5 Ecommerce Design Trends to Keep Your Eyes Peeled for in 2023 The world of ecommerce is ever-evolving, and staying ahead of the curve can be tricky for online businesses. Luckily for you, we have a super star inhouse design team that can help break some of the latest trends down for you. Let's jump into it… ## Immersive Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Yes you guessed it: Immersive Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). We are pretty sure you might have guested this first one. As a buzzword across not just ecommerce, but across the whole world, the world of AI is hard to ignore. We predict it will be a game changer in the ecommerce space. With AR and VR, customers can virtually try on clothing, visualise furniture in their homes, or even explore products in a simulated environment. This immersive experience not only enhances user engagement but also reduces the hesitation associated with online purchases, as customers can better understand the product they are buying. We have implemented this on our site's such as Topps Tiles, where customers can upload a photograph of their home to find the perfect tile match. This is ideal given the huge product selection Topps Tiles offers. ## Less Is More... Yes we admit, this has been around for a long time, but in 2023, it's taking on a user-centric approach. Websites are focusing on clean, clutter-free layouts that prioritise user experience. This includes streamlined navigation, faster loading times, and simplified checkout processes. The goal is to make the shopping journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible to keep customers coming back! ## A Greener Future: Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design An independent study commissioned by SmartestEnergy revealed that 81% of people prefer to buy from sustainable sellers. So, as sustainability continues to be a top concern for consumers, ecommerce businesses are incorporating eco-friendly design principles into their websites. This includes using recycled materials in packaging, promoting sustainable products, and highlighting their commitment to reducing environmental impact. Our client LeMieux did exactly that through partnering with Ecologi. This wonderful partnership means through every purchase from their Earth Collection made from recycled materials, Ecologi plants one tree. ' Expect to see more green-themed designs and messaging in 2023. ## 'Dog and Bone' - Mobile First Design Mobile phone first design has become a must for Ecommerce websites in 2023. Our design team prioritises mobile optimisation, ensuring that the user experience is seamless and responsive. We are also experts at creating Progressive Web Apps which operate much like native apps, without all the clunky upfront costs of actually having to build one! PWAs always have ultimate site speed too so shoppers mobile shopping on the go don't get put off by lengthy page loading times. ## Story Time: Storytelling and Branding With competition in the ecommerce space fiercer than ever, people are looking for brands that they connect with. We have seen a trend increasingly focusing on storytelling and branding to differentiate themselves. Compelling narratives, UGC and video can all be effective means to create emotional connections with customers. Our client MyFUJIFILM does this very well by connecting customers through a shared love of memories. Using their 'shop by occasion' milestone collections and encouraging customers to share their memories via social media, Fuji customers connect personally with the brand. In 2023, ecommerce design trends are set to revamp the online shopping experience. From immersive technologies like AR and VR to sustainable and user-centric design, these trends prioritise customer satisfaction and engagement. Keeping your finger on the pulse of these top 5 design trends will be crucial for your ecommerce businesses to thrive. We hope this helps!