10 Top Graphic Design Trends for 2025 – GDJ

As 2024 wraps up, we’re on the cusp of entering 2025, a year set to see the immense impact of AI across all computing fields, particularly in web and graphic design. With these advancements, the graphic design trends continues to evolve, driven by new technology, cultural shifts, and bold ideas. Today, we’re taking an early look at the graphic design trends poised to define 2025, blending nostalgia with futuristic elements, and balancing bold aesthetics with subtle minimalism.

These predictions will give you a glimpse into the exciting directions graphic design is heading in, providing valuable insight into the trends that are set to lead in the coming year.

You may also like:

Let’s dive into the top graphic design trends shaping 2025:

1. Retro-Futurism: Nostalgia Meets Innovation

Retro-futurism is a design style that combines mid-20th-century aesthetics with futuristic elements, blending vintage nostalgia with modern innovation. This trend takes inspiration from the past’s vision of the future, often characterized by neon colors, metallic accents, bold geometric shapes, and vintage typography. Retro-futurism reflects a playful yet sophisticated look, making it popular across branding, website design, and digital art.

Designers in 2025 are using retro-futurism to evoke a sense of nostalgia while offering a fresh and innovative appeal. By reimagining classic elements like vintage typography or retro color schemes with a contemporary, high-tech twist, they create visuals that feel both familiar and forward-thinking. This style resonates particularly well in industries like gaming, fashion, and tech, where audiences appreciate the fusion of past and future.

Example of Retro-Futurism in Action:

1. Synthwave and Cyberpunk Websites: Many designers are applying retro-futurism in web design by using neon color schemes, dark backgrounds, and retro-inspired animations to create immersive user experiences. For example, check out this retro-futuristic website (a hypothetical example) that captures the essence of ’80s synthwave aesthetics combined with modern interactive elements.
2. Branded Content and Advertising: Companies like Apple and Nike have incorporated retro-futuristic elements in their marketing, creating ads that nod to vintage designs but with a high-tech edge. This can include using old-school fonts and neon color palettes in ad visuals for a nostalgic, tech-forward look.
3. Graphic Design Elements: Designers use retro-futuristic color schemes and typography to create posters and social media graphics. A prime example is the work by digital artist Beeple, who often combines retro-inspired aesthetics with futuristic concepts in his digital art.

For inspiration, platforms like Behance or Dribbble showcase designers embracing retro-futurism, giving you a glimpse of how this trend brings a unique blend of the past and future to life in modern design.

• Key Elements: Neon colors, vintage typography, futuristic metallics
• Why It Works: It creates a sense of familiarity and excitement, appealing to both older and younger generations.

2. AI-Assisted Creativity: Human-Machine Collaboration

In 2025, AI-assisted creativity is reshaping the way designers work by enhancing both the efficiency and quality of creative processes. AI tools, like generative design software and machine-learning models, are streamlining repetitive tasks, generating design ideas, and assisting with layout adjustments, enabling designers to focus more on creativity and innovation.

This collaboration between humans and AI allows for creative possibilities that were previously challenging or time-consuming. Rather than replacing the designer, AI acts as a co-creator, helping designers test concepts quickly, refine aesthetics, and even personalize design elements based on data insights. With AI-assisted creativity, designers can explore countless variations of color schemes, patterns, and compositions in minutes, pushing creative boundaries without sacrificing their unique vision.

Examples of AI-Assisted Creativity in Action

• Generative Design in Architecture and Product Design
  AI-powered generative design tools like Autodesk’s Fusion 360 use machine learning to generate optimized design options based on specified parameters, such as materials, strength, and aesthetics. This approach is widely used in architecture and product design to create complex structures and forms that are highly efficient and visually striking. Designers set constraints and goals, and the AI produces countless variations for the designer to review, refine, and select.

Reference: Autodesk Fusion 360 and Generative Design shows how AI can optimize and enhance design in various fields, demonstrating the collaboration between AI and human designers.

• AI-Powered Image and Video Editing
  Tools like Adobe Sensei, the AI framework powering Adobe Creative Cloud, help designers automate repetitive tasks in image and video editing. With Adobe Sensei, designers can automatically remove backgrounds, identify and enhance specific elements in photos, or even apply stylistic effects to match a desired look. This allows designers to focus on more complex and creative aspects of their projects without getting bogged down in manual adjustments.

Reference: Adobe Sensei showcases examples of how AI tools can enhance workflows for designers and videographers, significantly speeding up the creative process.

• AI-Powered Design Suggestions for Branding and Layouts
  AI tools like Canva’s “Magic Design” and Wix’s “ADI” (Artificial Design Intelligence) offer quick, AI-generated branding concepts and website layouts. These tools analyze user inputs and preferences to generate logos, color schemes, and website designs tailored to a brand’s unique needs. They’re particularly useful for small businesses or solo creators who want professional-quality designs but may lack advanced design skills.

Example: With Wix ADI, users simply enter a few details about their business, and the tool generates a professional-looking website with layout, color schemes, and fonts that match the brand. This cuts down on design time, allowing users to refine rather than start from scratch.

Reference: Wix ADI provides an overview of AI-assisted website creation, helping users achieve polished, professional websites quickly and efficiently.

Why AI-Assisted Creativity Works

AI-assisted creativity works because it enhances productivity and supports innovation without removing the human touch. Designers can focus on refining and personalizing AI-generated designs, ultimately achieving a balance between efficiency and creativity. As AI tools continue to evolve, they enable designers to push beyond traditional creative limits, making high-quality design accessible to professionals and novices alike. This collaboration highlights how AI can augment human creativity, sparking new levels of inspiration and exploration in the design world.

• Key Elements: AI-driven tools for layouts, color selection, pattern generation
• Why It Works: Saves time while opening new creative avenues, allowing for faster, more unique designs.

3. Augmented Reality (AR) Integration

Augmented Reality (AR) integration in graphic design is transforming the way users interact with visuals, creating immersive experiences that extend beyond traditional design. AR allows designers to overlay digital content—like 3D models, animations, or interactive elements—onto the real world through mobile devices, smart glasses, or other AR platforms. This technology is being used to enhance marketing campaigns, product packaging, user interfaces, and even retail spaces, allowing audiences to engage with designs in more dynamic and memorable ways.

In 2025, AR is set to become a mainstay in industries ranging from e-commerce to education, where it enriches user experiences and makes designs come to life. By adding layers of interactivity to otherwise static visuals, AR offers brands and designers a powerful tool for storytelling and engagement.

Examples of AR Integration in Graphic Design

• AR in E-Commerce Packaging
  Brands are now using AR to create interactive product packaging that delivers additional information, instructions, or brand storytelling when scanned with a smartphone. For example, Coca-Cola and other beverage brands have used AR to make their packaging interactive, where users can scan a bottle to see animations, games, or brand stories unfold. This approach turns packaging into an interactive experience, enhancing customer engagement.

Reference: AR packaging example by Tactic shows how Tactic Studio developed AR packaging solutions that transform ordinary packages into interactive experiences, enhancing consumer connection with the brand.

• AR for Retail and Fashion
  In the fashion industry, brands like Gucci and IKEA are using AR to let customers virtually try on products or see how items would look in their home spaces. For instance, IKEA’s “IKEA Place” app allows users to select furniture and use AR to visualize how it would fit and look in their rooms. This gives customers confidence in their purchase decisions by letting them “see” the product in context.

Reference: IKEA Place app demonstrates how AR can improve the shopping experience, offering a practical, interactive tool that combines graphic design with real-world functionality.

• AR Advertising Campaigns
  Some brands have launched entire advertising campaigns based on AR, where billboards or posters reveal interactive 3D animations when viewed through an AR app. For instance, Pepsi’s “Unbelievable” campaign transformed a London bus stop into an immersive AR experience, showing everything from alien invasions to tiger appearances. This approach creates a memorable, shareable brand experience and allows for deeper engagement with audiences.

Example: Pepsi’s use of AR allowed passersby to experience a surprising and playful ad on a typical city street, making it both memorable and effective as a campaign.

Why AR Integration Works

AR integration adds a layer of engagement to graphic design, enhancing interactivity and user experience. By merging digital and physical worlds, it allows brands to tell stories in unique ways that feel personalized and memorable. This trend not only increases engagement but also provides valuable functionality, especially in retail and e-commerce, where users can make more informed purchase decisions through virtual try-ons and product previews. As AR technology becomes more accessible, expect to see even more brands using it to create immersive, interactive designs that captivate and connect with their audiences.

• Key Elements: 3D modeling, AR-compatible designs, interactive packaging
• Why It Works: Creates memorable experiences, making brands stand out in a crowded digital landscape.

4. Eco-Conscious Design: Going Green Visually

Eco-conscious design is a trend that reflects a growing commitment to environmental responsibility in the graphic design industry. In 2025, designers are increasingly embracing visuals and processes that communicate a brand’s dedication to sustainability. This trend is about more than just aesthetics; it’s a conscious choice to create designs that reflect environmental values, use sustainable materials, and promote eco-friendly messaging.

Designers are opting for earthy color palettes, natural textures, minimalistic layouts, and recycled materials to align with green initiatives. This approach resonates with consumers who prioritize environmental responsibility and prefer brands that take active steps toward sustainability. Eco-conscious design is becoming a standard, especially in industries like fashion, food, and wellness, where green values play a significant role in branding.

Examples of Eco-Conscious Design in Action

• Sustainable Packaging Design
  Many brands are embracing sustainable packaging as part of their eco-conscious design strategy. For example, skincare brand Lush uses minimal, recyclable, or compostable packaging and incorporates earthy tones and simple layouts in its product branding. By doing so, they visually communicate their commitment to reducing plastic waste, making the packaging an extension of their green philosophy.

Reference: Lush’s packaging strategy highlights the brand’s use of eco-conscious design in both product presentation and packaging materials, emphasizing the commitment to environmental sustainability.

• Eco-Friendly Color Palettes and Natural Textures
  Eco-conscious design often includes using colors and textures inspired by nature, such as earth tones, greens, browns, and soft pastels that create a grounded, organic feel. Brands like Patagonia use these palettes in both their digital presence and physical products to reinforce their identity as environmentally conscious. They pair these natural colors with organic shapes, minimalist layouts, and textured materials to maintain an authentic, earthy look and feel that resonates with eco-minded consumers.

Reference: Patagonia’s environmental campaigns illustrate how color and texture are used to reinforce the brand’s commitment to the environment, combining visuals and values seamlessly.

• Eco-Branding for Restaurants and Cafes
  Many eco-conscious restaurants and cafes incorporate green design principles into their branding, interiors, and packaging. For instance, Starbucks redesigned their cup materials to incorporate recycled content and use greener branding colors, appealing to consumers who value sustainability. This visual shift towards greener design elements reflects the brand’s environmental initiatives, from promoting reusable cups to investing in recyclable materials.

Why Eco-Conscious Design Works

Eco-conscious design works because it resonates with a growing consumer base that values sustainability. Visual elements, such as earthy colors, recycled textures, and minimalist layouts, serve as immediate signals of a brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility. This approach not only enhances brand loyalty among eco-minded customers but also contributes to a cleaner design aesthetic that feels calm, authentic, and connected to nature. As sustainability continues to be a priority, eco-conscious design is likely to become a lasting trend that reinforces brand values and attracts environmentally aware audiences.

• Key Elements: Earthy palettes, recycled textures, minimalist visuals
• Why It Works: Appeals to environmentally conscious consumers, building brand loyalty through shared values.

5. Maximalist Typography: Bold and Unapologetic Fonts

Maximalist typography is all about embracing large, eye-catching fonts that demand attention. In 2025, this trend is making typography the focal point, turning words into powerful design elements. Designers are moving beyond traditional font sizes and styles, experimenting with oversized letters, distorted text, vibrant colors, and intricate textures. Maximalist typography breaks the usual boundaries by being expressive, unapologetically bold, and visually dominant, allowing typography to tell a story on its own.

This trend is especially popular in advertising, branding, and editorial design, where brands want to leave a lasting impact through visuals that grab attention instantly. Maximalist typography provides that “wow factor,” helping messages stand out in a busy digital world.

Examples of Maximalist Typography in Action

• Editorial and Print Media
  Fashion magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar are using maximalist typography on their covers and feature spreads. They utilize large, bold fonts, often placing text over images in dynamic ways that make the titles and headings as engaging as the imagery itself. This technique creates an immediate visual impact, guiding readers’ eyes toward specific content while adding an edgy, stylish feel.

Reference: Harper’s Bazaar covers demonstrate how maximalist typography can enhance visual storytelling in editorial design, transforming text into a focal point and adding sophistication to the overall design.

• Brand Identity and Advertising Campaigns
  Brands like Nike have adopted maximalist typography in their advertisements, using strong, oversized fonts with motivational words or phrases. For instance, Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign is often presented in large, bold text over high-energy visuals, creating an intense and inspiring feel. By using font as a primary element in their design, Nike effectively communicates brand energy and identity in a memorable way.

Reference: Nike’s “Just Do It” campaigns showcase how maximalist typography can powerfully convey brand messages, turning text into a visual statement that resonates with the brand’s ethos of energy and motivation.

• Event Posters and Album Covers
  Maximalist typography is frequently used in concert posters, album covers, and event promotions. These designs often feature warped or experimental fonts that reflect the mood or style of the event or music. An example is the use of large, distorted typefaces in posters for electronic music festivals or album covers, which gives the artwork a unique, impactful look and aligns with the experimental nature of the music genre.

Example: Posters for events like the Coachella festival use bold, oversized type to create immediate visual impact, often pairing it with colorful backgrounds or abstract shapes that enhance the music festival vibe.

Why Maximalist Typography Works

Maximalist typography captures attention by transforming words into visual experiences. The boldness and scale of the fonts create an almost physical presence, making designs impossible to ignore. In a world where audiences are constantly scrolling, maximalist typography ensures that messages aren’t just seen but felt, evoking emotion through type alone. This trend empowers designers to make statements that are loud, expressive, and memorable—qualities that resonate in advertising, branding, and editorial design where standing out is essential.

• Key Elements: Oversized fonts, vibrant colors, experimental letterforms
• Why It Works: Adds personality and energy, instantly capturing viewers’ attention.

6. Dark Mode & Neon Accents: The New Edge

Dark mode with neon accents is a bold and visually striking design trend that pairs dark backgrounds with vibrant, glowing colors for a futuristic, edgy effect. Dark mode, initially popularized as a more eye-friendly, energy-saving option for screens, has evolved into a full-fledged aesthetic. By combining dark, minimal backgrounds with bright neon colors—such as electric blues, pinks, greens, and purples—designers create a visually immersive, high-contrast look that draws attention and brings elements to life.

This trend is prevalent across web design, branding, and digital interfaces where it provides a modern, tech-inspired look. It’s especially popular in industries like tech, gaming, fashion, and entertainment, where brands seek to communicate innovation, dynamism, and style.

Examples of Dark Mode with Neon Accents in Action

• Website Design for Tech Companies
  Tech companies are adopting dark mode with neon accents to convey a sleek, cutting-edge brand image. For example, Spotify uses a dark interface accented with neon green and purple elements, creating a modern and immersive user experience. This color scheme not only looks visually engaging but also reduces screen glare, providing a comfortable viewing experience for users.

Reference: Spotify’s dark mode design illustrates how dark mode and neon accents can provide a stylish, user-friendly interface, especially effective for music and tech platforms where users spend extended periods.

• Gaming and Entertainment Branding
  The gaming industry often uses dark mode with neon accents in branding, advertisements, and UI design to evoke excitement and energy. For example, the Cyberpunk 2077 video game is renowned for its dark, neon-filled visuals, which reflect the game’s futuristic, dystopian theme. By using vibrant neon against dark backgrounds, the design creates an intense, sci-fi atmosphere that aligns with the high-tech, gritty feel of the game.

Reference: Cyberpunk 2077’s visual style showcases how neon-on-dark visuals can create an immersive, atmospheric experience, perfect for entertainment and gaming environments that seek a futuristic, edgy look.

• E-commerce and Fashion Websites
  Many fashion brands targeting a younger, trend-focused audience are embracing dark mode and neon accents in their web designs. For example, the streetwear brand Off-White uses dark backgrounds with pops of neon in their digital presence and marketing campaigns. This approach appeals to the brand’s edgy aesthetic and allows products to stand out dramatically on the page.

Example: An e-commerce platform for Off-White might use neon-accented buttons and typography on a black background to create a high-impact, modern feel, appealing to their young, fashion-forward audience.

Why Dark Mode & Neon Accents Work

Dark mode combined with neon accents works because it captures attention with high contrast, creating a visually arresting experience. The dark background allows neon colors to pop, making text, buttons, and images feel illuminated and lively. This style also reduces eye strain, making it popular in user interfaces where users spend a lot of time, such as social media, streaming services, and gaming platforms. Dark mode with neon accents delivers a modern, tech-driven aesthetic that feels immersive and sleek, appealing to audiences who value innovation and bold design. As technology continues to evolve, this trend is likely to remain a staple for brands looking to convey a sense of cutting-edge style.

• Key Elements: Dark backgrounds, neon or metallic accents, high contrast
• Why It Works: Offers a sleek, modern aesthetic, enhancing readability and visual interest on digital screens.

7. 3D and Motion Graphics: Adding Depth and Dynamics

3D and motion graphics have become integral parts of modern design, bringing a new layer of depth, dynamism, and interactivity to visuals. These design elements help create more engaging and visually rich experiences by adding movement and dimension to otherwise flat graphics. By combining 3D models, animation, and motion effects, designers can create lifelike visuals that appear to “pop” off the screen or move fluidly within a composition. This trend is especially relevant in areas like advertising, web design, social media content, video production, and virtual reality, where engagement and innovation are key to grabbing attention.

In 2025, 3D and motion graphics are pushing boundaries, allowing designers to experiment with perspective, light, shadows, and even user interaction. Whether it’s creating a compelling product display, animating logos, or crafting visually complex experiences, 3D and motion graphics add layers of creativity that leave lasting impressions on viewers.

Examples of 3D and Motion Graphics in Action

• Product Animation in Advertising
  Brands are increasingly using 3D motion graphics in advertising to bring their products to life in ways that static images simply cannot. For example, Apple uses 3D animations in their product commercials to showcase the features and design of their devices. In their iPhone or MacBook ads, Apple employs smooth, high-quality animations that highlight the product’s elegance and functionality. These visuals help customers visualize the product’s unique features in a dynamic, interactive way.

Reference: Apple’s 3D product animations are an excellent example of how motion graphics and 3D visuals can transform a simple product showcase into an immersive and engaging experience.

• Interactive Web Design with 3D Elements
  Many brands are using 3D graphics to enhance their websites and online experiences. Websites with interactive 3D models, scroll-triggered animations, and motion graphics make browsing more engaging and enjoyable. For example, Nike’s website often includes 3D product visualizations, allowing users to rotate shoes or apparel to see them from different angles. This dynamic interaction gives users a deeper connection with the product, helping them make more informed purchasing decisions.

Reference: Nike’s interactive website is a great example of how 3D and motion graphics enhance user experience by adding depth and interactivity to online shopping.

• Explainer Videos and Virtual Tours
  Many companies use 3D motion graphics to create explainer videos or virtual tours that guide viewers through complex concepts or services. For instance, The New York Times and other media outlets have used motion graphics and 3D animations in data journalism, turning otherwise static charts and statistics into dynamic, interactive experiences. These animations provide clarity and make complex information more accessible and engaging.

Example: The 3D animated explainer videos produced by The New York Times are an excellent example of how motion graphics help break down complicated topics and make them visually engaging and digestible.

Why 3D and Motion Graphics Work

3D and motion graphics work because they engage viewers on a deeper level than static images or text. The movement and depth that these elements provide make content more dynamic, attention-grabbing, and memorable. In advertising, they can showcase products in innovative ways, while in web design, they offer interactive, engaging experiences that keep users on the site longer. The integration of 3D and motion graphics not only enhances storytelling but also improves user experience by providing clarity, excitement, and a sense of immersion. As digital media continues to evolve, these techniques will play an even more prominent role in making visuals and interactions more compelling and immersive.

• Key Elements: 3D elements, animated text, interactive motion
• Why It Works: Adds depth and realism, making designs more engaging and visually captivating.

8. Hand-Drawn Illustrations: The Personal Touch

Hand-drawn illustrations are making a strong comeback in graphic design as brands seek to add a personal, authentic touch to their visuals. Unlike the polished, sterile look of digital art, hand-drawn illustrations offer a sense of warmth, individuality, and craftsmanship that resonates with audiences on a deeper level. This trend is particularly prevalent in branding, advertising, packaging design, and editorial projects, where the goal is to stand out and connect with consumers on a human level.

In 2025, designers are blending traditional sketching techniques with digital tools, combining the charm of hand-drawn elements with the precision of digital editing. This combination allows for more fluid, expressive designs that feel unique and custom-made. Hand-drawn illustrations provide a tactile, personal feel that can break away from the perfectionism of vector art, appealing to consumers looking for authenticity in a world increasingly dominated by automation.

Examples of Hand-Drawn Illustrations in Action

• Branding and Packaging Design
  Many brands are turning to hand-drawn illustrations to create a sense of personality and uniqueness. For example, Ben & Jerry’s has used hand-drawn illustrations on their packaging for years, showcasing playful, whimsical designs that match the fun, quirky nature of their ice cream. The hand-drawn elements, such as the doodled characters and intricate designs, create a feeling of authenticity and creativity, making the brand feel more approachable and human.

Reference: Ben & Jerry’s packaging is a prime example of how hand-drawn illustrations can enhance brand identity, making it more memorable and engaging to consumers.

• Editorial and Magazine Illustrations
  Many editorial publications, such as The New Yorker and Wired, incorporate hand-drawn illustrations into their articles, covers, and advertisements. These illustrations are used to add character, emotion, and a sense of storytelling to the articles, creating visuals that complement the content in an organic, intuitive way. Hand-drawn illustrations help to convey complex or abstract ideas in a way that feels more accessible and creative.

Reference: The New Yorker’s illustration style highlights the use of hand-drawn illustrations to add personality and visual depth to editorial content, with many issues featuring iconic hand-drawn cover art.

• Online and Social Media Campaigns
  Hand-drawn illustrations are also making waves in digital spaces, particularly on social media. Brands are using illustrations in their posts to stand out among the polished stock images and digital designs that dominate feeds. For example, Mailchimp has utilized hand-drawn illustrations on its website and in marketing campaigns, creating friendly, approachable visuals that break away from the standard corporate look. These illustrations give the brand a more relatable and personal tone, which is especially effective for customer engagement.

Example: Mailchimp’s use of playful, hand-drawn elements across their campaigns helps establish a sense of fun and creativity, making them more relatable to their audience.

Why Hand-Drawn Illustrations Work

Hand-drawn illustrations work because they inject personality and warmth into design, making visuals feel more human and authentic. In an increasingly digital world, where everything seems automated and uniform, these illustrations stand out by offering something unique and personal. They convey creativity, artistry, and attention to detail, which are qualities consumers value, especially in a world where brands are striving to form deeper emotional connections. Whether in packaging, branding, editorial design, or digital content, hand-drawn illustrations make a statement of individuality, creativity, and authenticity. As we move further into 2025, expect to see this trend continue to flourish as brands look for ways to create distinctive, engaging visuals that speak directly to consumers.

• Key Elements: Hand-drawn icons, playful doodles, intricate sketches
• Why It Works: Evokes an authentic, humanized brand image, creating a sense of intimacy with audiences.

9. Gradients with Texture: A New Take on Color Transitions

Gradients with texture represent a modern evolution in the use of color transitions, adding depth, tactile quality, and visual interest to traditional gradient designs. While gradients have long been a staple in design, blending two or more colors seamlessly, the trend of integrating textures into gradients offers a more dynamic, layered approach. This technique involves combining gradient color transitions with textures such as grain, brush strokes, or fabric patterns to create a more tactile, multidimensional effect. By adding texture to gradients, designers introduce a new sense of realism and complexity that makes digital visuals feel more organic and captivating.

This trend is gaining popularity in digital art, website design, branding, and motion graphics, where the goal is to create immersive, engaging, and visually rich experiences. Gradients with texture not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also give designs a sense of depth and movement that static flat colors cannot achieve.

Examples of Gradients with Texture in Action

• Website and App Design
  Many modern websites and apps are experimenting with gradients that include textured overlays, which help to add a sense of luxury, craftsmanship, or uniqueness. For example, Stripe, a financial technology company, incorporates gradients with subtle textures on its website, blending smooth color transitions with patterns that evoke a feeling of depth and innovation. These textured gradients make the otherwise minimalist design feel more sophisticated and layered.

Reference: Stripe’s website design uses gradients with subtle textures to create depth and intrigue, showing how even financial tech companies can benefit from using texture in gradients to enhance their visual presence.

• Branding and Packaging Design
  Gradients with textures are becoming a popular feature in packaging and branding, especially for high-end or artisanal brands that want to convey a sense of premium quality. Chobani yogurt, for instance, uses gradient textures in its packaging to reflect the smooth, natural feel of its product. The textured gradient design on the packaging combines soft transitions of colors with a slightly grainy or woven texture, visually echoing the wholesome and natural quality of the brand.

Reference: Chobani’s packaging demonstrates how gradients with texture can communicate a brand’s identity—organic, fresh, and approachable—through a sophisticated and visually appealing design.

• Motion Graphics and Advertisements
  Gradients with texture are also being widely used in motion graphics and video ads to add a sense of fluidity and dimension. Brands like Adobe have employed gradients with texture in their promotional videos, using color transitions with grainy overlays or animated brushstrokes to create an ethereal, artistic feel. These textured gradients bring a sense of movement and energy to the ads, making them more visually stimulating and engaging for the viewer.

Example: Adobe’s animated tutorials and promotional videos make excellent use of gradients with textured effects to enhance the emotional impact of their campaigns, showcasing the dynamic capabilities of their software.

Why Gradients with Texture Work

Gradients with texture are powerful because they combine the best of both worlds: the smooth transition of colors with the added dimension of tactile visuals. This combination offers a richer, more dynamic visual experience that draws the viewer’s eye and invites them to explore the design more deeply. Texture adds an element of realism and organic feel, making digital designs seem more tangible and approachable. As this trend grows in 2025, expect more designers to incorporate textured gradients into their work, using them to evoke mood, enhance branding, and provide depth in digital experiences. Whether in web design, branding, or motion graphics, gradients with texture are poised to be a key element in the evolution of visual storytelling.

• Key Elements: Textured gradients, brush and grain effects, layered colors
• Why It Works: Adds depth and dimension, elevating the visual impact of gradients in a subtle way.

10. Inclusive Design: Reflecting a Diverse World

Inclusive design is a philosophy and practice that aims to create products, services, and experiences that are accessible, equitable, and usable by people with a wide range of abilities, backgrounds, and identities. In graphic design, this means considering various factors such as race, gender, age, ability, and culture to ensure that visuals are representative, welcoming, and easy to understand for everyone. With the increasing focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in society, inclusive design has become a crucial trend in 2025 as brands and designers look to reflect the diverse world around them through their visuals.

Inclusive design goes beyond just accessibility (such as designing for people with disabilities); it also involves recognizing the diverse experiences and perspectives of individuals. Whether it’s through the use of diverse imagery, ensuring color contrast for readability, or considering cultural context, inclusive design helps create more empathetic, respectful, and engaging visual experiences.

Examples of Inclusive Design in Action

• Branding and Marketing Campaigns
  Brands like Dove have long been at the forefront of inclusive design, using imagery that features people of all sizes, skin tones, and backgrounds. Dove’s “Real Beauty” campaign, which celebrated the natural beauty of women of all shapes and colors, challenged traditional beauty standards in the industry. By showcasing a diverse range of real women in their marketing materials, Dove was able to create a campaign that resonated with a broader audience, making them feel represented and seen.

Reference: Dove’s Real Beauty Campaign is a prime example of how inclusive design in branding can empower individuals by showcasing diverse representations of beauty and challenging traditional norms in advertising.

• Website and App Design for Accessibility
  In web design, inclusive design is key to making digital platforms accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. For instance, Apple’s iOS offers a range of inclusive design features such as high-contrast themes, voiceover tools, and customizable font sizes to help users with visual or cognitive impairments. Apple’s website also reflects inclusivity in its imagery, showcasing people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities interacting with their products, ensuring that all customers feel represented.

Reference: Apple’s inclusive website and accessibility features are excellent examples of how inclusive design can ensure that digital experiences are accessible and welcoming to a broad range of users, including those with disabilities.

• Product and Packaging Design for All Ages
  Inclusive design in product packaging ensures that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can easily interact with and use the product. For example, Coca-Cola has created packaging that is easy to open for people with arthritis and other mobility challenges, using ergonomic designs and easy-to-read fonts. Coca-Cola’s branding also reflects inclusivity by using images of diverse people from different cultures and walks of life, conveying a message of unity and global connection.

Example: Coca-Cola’s packaging and product designs often feature simple, accessible designs that cater to people of all abilities, ensuring that their products are usable by as many people as possible.

Why Inclusive Design Works

Inclusive design works because it reflects the real, diverse world we live in. As consumers become more aware of social justice issues and demand more representation, inclusive design helps brands establish stronger emotional connections with their audiences. By ensuring that all users feel represented, heard, and considered, inclusive design not only enhances the user experience but also fosters loyalty and trust. In a world where diversity and inclusion are more important than ever, brands that embrace inclusive design show their commitment to making everyone feel welcome, respected, and valued.

The benefits of inclusive design extend beyond just increasing customer satisfaction. They also open up a wider market, as more people—especially those with disabilities or from underrepresented communities—are able to engage with your products or services. As we move into 2025, the trend of inclusive design will continue to be a powerful tool for brands and designers to create more meaningful, impactful, and human-centered designs that truly reflect the diverse world we live in.

• Key Elements: Diverse color palettes, inclusive imagery, cultural representation
• Why It Works: Builds stronger connections with audiences by reflecting the diversity of modern society.

Embracing 2025’s Design Future

The graphic design trends of 2025 emphasize innovation, diversity, and depth. From retro-futurism to eco-conscious visuals, designers are creating work that resonates with today’s digitally-savvy, socially-conscious audience. These trends not only push creative boundaries but also reflect a society that values authenticity, sustainability, and inclusivity. As we move forward, these emerging design directions offer inspiring ways to connect, create, and communicate in a constantly evolving digital landscape.

(Visited 144 times, 144 visits today)