Trends in Web Design

Here are some of the recent trends in web design, from this article, Web Design Trends in 2012 :

•  Responsive Web Design: Not surprising with all  mobile web devices we have these days.
• Fixed-Position Navigation: Helpful to users, if you don't have a large navigation.
• Circles: Thanks to CSS3 these are easy to make, and visually appealing on your site.
• Big Vector Art: Cute vector mascots have become a popular marketing tool for companies such as Mozllia Firefox and  MailChimp. 
• Multi-Column Menus: Great and easy to use, if you have lots of navigation links.
• jQuery/CSS3/HTML5 Animation: Entertaining and compatible animations.
• Ribbon & Banner Graphics: A visual technique rising popularity due to the ease with which they can be made these days.
• Custom Font Faces: Thanks to providers such as Typekit and Google Web Fonts, custom fonts are easier than ever to include in your site.
• Infographics: Popular due to how easily they provide users with information.
• Simplicity: Minimalist design, easy to use, lets users get to what they want and fast.

These are all pretty interesting. Some trends are expected, due to recent technology such as responsive web design and web fonts. Simplicity,  also is unsurprising as I've noticed that most nice websites aim for a minimal look. However some of these trends were surprising, such as big vector art, infographics and ribbons. I've haven't noticed to much of this yet. Being a fan of illustration, I particularly like the idea of big vector art and hope to see more. It seems like websites are aiming for a more graphical approach to make their sites more visually appealing.