Graphic design software has evolved significantly over the years, and 2024 is no exception. Here are some of the top graphic design software trends that are shaping the industry this year.
AI-Enhanced Design Practices
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly integrated into graphic design software, offering designers new ways to streamline their workflows and unleash their creativity. AI-powered tools can help designers with tasks such as color selection, typography suggestions, and even generating design ideas based on a brief.
Adobe Sensei is a leading example of AI-enhanced design practices. This technology is integrated into Adobe’s suite of creative tools, providing designers with AI-powered features such as automated image resizing, background removal, and color correction. Additionally, Adobe Sensei can suggest color palettes based on a target audience or create mood boards inspired by a designer’s favorite artists.
Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is making a comeback in 2024, with designers embracing the tactile and personal nature of this craft. Digital scrapbooking tools allow designers to create collages and other mixed-media designs using a variety of materials, including photographs, text, and graphics.
Venngage’s AI Infographic Generator is a great example of a scrapbooking tool for infographics. This tool uses AI to suggest data visualizations and layouts based on a designer’s input, allowing them to quickly create eye-catching infographics.
Inclusive Design
Inclusive design is an essential trend in 2024, with designers focusing on creating visuals that are accessible and welcoming to all users. This includes using accessible color combinations, clear typography, and representing a diverse range of people and perspectives in design work.
Figma is a leading example of a tool that supports inclusive design. Figma’s collaborative design platform allows designers to work together in real-time, ensuring that everyone has a voice in the design process. Additionally, Figma offers features such as automated accessibility testing and variable fonts, which can help designers create more inclusive visuals.
Experimental Typography
Experimental typography is a trend that is pushing the boundaries of what is possible with type in 2024. Designers are exploring new ways to use typography, including creating custom fonts, using type as a design element, and combining type with other visuals.
Canva is a great example of a tool that supports experimental typography. Canva offers a wide range of customizable fonts and templates, allowing designers to easily experiment with different type styles and layouts.
Retro Pixels
Retro pixels are making a comeback in 2024, with designers embracing the nostalgic charm of pixel art. This trend is particularly popular in web and app design, where pixelated graphics can add a playful and retro touch to a user interface.
Pixel Studio is a great example of a tool that supports retro pixel design. This app allows designers to create pixel art and animations using a variety of tools and brushes, making it easy to create pixelated graphics for any project.
Heatmapping
Heatmapping is a trend that is becoming increasingly popular in 2024, as designers seek to understand how users interact with visuals. Heatmapping tools allow designers to track user behavior, such as clicks and scrolls, and visualize the data using heatmaps.
Hotjar is a leading example of a heatmapping tool. This tool allows designers to track user behavior on websites and apps, providing insights into how users interact with visuals and helping designers optimize their designs.
Maximalism
Maximalism is a trend that is all about embracing bold and vibrant visuals. This trend is particularly popular in branding and advertising, where designers are using maximalist visuals to create impactful and memorable brand experiences.
Adobe Illustrator is a great example of a tool that supports maximalist design. This vector graphics editor allows designers to create complex and detailed visuals using a variety of tools and brushes, making it easy to create bold and vibrant designs.
High Contrast and Bold Typography
High contrast and bold typography is a trend that is becoming increasingly popular in 2024, as designers seek to create visuals that stand out and capture attention. This trend involves using high-contrast color combinations and bold, oversized typography to create impactful visuals.
Affinity Designer is a great example of a tool that supports high contrast and bold typography. This vector graphics editor allows designers to create custom color palettes and use bold typography, making it easy to create high-contrast and impactful visuals.
Nature-Inspired Aesthetics
Nature-inspired aesthetics are becoming increasingly popular in 2024, as designers seek to create visuals that are calming and inspiring. This trend involves using natural textures, colors, and patterns to create visuals that evoke the beauty of the natural world.
Procreate is a great example of a tool that supports nature-inspired aesthetics. This digital illustration app allows designers to create custom brushes and textures, making it easy to create natural-looking visuals.
Revisiting Trends from 2023 and Before
In addition to these new trends, designers are also revisiting trends from previous years, such as minimalism, retro-futurism, and gradients. These trends continue to be popular in 2024, as designers seek to create visuals that are timeless and versatile.
Canva is a great example of a tool that supports these trends, offering a wide range of templates and design elements that can be customized to fit any project.