5 Web Design Trends That Are Already Over (And What to Do Instead)

Let’s dive into 5 web design trends that are already over and explore smarter, sleeker, and more effective alternatives.

5 Web Design Trends That Are Already Over (And What to Do Instead)

Let’s dive into 5 web design trends that are already over and explore smarter, sleeker, and more effective alternatives.

Ah, web design—the ever-changing world where what was hot yesterday becomes cringeworthy faster than you can say “parallax scrolling.” If you’re still holding on to some outdated trends, it’s time to stop clinging to the past and embrace the future. Your website isn’t a nostalgic museum; it’s a living, breathing representation of your brand.

1. Overloaded Hero Sliders

Why It’s Over

Remember those carousels with three or more slides, all fighting for attention at the top of your homepage? At one point, they were all the rage. But here’s the thing: people don’t wait around to scroll through five slides when they’re visiting your site. In fact, only the first slide gets significant attention—the rest are ignored like leftovers at a buffet.

Sliders also slow down your site and mess with accessibility, making them a lose-lose in today’s design landscape.

What to Do Instead

  • Hero Images with Clear CTAs: Replace your slider with a single, high-quality hero image or video paired with a bold call-to-action (CTA).
  • Dynamic Content: Use subtle animations or micro-interactions to grab attention without overwhelming users.
  • Personalised Content: Consider tools that display content tailored to the user’s preferences or browsing history.

2. Parallax Scrolling Gone Wild

Why It’s Over

At first, parallax scrolling was like that shiny new toy everyone wanted. But now, it’s like that annoying friend who constantly interrupts—flashy, unnecessary, and often dizzying. When overdone, parallax effects can confuse users, disrupt navigation, and slow down your site’s load time.

Also, Google’s algorithm doesn’t care how clever your scrolling effects are; it cares about user experience. And if your parallax-heavy site takes ages to load, it’s dragging your SEO rankings down with it.

What to Do Instead

  • Minimal Animations: Replace over-the-top parallax effects with subtle animations that enhance, rather than distract from, your content.
  • Focus on Speed: Ensure any visual effects don’t compromise load time. Use lightweight JavaScript or CSS for animations.
  • Flat Design Aesthetics: Flat design is modern, sleek, and focuses on functionality over flashy gimmicks.

3. Auto-Playing Videos with Sound

Why It’s Over

Few things are as universally hated as landing on a site and being ambushed by a loud, auto-playing video. (Yes, it’s worse than nails on a chalkboard.) These videos disrupt user experience, tank your bounce rates, and can even annoy visitors into abandoning your site entirely.

What to Do Instead

  • Muted, Click-to-Play Videos: If you’re using video, keep it muted by default and let users choose to engage.
  • Hero Background Videos: Looping, silent videos can create a captivating backdrop without being intrusive.
  • Focus on Subtitles: Over 85% of videos on Facebook are watched without sound—add subtitles to ensure your message still gets across.

4. Too-Clever Navigation Menus

Why It’s Over

Once upon a time, designers thought it was cool to reinvent navigation menus. Hamburger icons without labels, hidden menus that required three clicks to find, or overly creative animations that made simple navigation a puzzle. The result? Users were confused, frustrated, and gone before you could say “conversion.”

When it comes to navigation, people crave simplicity. If they can’t figure out how to move through your site within seconds, they’re leaving.

What to Do Instead

  • Sticky Menus: Keep your navigation bar visible as users scroll, so they always know where they are and where to go next.
  • Mega Menus: For content-heavy sites, use well-organised mega menus to group items logically.
  • Mobile-Friendly Design: Use clear, intuitive menus for smaller screens. Think drop-downs, collapsible categories, and large, tappable buttons.

5. Excessive Stock Photos

Why It’s Over

Gone are the days when using a stock photo of a smiling businessperson shaking hands screamed “professional.” Today’s users crave authenticity, and nothing screams “generic and lifeless” like overly staged stock images. They don’t build trust, and they certainly don’t make your brand memorable.

What to Do Instead

  • Custom Photography: Invest in professional photography that represents your actual team, workspace, or products. Real, relatable images can dramatically improve user trust.
  • Illustrations and Graphics: Custom illustrations are a fantastic way to stand out and convey your brand’s personality.
  • Subtle Stock Use: If you must use stock photos, pick ones that look natural and relevant. No more awkward group handshakes in boardrooms, please.

Why Staying Up-to-Date Matters

Clinging to outdated trends doesn’t just make your website look old; it actively hurts your business. Slow load times, high bounce rates, and poor usability all send negative signals to Google, which can tank your SEO rankings.

In 2025, users expect speed, clarity, and authenticity. They’re not here for flashy gimmicks or generic designs—they want websites that work well and reflect your brand’s unique value.

How to Keep Your Website Modern and Effective

  1. Stay User-Centric: Design for your audience, not your ego. If it doesn’t improve user experience, don’t add it.
  2. Test Regularly: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, Hotjar, or Crazy Egg to identify usability issues.
  3. Keep It Clean: Simplicity wins. A clutter-free, fast-loading site beats a flashy but frustrating design every time.
  4. Update Your Design Every Few Years: A website that looked cutting-edge in 2015 probably looks outdated now. Don’t be afraid to refresh.

Call to Action: Time for a Website Upgrade?

Is your website stuck in the past, clinging to trends that should’ve died years ago? Don’t worry—we can help. Our expert web design team specialises in creating modern, user-friendly websites that reflect your brand and drive results.

Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s bring your website into the future—because your business deserves better than yesterday’s trends.