"Embracing inclusive design is more than just a trend – it’s a necessary step towards creating designs that work for everyone."
Chiara Causer
Designer
Design and creativity for social media are set for a major evolution in 2025. Emerging technologies, shifting user behaviours, and evolving cultural trends will all redefine how brands and users engage on social platforms. Here are our top 5 design trends expected to shape the year ahead.
1. AI-driven personalisation
It’s no surprise that generative AI is poised for significant growth in 2025, empowering designers to bring their creative visions to life with greater ease.
But to stand out in today’s competitive market, brands must offer personalised experiences. Tailoring designs to individual user preferences is essential for brand longevity. By delivering bespoke designs, brands can cultivate stronger customer relationships and foster lasting consumer loyalty.
It’s important to recognise that AI serves as a powerful tool to enhance the work of a designer, while the true creativity lies in the designer’s unique vision and artistry. When used thoughtfully, AI can serve to amplify the designer’s talent.
Examples:
2. Minimalist maximalism
This year, we’ll see a move towards what appears to be contradictory design styles: bold, colourful arrangements will be balanced out by clean lines, white space and subtle textures.
The key lies in impactful simplicity: visually striking and easily comprehensible designs combined with unexpected elements such as bold colours and experimental typography. This design style appeals to a broad spectrum of tastes, from minimalists to maximalists.
Examples:
3. Inclusive design
Embracing inclusive design is more than just a trend – it’s a necessary step towards creating designs that work for everyone; i.e. truly user-centred design.
Making visuals accessible for all has never been more important. From colour palettes and accessible typography to ensuring visual representation of a diverse range of audiences, inclusive design is here to stay. This change not only reflects a social responsibility and positive societal shift, but also broadens a brand’s reach to a wider and more diverse audience.
Examples:
4. New naturalism
New naturalism brings a fresh angle on nature trends, aligning perfectly with a growing consumer demand for sustainability. It’s a blend of earthy colour palettes and themes, as well as minimalistic design principles, resulting in designs that feel simple yet sophisticated.
The interplay of minimal, modern design and natural hues, textures and shapes not only appeals to environmentally conscious consumers but also adds a layer of authenticity to brands.
Examples:
5. Retro-futurism
This design style combines colourful retro fun from the 80s and 90s with cutting-edge technology, resulting in a new, effortlessly timeless look.
Think vibrant colours, pixelated graphics, and bold typography. With vintage aesthetics trending strongly for years, brands will find a wide audience that is already captivated by the trend. By incorporating clean, modern flair, this trend can appeal to users with visuals that feel familiar yet fresh.
Many of our digital experiences today are based on clean, functional design. Retro-futurism flies in the face of this and helps brands stand out with its bold, playful and nostalgic aesthetic.
Examples:
What’s next?
Looking into our crystal ball, success in design this year will hinge on a deep understanding of emerging societal and cultural trends and their subsequent impact on your audience.
For maximum success, invest your creative energy in exploring and experimenting with these trends, while ensuring your designs remain completely authentic to your brand’s identity.
The design landscape is in constant motion; new technologies, tools and aesthetics will emerge, while others will fade away. It’s paramount that you maintain a flexible approach and are prepared to adapt your strategies accordingly.
To learn how our design team can help with your visual content, visit our website or email hello@battenhall.com. You can also download our 2025 predictions for social media here.
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