Web design trends to watch in 2026

Personalised experiences powered by AI

AI is changing how websites talk to people. In 2026, personalisation isn’t just for big retailers. Even smaller WordPress sites are serving up smart content based on who’s visiting.

Think: dynamic homepages that change depending on whether someone’s a first-time visitor or a returning client. Or product recommendations that feel like they actually get you. The tools are there, it’s about using them with purpose, not gimmicks.

AI-driven design isn’t just a trend, it’s a competitive edge. Used right, it keeps people on your site longer and nudges them towards action.

Chatbots and conversational interfaces

If your website isn’t talking back, it’s missing a trick. Conversational UIs – like chatbots and live assistants – are becoming the norm for sites in 2026.

Modern bots are smart. They can guide users, answer FAQs, and even book meetings, all while staying on-brand. And if you’re running a small team? They take work off your plate, 24/7.

Done well, they boost conversions. Done badly, they frustrate. So it’s worth getting the experience right – tone, timing and flow all matter.

Interactive design without the gimmicks

Web design’s gone beyond flat pages. Micro-interactions, scroll-triggered animations and dynamic transitions are everywhere in 2026, and for good reason.

They’re not just pretty extras. When used with purpose, these effects guide attention, add personality, and help users navigate your site more naturally.

You don’t need a Pixar budget either. With modern WordPress tools and a clear design strategy, these moments can feel slick, not silly.

Faster, smarter, mobile-first builds

If your site drags, your users bounce. Page speed is still king, and in 2026, people expect lightning-fast experiences. Especially on mobile.

That means trimming the fat. Compressing images, cutting heavy scripts, and building clean. Mobile-first isn’t a bolt-on anymore, it’s where design starts.

If you want to stay search-friendly and user-ready, performance has to be baked in from the start. A pretty site that takes 10 seconds to load? Useless.

Accessibility is no longer optional

Modern websites need to work for everyone. Accessibility isn’t a trend, it’s a standard.

Designing with inclusivity in mind means clear typography, good contrast, alt text on images, and navigation that works for people using screen readers or keyboard inputs.

Not only is it the right thing to do, it’s smart SEO, better UX, and a legal requirement in more and more cases. We build all our web design projects with this baked in from day one.

Simpler sites, sharper stories

Content-led design continues to rule. That means clear messaging, strong storytelling, and layout choices that help people get what they need fast.

Minimalist doesn’t mean boring. It means intentional. Fewer distractions. Cleaner pages. Sharper headlines. Every block earns its place.

If your current site’s full of clutter and contradiction, 2026 is the year to strip it back and focus on what really drives action.

WordPress is still leading the pack

WordPress continues to evolve and in 2026, it’s still the go-to platform for flexible, customisable sites that can scale with your business.

With modern block editors, powerful plugins and fully bespoke themes, you can build fast, secure, future-ready websites without relying on bloated templates.

We use it every day to create sites that look good, run smoothly, and give clients full control after launch. You can learn more about our process in our Docs.

Ready for a redesign?

These trends aren’t about chasing shiny things. They’re about building websites that actually perform – fast, accessible, and aligned to your goals.

If your site’s due an upgrade in 2026, we can help you cut through the noise and design something that moves the needle.