At first glance when considering web design, the last thing you may think of is the humble button. It’s such a simple, integral component that can very easily be overlooked. To designers, however, buttons are a gateway to how people interact with the functionality of a page and should not be underestimated as a pivotal player in the user experience.
Once you recognise these types and trends, you’ll find yourself spotting them all over the place.
Ghost Buttons
Aptly named, ghost buttons are growing in popularity. They are so called because they are simple, very subtly outlined ”invisible” buttons. Often with text colour matched to outline, this clickable item helps users navigate onwards through the site. Especially utilised by fashion brands, ghost buttons are increasing in popularity as a way to present a “hidden” link inside a large feature image or even video.
Solid Colour Buttons
This most unassuming button style is stolidly fulfilling its role as a design staple. Once you start to think about it, you’ll spot this minimalist gem everywhere. It can be used in a very similar way to the ghost buttons, but is more visible. This imbues a singular sense of purpose and pop-out focus to the page, such as that demonstrated here: https://www.edx.org/. This is a fundamental element of user experience design.
Image Buttons
Images are used increasingly often as design responds to the sophistication of the modern audience’s eye. As a way to link through sites, clicking on the images themselves – with no separation into a more traditional two-dimensional cut-out shape – is gaining in popularity. Depending on the type of site, you can make it as subtle or as bold as you might like, and it’s a delightful way to show more without necessitating overwhelming navigational demands.
Some people try eliminating the need to click, including many firms such as netcentrics.co.uk who offer web design in Newport, or anywhere else, you can use another trick to improve the user experience: the icon button.
Icon Buttons
Despite being around forever, icon buttons are still popular and have been given a little kick by graphic design innovations. It’s a button that explains itself, which can only be a boon to the user. They are particularly prevalent in mobile touchscreen design.
In short, consider the button. It will do your website good.