Current Trends

One current trend in web design that can be considered both good and bad is the use of large hero images or videos on the homepage. There are many different scenarios in which the usage of these large images can be beneficial or detrimental.

On one hand, large hero images or videos can be visually stunning and immediately capture the attention of the user, creating a memorable first impression and setting the tone for the rest of the website. They can also convey a brand’s message or story in a powerful and engaging way. It is much easier for a viewer to glance at an image to take in information than it is to read through a bunch of text, so for that reason these large images can be very efficient and effective for the display of information and content. An example of a website that has a very successful use of a hero image is Home (surfrider.org). This website’s hero image is fitting to the website topic and isn’t overly obnoxious. It helps display what the website is about and gives a tasteful flare to the appearance of the site.

While these hero images can be wonderful additions to websites and provide much needed design elements, there are also potential drawbacks to this trend. Large hero images or videos can slow down the website’s loading time, which can negatively impact the user experience, especially on mobile devices. Additionally, if the image or video is too large or dominates the page too much, it can be overwhelming and distracting, potentially making it difficult for the user to navigate the site or find the information they are looking for. An example of a website that leans towards this side of things is Charbonnel Towns | Official Website. This website’s home page is almost entirely comprised of a large image with a play button that turns into a video. While this is a very creative design technique that allows for an interesting user experience, it may not be what everyone is looking for when visiting a website, especially a real estate website.

While the use of large hero images or videos can be effective in creating a visually compelling homepage, it’s important for designers to consider the potential drawbacks and to optimize the size and placement of these elements to ensure a positive user experience, as seen in another example with Apple Store Online – Apple. As the world of web design progresses, it is clear to see that these sites are trying to streamline their designs or take a more minimalist approach to their design. With that being said, it is crucial that this design technique is not overdone or used in an ineffective way, because it is very easy to do so.