As we move into 2025, design trends continue to evolve, reflecting societal shifts, technological advancements, and user preferences. From immersive 3D visuals to nostalgic retro vibes, these trends offer unique opportunities for web app developers to create engaging and functional user experiences.

Below, I explore six prominent design trends currently shaping the industry and identify the types of web applications where they can be most effectively applied.

This analysis is based on insights from leading design resources such as Looka, VistaPrint, Venngage, and others, ensuring a well-rounded perspective.

1. 3D and Surreal Design

Description: This trend leverages three-dimensional elements and surreal themes to craft visually striking and immersive experiences. It’s all about depth, realism, and pushing creative boundaries.

Ideal Applications:

• Gaming platforms, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) apps where immersive visuals enhance user engagement.

• Creative advertising platforms or movie poster generators that aim to captivate audiences with bold, futuristic aesthetics.

• Product visualization tools allowing users to explore items in a 3D space.

Why it works: The dynamic nature of 3D design draws users into interactive experiences, making it perfect for apps requiring strong visual impact (Looka, 2024).

3D and Surreal Design

2. Retro and Nostalgic Style

Description: Inspired by the 70s, 80s, and 90s, this trend uses vintage color palettes, typography, and motifs to evoke nostalgia and emotional connection.

Ideal Applications:

• Music streaming services like Spotify with retro-inspired interfaces.

• Retro gaming platforms or apps celebrating classic games.

• Fashion brand websites or apps aiming for a vintage aesthetic.

• Nostalgia-themed apps like digital scrapbooks or memory journals.

Why it works: Retro designs tap into users’ emotions, offering familiarity and comfort, especially for apps tied to personal or cultural memories (Venngage, 2025).

Retro Style

3. Bold and Vibrant Design (Not Quite Minimalism)

Description: A blend of minimalism with vibrant colors, bold typography, and clean layouts, this trend creates a modern yet eye-catching look.

Ideal Applications:

• Social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok targeting younger audiences.

• Marketing tools for creating standout promotional materials.

• Fashion or lifestyle apps aiming to reflect energy and personality.

• E-commerce websites wanting a fresh, trendy vibe.

Why it works: It balances simplicity with excitement, appealing to users who value both aesthetics and usability (VistaPrint, 2024).

Bold and Vibrant Design

4. Brutalism

Description: Raw, honest, and unpolished, brutalism features bold typography, simple layouts, and often a monochromatic or limited color palette.

Ideal Applications:

• News websites or apps prioritizing content clarity over decoration.

• Productivity tools like minimalist task managers or note-taking apps.

• Architectural or industrial design portfolios showcasing a rugged aesthetic.

Why it works: Its straightforward approach ensures focus on functionality, ideal for apps where content is king (TheeDigital, 2025).

Brutalism

5. Handcrafted and Human-Centric Design

Description: This trend mimics handmade aesthetics with imperfect, personal details, emphasizing a human touch in a digital world.

Ideal Applications:

• Handmade goods marketplaces like Etsy or artisan e-commerce sites.

• Personal blogs or storytelling platforms.

• Indie music apps or creative portfolios.

Why it works: It fosters a sense of authenticity and connection, perfect for apps celebrating individuality (Envato, 2025).

Handcrafted Design

6. Sustainability-Themed Design

Description: Focused on environmental consciousness, this trend uses recycled material visuals, green themes, and eco-friendly messaging.

Ideal Applications:

• Eco-friendly shopping apps promoting sustainable products.

• Carbon footprint trackers or environmental education tools.

• Gardening apps or green energy platforms.

• Sustainable fashion brand websites.

Why it works: It aligns with growing eco-awareness, appealing to users who prioritize sustainability (Linearity.io, 2025).

Sustainability Design

Why These Trends Matter

These design trends are not just aesthetic choices — they reflect user expectations and technological possibilities in 2025. For example, 3D designs leverage advancements in web rendering, while sustainability themes respond to global environmental concerns.

Choosing the right trend for your web app depends on your target audience and purpose. A gaming app might thrive with 3D visuals, while a productivity tool could benefit from brutalism’s no-nonsense approach.

Whether you’re building for creativity, functionality, or social impact, these trends offer versatile options to elevate your application in 2025.

Which trend resonates most with your vision? Let me know, and I can dive deeper!

References

1. Looka. (2024). Top 13 Graphic Design Trends for Cutting Edge Design in 2024. https://looka.com/blog/graphic-design-trends/

2. VistaPrint US. (2024). Top 10 Graphic Design Trends to Experiment With in 2024 and 2025. https://www.vistaprint.com/hub/graphic-design-trends

3. Venngage. (2025). 10 Graphic Design Trends That Will Dominate 2025. https://venngage.com/blog/graphic-design-trends/

4. Linearity.io. (2025). 9 Design Trends to Watch for 2025. https://www.linearity.io/blog/design-trends/

5. TheeDigital. (2025). 25 Top Web Design Trends 2025. https://www.theedigital.com/blog/web-design-trends

6. Envato. (2025). 8 Creative Graphic Design Trends Predictions for 2025. https://elements.envato.com/learn/graphic-design-trends