As we approach 2024, creative industries are evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, cultural shifts, and a renewed focus on purpose-driven design. At Verissmena.media, we're always looking ahead to anticipate the creative currents that will shape our work and the industry at large. Here, we explore the most compelling design trends we expect to see flourishing in 2024.
1. Neo-Brutalism with a Softer Edge
The stark, raw aesthetic of neo-brutalism has been gaining traction, but in 2024, we're seeing it evolve into something more nuanced. Designers are softening the harsh edges of brutalist design while retaining its authenticity and honesty. Expect to see:
- Contrasting bold typography with more delicate elements
- Raw, unfiltered imagery paired with softer color palettes
- Brutalist structures with organic, flowing components
- Accessible brutalist interfaces that don't sacrifice usability for style
This evolution makes neo-brutalism more versatile and applicable to a wider range of brands, while still maintaining its distinctive character that stands out in an overcrowded digital landscape.
2. Sustainable Design as Standard
Sustainability is no longer just a niche concern or marketing angle—it's becoming deeply embedded in the design process itself. In 2024, sustainable design practices will be considered fundamental rather than optional:
- Digital products designed for energy efficiency
- Print materials created with recyclable or compostable materials
- Packaging solutions that minimize waste
- Design systems that work across multiple platforms to reduce redundancy
- Visual language that communicates environmental consciousness authentically
Brands that fail to integrate sustainability into their design approach risk appearing out of touch with consumer expectations and values.
3. Maximalist Nostalgia
After years of minimalist dominance, maximalism is staging a comeback, but with a nostalgic twist. Designers are embracing abundance, complexity, and ornamentation—often with references to specific eras of design history:
- Y2K-inspired patterns and color schemes with contemporary refinement
- Digital interpretations of Art Nouveau and Art Deco
- Richly layered compositions that reward closer inspection
- Playful combinations of different historical design elements
This trend reflects a collective desire for expressiveness and joy after years of restraint, as well as a genuine appreciation for design heritage reinterpreted for modern contexts.
4. Immersive Storytelling Through Mixed Reality
As mixed reality technologies become more accessible, designers are exploring new ways to tell stories that blur the boundaries between physical and digital experiences:
- AR-enhanced print materials and packaging
- Spatial design that integrates digital elements seamlessly
- Brand experiences that transition fluidly between online and offline touchpoints
- Interactive narratives that respond to user engagement across multiple platforms
This trend represents a significant shift in how we conceive of design—moving from static artifacts to dynamic, responsive experiences that unfold over time and space.
5. Data-Informed Artistry
The tension between data-driven design and creative intuition is resolving into a more harmonious relationship. In 2024, expect to see designs that are informed by data but executed with artistic sensibility:
- Data visualization that prioritizes emotional impact alongside accuracy
- Personalized design experiences that adapt to individual preferences without feeling algorithmic
- User research translated into distinctive creative directions rather than generic solutions
- AI-generated elements curated and refined by human designers
This approach acknowledges both the value of empirical insights and the irreplaceable role of human creativity in producing meaningful design work.
6. Authentic Voice and Visual Rhetoric
In an era of AI-generated content and deepfakes, authentic human voice in design is taking on new importance. Brands are investing in distinctive visual rhetoric that clearly communicates their values and humanity:
- Hand-drawn elements that showcase imperfection and character
- Photography styles that capture genuine moments rather than overly polished scenarios
- Typography that expresses personality through subtle irregularities
- Copy that sounds conversational and specific rather than generic
This trend responds to audience fatigue with the perfect but soulless aesthetic that has dominated digital platforms in recent years.
Preparing for These Trends
At Verissmena.media, we're already integrating these emerging trends into our work, while ensuring they serve our clients' specific needs rather than following trends for their own sake. The best design always balances innovation with purpose, and that's the approach we'll continue to take in 2024 and beyond.
If you're interested in discussing how these trends might apply to your brand or project, we'd love to have a conversation. Creative evolution is most effective when it's collaborative, thoughtful, and grounded in strategic objectives.
