Trends come, go, resurface, or morph into something we barely recognise — and graphic design is no exception. But what is a trend, really?
At its core, it’s “a general direction or tendency” — a ripple of ideas shaped by culture, fashion, tech, and media. Some build slowly and hang around for years. Others explode on the scene, do a TikTok dance, and vanish. And then there are those reliable classics that pop up each generation in a new pair of pants.
So what’s trending right now? What’s still going strong? And how can you work with — or against — the current to create something uniquely your own?
Here’s what our design team is seeing in 2025.
1. Flat 3.0 — Depth Without Clutter
Flat design has evolved — again. Flat 3.0 is warmer, more tactile, and often uses subtle shadows and gradients to suggest depth without clutter. Clean surfaces, clear UX, and a sense of calm are key. This trend is being adopted in branding and physical touchpoints as brands seek simplicity without sacrificing texture or richness.
Conceptual Example: Apple iOS 17 UI — subtle gradients and shadows with clarity.
Physical Execution: DesignCon 2025 Signage — flat colours and subtle depth used in signage for high-traffic areas.
2. Maximalist Typography
Type has gone from sidekick to star. Think: massive display fonts, animated kinetic type, and expressive layout that *feels* like visual shouting — or whispering, when done right. Bold typography is increasingly used in real-world applications where brand voice needs to cut through visual noise fast — think street posters, merch, and signage.
Conceptual Example: Google Fonts Knowledge Library — expressive fonts at full scale.
Physical Execution: Melbourne Art Book Fair — event branding featuring oversized type as a graphic language.
3. Neo-Geo (The Shapes Are Back)
Geometry is having a refined resurgence. Inspired by Bauhaus and low-poly origins, 2025 sees clean, modular, and often interactive shapes used across identity systems and brand layouts. It’s also showing up physically in layered displays, packaging, and spatial installations that feel dynamic yet structured.
Conceptual Example: Pinterest Grid System — structured, modular layouts built from geometric logic.
Physical Execution: UNIQLO Window Installation by Emmanuelle Moureaux — layered colour panels and precise geometry in space.
4. Post-Digital Retro
Y2K is back, but with more control. Think pixel fonts, chrome effects, 8-bit style icons, and bold grid layouts. What used to feel like kitsch now feels like character. Physical design applications tap into this nostalgia through finishes like holographic foil, glitch textures, and early-internet motifs that strike a cultural chord.
Conceptual Example: Spotify Web Design — nostalgic colour and type with modern grid logic.
Physical Execution: Sharpie x Paper Mate SXSW Activation — neon, holographics and pixel art in a branded installation.
5. Bespoke Illustration — Still a Winner
Illustration continues to replace stock imagery. Humanistic, expressive, and versatile — it’s a shortcut to brand warmth and personality across touchpoints. Custom illustration adds a personal layer to brand experiences, from packaging and murals to merch and uniforms that feel intentionally crafted.
Conceptual Example: Dropbox — hand-drawn characters and loose line work reinforce a personal feel.
Physical Execution: Montblanc VIP Event with INGK Studio — live event illustration and hand-painted takeaways.
6. Modular Layouts — With a Twist
Card-based layouts are no longer just for web dashboards — they’re now applied across branding systems to add structure and flexibility without rigidity. In physical spaces, modularity offers brands a way to scale or remix layouts quickly — from travelling exhibits to multi-purpose activation zones.
Conceptual Example: Airbnb Interface — scrollable, rearrangeable layout for discovery.
Physical Execution: Dyson Pop-Up Booths — modular retail installations with interchangeable zones.
7. Purposeful Minimalism
Minimalism isn’t just white space — it’s intentionality. Fewer elements, better hierarchy, stronger clarity. In a noisy world, quiet design can scream. Brands are increasingly applying minimalism to their spatial and print executions to reduce friction and foster calm — especially in luxury, skincare, and wellness categories.
Conceptual Example: Klarna UI — minimal design with bright accents and frictionless UX.
Physical Execution: Rationale Skincare Product Launch — clean, gallery-style environment focused on product immersion.
So… Should You Follow Design Trends?
Here’s our take: design trends aren’t rules, but they are signals. They show where culture is leaning and what people are responding to. Should you copy-paste them into your brand? Probably not. But should you understand them — maybe remix or reference them? Absolutely.
That’s how brands evolve without losing themselves. That’s how timeless meets timely.
If you’re thinking your brand might be due for a freshen-up, or you’re wondering whether it’s time to zig while others zag — we’re happy to chat.
Let’s find what works for you in 2025.