Top E-Commerce Design Trends for 2021

Improve Your Website in the New Year

Gone are the days when having an e-commerce website was simply helpful. In 2020, the pandemic led to a huge shift in buying habits and with a 36% increase in online sales, an e-commerce website is essential today. Here are 6 of the top e-commerce design trends for 2021 that help convey a modern and cutting edge approach to online sales:

1.     Shadows, floating effect and layers
2.     Unique hand-drawn elements
3.     Dark mode
4.     Advanced chatbots
5.     Voice search
6.     Subscription-based models

Shadows, floating effect and layers

As more people spend time online for work, school and social interaction, they seek something different on the screen that’s not a flat and classic look when they are shopping. Designs that incorporate 3D effects with shadows and layers not only draw attention, but also give content a smoother appearance. Adding shadows enhances depth and creates a floating effect that makes elements stand out on the page.

Unique hand-drawn elements

Businesses are always seeking ways to stand apart from the competition. Using hand-drawn visuals helps to boost brand identity and authenticity. Because these designs can often be imperfect, it adds an element of humanity and character to the website. Consider these examples: Le Cou Cou restaurant, Bord app, and Sweet Magnolia Gelato Company.

Dark mode

Dark mode, a low-light user interface, uses dark colors as the background for mobile-friendly websites and apps. This design helps to lessen eye strain and make for a better user experience. Another benefit is that because dark mode uses an increased number of black pixels, it’s an energy saver for your customers. Tests show it can extend phone battery life by as much as 30%.

Advanced chatbots

While chatbots aren’t new to e-commerce, the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) allows them to be more helpful to the user. Chatbots can welcome a website visitor and then help them through the buyer’s journey, working as a guide when they need assistance. This element helps personalize the user experience.

Voice search

Research shows that 24% of Americans now own a smart speaker. Further, consumers 25 to 49-year-olds are more likely to be considered “heavy users” of voice search technology. Those who are accustomed to using Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant now seek ways to search websites by speaking commands rather than typing. As the practice becomes commonplace, voice search is seen not only as a trend, but also as a game changer for the future of SEO.  

Subscription-based models

Over the last few years, this trend has picked up speed and many e-commerce sites, including those for soups, socks, and shaving, have all taken to using subscription-based models. Why? Because they are popular with customers and businesses know a new customer is harder to find than tending to a loyal existing one. Research shows 15% of online buyers have signed up for one or more subscription services. When done correctly, subscriptions can help a brand grow exponentially because customer retention means better business stability.

Incorporating trends

While this is not a comprehensive list of all that’s new and available, perhaps these trends have got your wheels turning and thinking about ways to improve your business’ website. 

Take a look at 5 points that indicate you should consider a redesign. Want to talk it through to see how a redesigned e-commerce website can help your business? Just contact us and have a conversation with the T.E. Digital team. Let us know your goals and we’ll help you get to where you want to be.