Design Trends We’re Using in 2025

Trends in design emerge, peak, and then grow threadbare; they are capable of inspiring something new or simply contributing to the din. Here at Creative Cycle, we monitor what’s going on, but we don’t mindlessly bump into one another. We’re a small studio, so everything I do has to come from a place where the decision is sincere, not performative. We don’t look to jump on trends; we look to apply the right ones in a manner that contributes to building brands with longevity.

Which trends are not worth your time in 2025? So let’s take a look at the ones we’re embracing — and the ones we’re leaving behind.

Design Trends We’re Loving in 2025

1. Quiet Boldness. No longer is neon needed for one to scream. The standout brands of today are steeped in calm confidence, characterized by clean architecture, restrained typography, and color palettes that whisper — yet speak volumes. It’s about clarity, not clutter.

Consider: you have fewer gradients, but there is also more consideration of contrast. Less flash, more focus.

2. Playful Typography. This year, type is carrying much of the burden. We’re seeing brands adopting expressive typefaces and bespoke letterforms that express personality without compromising readability. The key? Keep it human and intentional — funky type for the sake of looking cool is bad type.

   
   

3. Motion With Meaning. Tiny animations, delicate transitions, and clever scroll effects are better than ever. We’re harnessing motion to aid UX—not detract from it. (Think of it as storytelling in motion, not just visual sugar.)

   
   

4. Branded Illustration Systems / Custom illustration styles are back — but not the quirky, blatantly overdone SaaS style of 2019. In 2025, brand voice is inextricably connected to illustrations and built as a system, not a one-off. It’s making a visual language that is yours.

   
   

5. Sustainability-Inspired Aesthetics. More brands are embracing earthy palettes, recycled textures, and raw design elements — not as decoration, but as a reflection of values. Authenticity beats perfection every time.

Trends We’re Ditching in 2025

1. Hyper-Glossy AI Art. Yes, AI tools are here to stay — but sexy, overproduced AI visuals are already beginning to feel cold and soulless. If it doesn’t add to your brand’s voice or establish an emotional connection with your audience, we bypass it.

   
   

2. Maximalist Chaos. We love expression, but not at the expense of readability. Over-the-top layouts like these have too many animations, clashing colors, and endless scroll fatigue for you to win on social — but you lose in brand equity.

   
   

3. Dark Mode for the Sake of It. Dark mode can look great. But slapping it on every brand is not a strategy — it’s following a trend. We only employ it when it serves your tone, context, and audience.

   
   

4. Stocky Diversity Representation is essential — but tokenizing it with cliché stock photographs isn’t the solution. We advocate for authenticity: real people, real stories, and authentic voices. Your audience will know you cared enough about them to put in the hard work.

   
   

Trends Change, Strategy Doesn’t. Trends are tools, not goals. At Creative Cycle, we think of design trends as the ingredients, not the recipe. We use what works, rebuild what’s tired, and revitalize your why! Because looking good is easy. Looking right takes thought.

Ready to Design Smarter in 2025? Want these trends applied to your brand — intentionally, not imitatively? Let’s instead build something timeless, not merely trendy.