From Skeuomorphism to Flat Design

Web design has come a long way in ten years. In the early 2010s, design was dominated by 'skeuomorphism'—the practice of making digital elements look like their real-world counterparts (think of buttons that look like 3D plastic). Around 2015, we shifted toward 'Flat Design,' which emphasized clean lines and readability.

The Rise of the Mobile Web

Perhaps the biggest change has been the shift to mobile-first thinking. A decade ago, mobile sites were often stripped-down, inferior versions of desktop sites. Today, designers build for the small screen first, ensuring that functionality is never sacrificed for the on-the-go user.

Looking Toward 2026

We are now seeing the return of depth through 'Neumorphism' and the rise of the 'Bento Box' layout style. Design is becoming more dynamic, with subtle micro-animations and AI-generated imagery becoming the new standard for modern brands.