// Modern Design Trends (2026 Edition)
export const modernTrends = {
currentTrends2026: [
{
name: "Bento Grids",
description: "Asymmetrical grid layouts with varied card sizes, inspired by Japanese bento boxes",
implementation: "Use CSS Grid with grid-template-columns and span classes",
example: "Some cards span 2 columns (col-span-2), others 1, creates visual rhythm",
whenToUse: "Portfolios, feature showcases, modern dashboards, landing pages",
avoid: "On mobile (stack to single column instead)"
},
{
name: "Glassmorphism",
description: "Frosted glass effect with backdrop blur, transparency, and subtle borders",
implementation: "backdrop-blur-lg bg-white/10 border border-white/20",
whenToUse: "Cards over images/gradients, nav bars, modals, floating elements",
avoid: "Overuse - use for accent elements, not everything",
accessibility: "Ensure text contrast is still strong"
},
{
name: "Dark Mode First",
description: "Design for dark mode as primary, with light mode as alternative",
implementation: "Use dark:class-name for light mode alternatives",
colors: "Dark gray (not pure black) backgrounds, vibrant accent colors pop more",
whenToUse: "Tech products, developer tools, creative apps, evening-use products",
userControl: "Always offer toggle - respect user preference"
},
{
name: "3D Elements & Depth",
description: "Subtle 3D illustrations, layered cards, shadow depth for hierarchy",
implementation: "shadow-2xl, transform utilities, perspective in CSS",
examples: "Floating mockups, isometric illustrations, layered UI cards",
whenToUse: "Hero sections, feature visuals, product showcases",
avoid: "Heavy 3D that slows performance"
},
{
name: "Micro-interactions",
description: "Small animations that respond to user actions for delight and feedback",
examples: [
"Button hover: Subtle scale or color change",
"Form success: Checkmark animation",
"Loading: Skeleton screens or progress indicators",
"Scroll: Parallax or fade-in effects"
],
timing: "Keep under 300ms for responsive feel",
whenToUse: "Everywhere - it's about polish and feedback"
},
{
name: "Oversized Typography",
description: "Giant headlines (80-120px+) as primary design elements",
implementation: "text-6xl lg:text-8xl font-bold",
effect: "Creates immediate impact and hierarchy",
whenToUse: "Hero sections, landing pages, editorial content",
balance: "Pair with plenty of whitespace"
},
{
name: "Gradient Mesh Backgrounds",
description: "Soft, blurred gradient orbs that create depth and modern aesthetic",
implementation: "Multiple absolutely positioned divs with blur-3xl and gradient-to-br",
colors: "Use 2-3 brand colors with low opacity (20-30%)",
whenToUse: "Hero backgrounds, section backgrounds, full-page backgrounds",
performance: "Use CSS, not images, for better performance"
},
{
name: "Brutalism Revival (Selective)",
description: "Bold, raw, unconventional layouts for statement brands",
characteristics: "Sharp edges, bold colors, overlapping elements, raw typography",
whenToUse: "Creative agencies, art portfolios, fashion brands",
avoid: "B2B, traditional industries, unless intentionally edgy"
}
],
avoidTheseOutdated: [
"Flat design without depth - add subtle shadows",
"Skeuomorphism - overly realistic textures",
"Automatic carousels - users ignore them",
"Hamburger menu on desktop - show navigation",
"Pop-ups on page load - use exit-intent or delayed",
"Auto-playing video with sound - mute by default",
"Stock photos of people in office - use custom illustrations",
"Social media icon walls - focus on 2-3 platforms"
],
balancingAct: [
"Trend: Use modern techniques but don't sacrifice usability",
"Brand: Align trends with brand personality",
"Audience: Consider if your users expect cutting-edge or traditional",
"Performance: Fancy effects shouldn't slow down the site",
"Accessibility: Never compromise contrast or navigation for aesthetics"
]
};
