Welcome to our annual roundup of Web Design Trends 2022, a cornerstone in the creation and development of websites. Here, we’ll take you through some of the key trends set to define web design in 2022.
Don’t expect a quick summary of the trends right off the bat—take your time to read through and absorb the insights we’ve put together. Use them as inspiration and a creative guide.
In our latest edition, we explore the web design trends for 2026 that will shape the visual future of the Internet.
We’ll go through the 2022 web design trends one by one, discussing their unique features, sharing practical tips, showing you the kind of results you can expect, and wrapping up each trend with three real-world examples—complete with images, videos, and live website links.
All the websites featured here are live and online, showcasing cutting-edge designs where you can already spot these trends in action, even before the year officially begins.
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Previous years’ posts you might find interesting: Web Design Trends 2021 – Web Design Trends 2020 – Web Design Trends 2019 – Web Design Trends 2018 – Web Design Trends 2016
Web Design Trends 2022
Custom Cursor & Interaction
One of the standout web design trends for 2022 you’ll see across top sites is the custom cursor. But what exactly is a custom cursor?
A custom cursor is a step further in website personalization. Web designers and developers have long been searching for the ultimate web design, the perfect trend, and a truly memorable user experience.
That’s why, in 2022, custom cursors are set to take center stage.
Traditionally left as a basic, “raw” element, cursors are now being tailored to give each website its own unique look and feel.
This means you can use a custom cursor that reflects your brand, your business activity, or the mood you want to convey.
What’s more, not only can you customize the cursor’s appearance, but also its behavior—how it interacts with other elements on the site, changing shape or style as it hovers over different areas.
To complete the effect, elements on the page can also respond to the cursor, creating a seamless interactive experience when both are designed in harmony.
How and When to Use It
Apply this trend to sites that:
- Target a broad audience
- Want to showcase their company’s creative potential
- Are looking for that extra touch of personalization to stand out
Keep in mind:
Every project has its own requirements.
Design and development must be flawless—smoothness is key.
Consider this option from the start and address any potential challenges early on.
Websites Featuring This Trend
AWDAGENCY by AWDAGENCY, Italy
This site is a perfect example of how a custom cursor can interact with web elements, creating a unique and engaging experience.
LJCOM by 148-agency, France
Another site ranked among the best websites of the year, already featuring a custom cursor and interactive elements throughout.
BEHORDE by Nextpage, Ukraine & Alex Seagull
Finally, here’s a more refined example of an interactive cursor—subtle, yet highly engaging as it responds to key design elements.
Overflow Animations
The second web design trend for 2022 is what industry pros call overflow animations.
This refers to the visual effects that occur as elements load and appear on a website.
Here, designers and developers work hand-in-hand to ensure elements don’t just pop onto the screen—they animate in, whether sliding from left to right, top to bottom, or being revealed in creative, unexpected ways.
This technique works especially well for websites with bold headlines and oversized typography.
How and When to Use It
Use this trend on websites that:
- Feature a strong hero section
- Rely heavily on typography in their design
- Want to present content in a highly dynamic way
Keep in mind:
- Development must be flawless to maintain smooth performance
- Best suited for professional front-end developers
- Should add real value to the project
Websites Featuring This Trend
AVANTT TYPEFACE by Creative Nights, Czech Republic
One of the best web design and development projects right now, where overflow animations are used to great effect, resulting in dynamic content and an engaging browsing experience.
SIVIK ATELIER by Shaban Iddrisu™, United Arab Emirates
Another great example of overflow animations in a modern, dynamic design. The developer’s expertise really shines—these results are only possible with flawless technique.
LEONID KOSTETSKYI by Emotion Agency, Ukraine
Overflow animations are a core part of this web design. This is another showcase of web design and development as an art form, with text and headlines emerging from the heart of the design in a visually striking way.
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Next Level 3D
With today’s powerful hardware and virtually unlimited bandwidth, the impact on web design and development is huge.
One of the major web design trends for 2022 will be websites that blur the line between interactive experiences and fully animated digital movies or video games.
More than ever before, web designers will push the boundaries with bold designs, immersive content, and technical prowess at its peak.
How and When to Use It
Use this trend on websites that:
- Truly deserve this level of creative and technical investment
- Are not aimed at a general audience
- Are suitable for this kind of advanced experience
Keep in mind:
- Don’t attempt this unless you’re a true professional
- Design and development must go hand in hand
- No other aspect of the project should be compromised
Websites Featuring This Trend
PROMETHEUS FUELS by Active Theory, United States
Websites that take 3D to the next level are among the top web design trends for 2022, especially for certain products and services. It’s a bold way to showcase innovation in web design and development.
YAMAUCHI nº10 FAMILY OFFICE by Mount Inc., Japan
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