2023 healthcare design trends: 5 established and 5 anticipated

Design trends are an ever-revolving door, and while some healthcare design trends are here to say, others are making an exciting entrance and taking center stage. With a focus on the healthcare industry, at the forefront of any trend is the need for visually appealing, user-friendly designs that convey trust, professionalism, and a sense of well-being. 

Starting with the top 5 tried and true design trends that are here to stay:

1. Minimalism + simplicity: Clean and minimalistic designs continue to be popular, emphasizing simplicity and negative space. We will continue to see a prevalence of minimalist typography and flat illustrations.
2. Bright + bold colors: Vibrant and bold color palettes will continue to be popular, especially as companies look to stand out from the sea of blue in healthcare logos and website designs.
3. Abstract + geometric shapes: Abstract and geometric shapes in design can add visual interest and a contemporary, modern feel. We will continue seeing designers incorporate these shapes into logos, backgrounds, patterns, and illustrations.
4. 3D + isometric illustrations: Three-dimensional and isometric illustrations have gained popularity in recent years. These techniques bring depth and a sense of realism to flat designs and will stand out in the year to come.
5. Gradients + color transitions: Gradients have made a comeback in recent years and are unlikely to fade away in 2023. Designers will continue to explore bold and unconventional color transitions to add depth and dimension to their work.
   
   

From the soothing colors that promote healing environments to the user-friendly interfaces revolutionizing patient experiences, healthcare design will continue to evolve. These are the 5 design trends we're most excited to see emerge:

1. Custom illustrations + icons: Unique and personalized illustrations and icons help brands stand out. Expect to see more custom-made visuals that align with a brand's identity and tell its story.
2. Mixed media + collage: Combining different media such as photography, hand-drawn elements, textures, and digital effects can create visually captivating and eclectic designs.
3. Typography experiments: Designers will continue experimenting with unconventional font pairings, oversized type, animated typography, or custom lettering to make a strong statement. (P.S. We see you, Beth Cooper, and your call for more serif fonts!)
4. Sustainability + eco-friendly designs: With a growing emphasis on environmental consciousness, we expect an increase in designs focused on sustainability and eco-friendly themes, using natural textures and earthy color palettes. (What we'd love to see – these eco-conscious trends increasing in popularity off the page and in real life!)
5. Emphasis on accessibility: Inclusive design and accessibility are crucial in healthcare design. Designs should consider the needs of individuals with disabilities, such as incorporating proper color contrast, intuitive navigation, and assistive technology compatibility.