Graphic design covers a wide range of disciplines that interact with each other. Its main function is to communicate and highlight products, services and brands through engaging designs that attract users.
Today, it is also one of the main ways to communicate a message. It uses images, videos and text to convey ideas visually and effectively. This allows companies and organisations to showcase their products and promote their corporate identity.
Each year, clear trends emerge within the discipline, shaping creativity and ways of working.
Below, we outline some of the key graphic design trends for 2022.
Trends
A trend can be defined as a pattern in how elements behave within a specific context over a period of time, or simply the direction the market is taking.
Below are some of the trends currently shaping graphic design:
- Inclusive design: design increasingly focuses on representing the diversity that exists in society. Companies are adapting their designs so that people feel represented, without discrimination. This includes using imagery that moves beyond stereotypes, incorporating references to diversity and ensuring accessibility.
- Data-driven design: using data (infographics and other design formats) to capture audience attention. At the same time, users are increasingly concerned about accessing reliable and verified sources of information.
- Serif typography: serif fonts are often perceived as classic, elegant and reliable. Users tend to connect these attributes with trust.
- Optical illusion design: if your brand is linked to movement or you want your design to stand out, remain memorable and create a sense of surprise, this approach can be worth considering.
Forms and techniques
Once the trends have been outlined, it is important to understand which forms, techniques and colours will stand out throughout the year. Below is a selection to help expand your knowledge and guide your projects.
Working with a variety of techniques will also strengthen your professional capabilities.
Pantone colour: 17-3938 Very Peri
For 2022, Pantone introduced a new colour: PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri, combining the calmness of blue with the energy of red-violet undertones. It offers a fresh perspective within the blue colour family, while conveying dynamism, creativity and expressive potential.
Geometric shapes
The simplicity of geometric shapes helps create strong and clear visual messages.
Letter cutting
This technique consists of using letters and words cut in different typefaces, leaving empty spaces within the composition or integrating them with other design elements.
The objective is to create a dynamic, original and visually engaging piece.
3D illustrations
The presence of 3D objects in graphic compositions is more prominent than ever, ranging from icons to complex illustrations.
Maximalism
Maximalism embraces contrast and controlled visual tension to create impactful compositions. It enhances creativity through bold combinations that go beyond established rules, offering a more expressive visual journey.
This trend mixes shapes, elements and colours without a strict order. While visually intense, it opens the door to highly creative solutions using striking colours and contrasts. There are no fixed rules, allowing each designer full creative freedom.
Simplicity
Details are reduced in favour of clean vector shapes and limited colour palettes, often restricted to two tones.
Graphic design trends
Graphic design trends in 2022 are a direct result of the pandemic and the evolving social and political landscape. These changes have had a significant impact on how brands communicate with their audiences.
Today, brands aim to reflect the best version of themselves across all aspects of their business. The visual elements they adopt act as a window into their values and mission.
