Design Today (According to the Numbers)

Elevated Digital Design

Digital design is essential to developing strong marketing materials, visual art, and so much more. The digital spaces we use daily would be less inviting and harder to navigate if it weren’t for good design. From UX/UI designers to creative directors, you can elevate your essential work across digital platforms.

In this guide, we’ll dive into how creatives focused on digital design can expand their reach, display their skills, and build out their brand online. Before we do that, here’s a snapshot of the industry and how consumer trends are shifting.

1. Content Marketing

Currently, there are more than 1.2 billion websites worldwide, with more than 250,000 new ones being created daily. There’s no shortage of content competing for attention in every corner of the internet. Design helps people cut through the clutter and find valuable content. In a survey of tech and software industry professionals, 51% of respondents said that visuals and graphic design assets helped them generate more qualified leads, while 65% of businesses overall either have an in-house graphic designer or work with an external one to address their visual design needs. Companies are ready to invest in design-centric projects because of the higher returns on investment.

2. Website and Branding

Recently, PRNewswire reported that 94% of people believe their first impression of a company is directly related to its website’s design and feel. 81% of businesses in this Piktochart survey reported using graphic design in various formats. Brands of all sizes are investing more than ever in UX and UI, graphic design, and other visual branding and marketing materials.

3. Social Media

In a 2023 market research report from IBISWorld, 80% of digital marketers said they use graphic design regularly in their social media marketing. This should come as no surprise since its endless scroll means a never-ending bid for an audience's attention. Designers need to find a balance between staying current with trends while conveying originality and a clear vision in their content.