AI, experience-led design, authenticity - what design trends can we expect in 2026?
In design, there are key pillars that make planning easier, provide new inspiration, and help ensure results that fit the brand and the goals. In this article, we have selected from among the emerging trends.
AI-Supported Workflows
In 2026, AI is no longer an add-on feature but a core part of the workflow: it not only helps prepare designs, but can also retouch and generate complete imagery. This means that even with tighter timelines, there is more time for strategic planning, concept development, and fine-tuning.
Functional Minimalism
Minimalism is still not going out of fashion: cleaner layouts and subtle transitions help users navigate. This direction is characterized by warm colors and attractive, uncluttered interfaces that keep the focus on the content.
The Human Touch: Authenticity in an 'Over-Perfect' AI World
To counterbalance generated, template-like visuals, hand-drawn elements, deliberate ‘imperfections,’ collages, and organic typography are appearing more often. Authenticity is gaining importance, and to avoid a stock-photo feel, showing ‘real faces’ will be recommended.
Sensory, Textured, Experience-Centered Visuals
One of the strongest directions for 2026 is design that appeals to the senses: textures, depth, materiality, and a much bolder visual presence. Adobe’s 2026 trend forecast treats this as a distinct style (‘All the Feels’), bringing multi-sensory brand experience into focus.
Color Strategy
The trend is not only about new colors, but about the role colors play: calming foundations are paired with distinctive, energetic shades. For example, Pinterest Palette 2026 highlights five colors: Cool Blue, Jade, Plum Noir, Wasabi, and Persimmon.
3D Elements
Alongside harmony and clean design, we can also expect a stronger presence of 3D elements – including elements that can move across interfaces. These create striking visuals that immediately capture attention.
Summary
Which trend you choose to align with depends largely on the client, the market environment, and brand positioning. It is worth tracking these directions and confidently adopting new tools to stand out from the crowd and capture users’ attention.