A few weeks ago we were discussing some of the trends in web design for this 2016, but we said that the list would be extended. Well, today we will add a trend more to the list. In this case, one that is already in previous years and has different ways of carrying it out and therefore a range of possibilities: the header images.
The header, as its name suggests, is one of the most important parts of the web. It is where the visitor focus for the first time his gaze, one of the first attention focuses and so it is a good place in which to do our first “Call To Action“, but also a place where express our creativity.
There are several elements that we can use for the header: from a flat bottom to videos, patterns or images. All depend on the effect you want to print and of course your web style. In addition, it can fill the entire screen, be placed on top, be a degraded or remain white… There are many options and today we will see some tips to help you choose the one that best suits for your website! Go for it! 🙂
Solid color or make a gradient
It is perhaps the most used option. If our website will have a high content of photographs or images, we may want to look at the header a neutral design that does not overcharge too much. Also, if our header will have a text, it may be easier to introduce it on such backgrounds.
If a flat bottom will be too boring for you, you always have the option of entering a small gradient (as you can see in our Paulie or our calendar of February,) which add color and creativity to your background, being almost a flat bottom.
Designed by Silo Creativo
Colours? You are totally free. Use a colour combination for the gradient that you can enter as an image in the WordPress selector (if available) or CSS or choose the colour that best matches your project. Totally free!
Let’s talk about patterns
I know you all followed the tutorial how to design patterns and know how to do it to perfection or have downloaded some of the resources of patterns we have shared here, so we assume that you have already chosen your favourite pattern.
And as you know there are many kinds. We can make them solid and colorful so that they are the axis of the web design, or more subtle. We can use a texture of some relief that it is almost imperceptible, for example.
There are several options: to create them with lines or small figures in a similar colour (more or less one colour scheme) of the background on which they are drawn so they give a sense of depth, but without stealing the limelight from the rest of the web. It should be clear that if we have designed something for background, it is to keep it there. It should not have more importance and share with other design elements.
Designed by Silo Creativo
If, however, what you are looking for with your pattern is to draw attention and you want it to be the main point of your design, it is time to forget what you just read and give colour and shapes to it.
Remember that although the “Oversize” is fashionable, you must be careful: you want it to be an element of creativity and colour, so you do not want that your visitors leave scared because that is all they have seen.
Anyway with patterns not everything is black or white, there are many intermediate points of combinations, so I am sure you will find the pattern that best suits your features.
Photo or video?
The inclusion of a video in the header was trend in 2015 (and let’s focus on the word was.) Although the year has just begun, and it is early to tell, we are not sure that this trend will continue. It happens a bit the same with the slider; there is no reason to say no, you just have to find a good use of them. If your video makes the loading rate of your web slower, you should think about it (do not forget to consider the UX.) However, if the video is the cornerstone of your website, get on with it.
Designed by Silo Creativo
Trend remains the use of images in headers, so that these occupy all the available space. Clearly with the right image we manage to introduce visitors to our universe. Try to use your own images. It is your website and you need a personal touch, but if you do not consider it necessary, here are some stock images so you can use some:
– 4 Free Stock images and Some Ideas about Licensing
– 5 more Stock images where Download Images for Free for your Web
– Others 5 Free Stock images of Great Resolution
– 10 free High Resolution Stock images
Designed by Silo Creativo
Illustrations or why not, animations
Animations are trends and of course, you can place them on the header. It is time to introduce a fixed illustration or to turn it into an animation (as we did in our Christmas card.)
Designed by Silo Creativo
If you do not have any own image and you do not want to use any of a stock images, you know that with an illustration you will have a unique and original image that differentiates you from the competition. It is a good point on which to invest and create an image. In addition, the items are lighter than images, and from the illustration you can get an animation … I am sure you will call the attention of all your visitors!
Background…? Why?
However, if you have always been those who have gone against the tide, this is your paragraph within the article. It is not mandatory to have a background in the header. If you want to create contrast and draw attention, you can get it with the fonts for example.
In addition as we have already said many times, white is a colour, so it is entirely feasible to use it as background, so you can enhance other aspect of the design.
We do not need a background colour to show what we want, and as in many other times, we can get an original and creative header with fonts.
And now… What is next?
Now you have all the options when designing a header for your project. You just have to determine which is the best for you and make the choice thinking about the UX and therefore the visitors. Not all options are valid for all webs, so now it is up to you to determine where your project falls.
Good luck!! 🙂
