve your web designs constantly.

Uplevelling your designs with parallax scrolling

• Layering and depth perception: Effective parallax design creates a sense of depth by moving background images slower than foreground ones.
• Animation and interactivity: Incorporate subtle animations or interactive elements in the parallax scroll. Animated abstract objects and large headlines that change as you scroll can add a lively feel to the page.
• Enhancing storytelling: Use parallax effects to guide users through a story. Each parallax transition can cleverly reveal content about your services and portfolio.
• Optimization and performance: Heavy parallax effects can impact site load times and performance. It's crucial to optimize images and animations to ensure a smooth scrolling experience.
• SEO considerations: While visually appealing, parallax scrolling can present challenges for SEO. Ensure that content is structured and tagged correctly for search engines to index.
• Accessibility and usability: Keep accessibility in mind. Parallax designs should not hinder the site's navigability or readability for disabled users.
• Responsive design: Ensure your parallax effects translate well across different devices, maintaining their impact and functionality on mobile and tablet screens.
• Balancing creativity with functionality: As Coyier points out, technical challenges like browser compatibility can affect parallax design. Stay updated with web development trends to address these issues.

3. Kinetic typography

Kinetic typography, the art of making text move in a captivating and communicative way, is a trend that's been embraced in recent years and is set to continue into 2024.

We drew insights from Tamara Borzova, Marketing Designer at Linearity. She sees an emphasis on mixed media, AI-generated content, and a blend of reality and fantasy. This suggests a move towards more dynamic and "elastic" typography.

There’s an inclination towards typography that isn’t static but adaptive and responsive, possibly leveraging AI to create content that adapts user interaction or other variables.

Maie Escorial, Senior Product Designer at Linearity, highlights the role of vibrant colors, experimental typography, and the rise of illustration and animation. This aligns perfectly with kinetic typography, often using bold colors and creative text animations to grab attention and convey messages effectively.

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Incorporating kinetic typography in your designs

• Variable fonts: With a focus on elasticity in typography, designers can use variable fonts to create text that adapts and changes.
• AI-enhanced tools: Leveraging AI for content generation can aid in creating complex, engaging kinetic typography sequences.
• Color and design options: The emphasis on vibrant colors and experimental typography suggests a wide range of design options that can be explored within Linearity’s toolset.
• Integration of illustration and animation: The rise of illustration and animation within typography can be supported by tools that allow seamless integration of these elements into text-based designs.

In 2024, we continued to see brands like Spotify and Nike effectively leverage kinetic typography to enhance their marketing campaigns. Spotify's playlist promotions not only featured animated text synchronized with music, but they also explored new dimensions of interactivity, allowing users to engage with the content on a deeper level.  Kinetic typography offers an exciting avenue to make digital content more engaging and memorable.

4. Microinteractions

Microinteractions are small, interactive design elements that enhance the user experience by providing visual feedback in response to user actions.

Tech giants like Google and Facebook effectively use micro-interactions in their software products. Google's Search page, for instance, uses micro-interactions to offer immediate and intuitive feedback when users interact with search fields or buttons. Facebook incorporates micro-interactions extensively in their reactions feature, where emojis dynamically respond to user interactions.

Reflecting on the power of these design elements, Avijit D, Founder and Chief Designer at Nonlinear, aptly notes,

This sentiment echoes the essence of micro-interactions in design: creating significant user engagement and satisfaction through seemingly minor details.

Tips to embrace micro-interactions in your interface designs:

• Understand the purpose: Each micro interaction should serve a purpose, like providing feedback, indicating a status, or guiding the user through a task.
• Keep it simple: Microinteractions should be quick, subtle, and not overly complicated. They should enhance the user experience, not detract from it.
• Make it intuitive: The design should be intuitive and self-explanatory. Users should understand the interaction without needing additional instruction.
• Test and iterate: Continuously test your micro-interactions with real users to ensure they are effective and make necessary adjustments based on feedback.
• Be consistent: Ensure consistency in the style and behavior of micro-interactions across your interface to maintain a coherent user experience.

5.  Minimal maximalism

Minimal maximalism seeks to balance these two extremes by incorporating minimalist elements in some areas while embracing more elaborate designs in others.

In graphic design, animation, and illustration, this concept translates to creatives who maintain a minimal style while using bold colors and bold typography, resulting in a unique and balanced aesthetic.

One example of this design style is the branding of Wild Thingz, created by the agency How&How. They aimed to convey that the natural sweets brand combines elements of the natural world with a mischievous spirit since they’re brave enough to be different.

How to use this trend in your work

• Bold Typography: Combine minimalist backgrounds with bold, expressive typography. Select typefaces that stand out and convey the message effectively. Experiment with sizes, weights, and colors to create a focal point.

• Contrasting elements: Use contrasting colors and shapes to create visual interest. For example, pair a simple color palette with intricate patterns or textures. This juxtaposition can enhance the overall impact of your design.

• Use of space: Leverage white space effectively. This can create a clean look while emphasizing key elements. The spaciousness allows other design components to breathe and stand out.

• Mixed media: Experiment with different media forms. Combine illustrations, photography, and other graphics to create a rich visual narrative, blending minimalism with maximalist expressions.

• Vibrant colors: Introduce a few playful color accents in an otherwise restrained color palette. This strategic use of color can draw attention and evoke emotion without cluttering the design.

• Dynamic layouts: Play with asymmetrical layouts that maintain balance. This approach can create a sense of movement and excitement while adhering to minimalist principles.

By merging straightforwardness with bold creativity, you can uncover a distinctive perspective on minimal maximalism that strikes a chord in the graphic design community.

6. Retro yet timeless with textured grains

Incorporating retro design with grainy background textures into your creative work can add a unique and nostalgic touch that resonates with audiences. Retro design often evokes a sense of familiarity and warmth, transporting viewers to a time they may find appealing or comforting. 

Adí Aviram, Marketing Developer and SEO Specialist at Linearity sees the resurgence of elements like retro styles and color gradients integrated with vector art. This blend of old and new is at the heart of the "retro yet timeless" trend.

Well-established fashion brands like Adidas and Levi's integrate retro designs into their products, merging them smoothly with modern styles. This approach addresses the increasing consumer interest in vintage aesthetics while ensuring the designs remain fresh and relevant.

How to use retro design with texture grain in your projects:

• Choose your era: Retro design can cover a range of styles, from the vibrant colors and bold typography of the 1960s to the grunge aesthetics of the 1990s. Determine which era aligns best with your project's message and target audience. 

• Texture is key: Adding a grain texture can enhance the retro feel. This could be a subtle film grain, a distressed paper texture, or even a more pronounced texture that mimics old print methods. 

• Color palette: Retro designs often utilize colors that reflect the time they represent. For instance, earthy tones or pastels can evoke a vintage feel. Combining these colors with grain texture allows you to achieve an authentic retro look that feels cohesive.

• Visual elements: Incorporate visual elements that reflect retro themes, such as patterns or illustrations that were popular in the past. This could include floral patterns, geometric shapes, or iconic imagery that resonates with the chosen era.

7. Personality over gender in design

This approach emphasizes individual characteristics and personal identity rather than traditional gender norms, allowing for more inclusive and diverse design choices. Companies increasingly adopt this trend in branding, marketing, and product design to cater to diverse audiences and promote inclusivity.

Tips to incorporate the personality over gender trend in your creative process

• Embrace individuality: Design with a focus on individual characteristics and personal stories, moving beyond stereotypical gender roles.
• Use inclusive imagery: Select visuals that represent a diverse range of people and activities, not only stereotypical representations.
• Opt for versatile color schemes: Employ color palettes that are gender-neutral or varied rather than those traditionally associated with specific genders.
• Represent diversity in branding: In your marketing and branding efforts, aim to include a wide variety of individuals to connect with a diverse audience.
• Deepen your understanding: Engage in thorough research to gain a deeper understanding of different identities and experiences, fostering empathy in your design approach.

Embracing this trend requires a shift in mindset, focusing on the unique qualities of individuals and moving away from conventional gender-based design approaches.

8. Phygital experience design

Phygital design represents the fusion of physical and digital spaces, creating an interactive environment that enhances user engagement. This approach recognizes that the boundaries between the physical and digital worlds are increasingly blurred, leveraging technology to create seamless experiences that resonate with users.

Here are a couple of examples of brands utilizing phygital experience design to enhance the customer experience and align it with the brand’s values and storytelling.

Sephora

Sephora's app has a feature that recognizes when customers are in the store. Through the app, customers can access an in-store map, view promotions, manage their shopping cart, and create a wish list.

 Employees can use a ColorIQ device to scan customers' faces and match their skin tones. This device generates a unique 4-digit color code for each customer, which helps them find the perfect shade tailored to their skin tone.

 On their website, Sephora offers a feature called Virtual Artist. Customers can take a photo of their face and explore various lipstick colors to see how they would look directly on their lips.

Dyson clean trace

Dyson's research shows that people often think they clean for longer than they actually do. About 80% of cleaning sessions are under 10 minutes, yet many claim they vacuum for an average of 24 minutes.

 To help users clean better, Dyson launched the Dyson CleanTrace™. This tool uses augmented reality (AR) to show users on their phones where they have cleaned and what areas they might have missed.

To start creating phygital designs, follow these steps:

1. Understand your audience: Research who your customers are and how they interact with both physical and digital spaces.
2. Identify touchpoints: Map out key moments where physical and digital experiences can connect, like in-store visits or online interactions.
3. Leverage technology: Use tools like augmented reality (AR), QR codes, and mobile apps to bridge the gap between physical and digital.
4. Create interaction: Design engaging features that enhance user experience, such as AR visualizations or app integrations for promotions.
5. Ensure seamless integration: Make sure the transition between digital and physical elements is smooth and cohesive.

By following these steps, you can create effective phygital experiences that resonate with your audience.

9. Sustainability: the use of the mocha muse color

Incorporating the Mocha Muse color into sustainable designs can significantly enhance both the aesthetic appeal and the environmental message of a project. As Pantone’s Color of the Year, Mocha Muse embodies a rich, earthy tone that evokes warmth and connection to nature, making it an ideal choice for sustainable design initiatives.

Here are several reasons why this color is essential for sustainable designs in 2025:

• Visual appeal and brand Identity: Using Mocha Muse can create a sophisticated look that resonates with consumers who value sustainability. The color’s warmth enhances the perception of products as natural and organic, attracting environmentally conscious consumers.

• Color psychology: Mocha Muse has psychological associations with stability, reliability, and comfort. Incorporating this color into sustainable designs can help convey a message of security and trustworthiness in eco-friendly products.

•  Versatility in design applications: Mocha Muse can be versatile across various design applications—from product design to digital interfaces. In web design, for example, using Mocha Muse as a background color can create a calming effect, encouraging users to feel more connected to the brand’s sustainable mission. In product design, it can highlight the natural features of materials used, enhancing the overall experience.

In essence, the Mocha Muse color not only serves as a stunning visual element but can also act as a critical component in effectively communicating a brand’s sustainable message. By thoughtfully integrating this color into designs, businesses can align aesthetics with ethics, fostering a stronger connection with eco-conscious consumers.

Wrapping up

In conclusion, the design landscape for 2025 is characterized by a fusion of technology and creativity, largely driven by the evolution of AI as a collaborative partner. 

As we progress through this dynamic year, it is crucial to stay informed about these trends in order to remain competitive in the creative environment. 

You can effortlessly incorporate all of these elements into your work using Linearity Curve and Linearity Move. Both tools will allow you to create stunning designs and add dynamic movement efficiently and easily.