UI/UX design trends come and go, with each one bringing new aesthetics and functionality to digital interfaces. One of those trends that has gained a lot of traction is Glassmorphism. It uses transparency, bright colours and layered effects to create an illusion of frosted glass. Let’s get into the key points of Glassmorphism UI, why it’s popular and how you can apply it to your website design projects.
What is Glassmorphism?
Glassmorphism is a UI design style that utilises semi-transparent, frosted-glass-like elements over colourful backgrounds. The idea is to mimic the look of glass so the background shows through the overlaying pieces, resulting in a unique and beautiful effect.
Glassmorphism UI Elements
To achieve Glassmorphism UI, consider these key elements:
- Transparency and Blur Effects: The core of Glassmorphism is transparency combined with background blur. This creates the frosted glass effect and adds depth and a 3D feel to the digital design.
- Multi-Layering: By layering multiple transparent elements, you can create space and hierarchy. This way, the design remains clean and organised while drawing the user’s attention to specific elements.
- Bright Colours: The background colours are important in Glassmorphism. Bright colours contrast beautifully with the semi-transparent layers, but you must strike the perfect balance because an overly complex background can mess up the clarity of the interface.
- Subtle Borders and Shadows: Adding light, semi-transparent borders and shadows to glassmorphic elements makes them more visible and stand out from the background. These subtle details are part of the overall aesthetic and functionality of the design.
The Appeal of Glassmorphism
Glassmorphism has gained popularity for several reasons:
- Visuals: The frosted glass effect is visually stunning and modern, making interfaces look clean and premium. It is a significant factor in its adoption.
- Depth and Dimension: Through transparency and layers, Glassmorphism creates depth and dimension, making the UI more engaging and interactive. This can make digital interfaces feel more tangible and real.
- Versatility: Glassmorphism can be applied to different types of digital products, from websites and mobile apps to desktop applications. Its flexibility across different platforms makes it a versatile design choice.
- Nostalgia with a Twist: Glassmorphism takes inspiration from older design trends, like the translucent elements in older iOS versions and Windows Vista. This mix of nostalgia with modern design works for users and designers.
How to Apply Glassmorphism to Your UI Design
Applying Glassmorphism to your UI design requires careful thought and balance. Here’s how to pull it off:
Choose the Right Backgrounds
Pick backgrounds that match the glassmorphic elements. Bright, colourful and slightly blurred backgrounds work best as they highlight the frosted glass effect. Avoid complex or cluttered backgrounds that can compete with the transparency effects.
Add Transparency and Blur
Use Figma or Adobe XD to set the right amount of transparency and background blur. The goal is to create the frosted glass effect where the background shows through slightly without overpowering the main content.
Layer Elements Wisely
Layer your UI elements to create space and hierarchy effectively. Place key elements like buttons and cards on top of the glassmorphic layers to draw attention to them. Make sure the layering is clean and organised.
Add Borders and Shadows
Add subtle borders and shadows to the glassmorphic pieces. That way, you can differentiate the transparent layers from the background, making them more visible and interactive. Semi-transparent white borders and soft shadows work well for this.
Test for Accessibility
Glassmorphism is visually nice but can be challenging for accessibility. Make sure your design has sufficient contrast between text and background to be legible & readable. Consider users with visual impairment and test your design for clarity and usability.
Accessibility Issues
As mentioned, despite its visual appeal, Glassmorphism can have accessibility issues. The lack of contrast in the frosted glass elements can make it hard for visually impaired users to interact with the interface. To fix this:
- Ensure high contrast between text and background.
- Use clear and distinct borders around interactive elements.
- Provide alternative text for visual elements.
- Test with different user groups to identify and fix accessibility issues.
Go Ahead and Try Glassmorphism
As with any design trend, experimentation is key to finding what works for your project. Glassmorphism is a fresh and modern look that can make your UI stand out but use it wisely. Overusing this effect can lead to cluttered and confusing interfaces. Use it merely to highlight key elements and enhance the overall user experience.
By following the best practices and keeping accessibility in mind, you can reap the power of Glassmorphism to create beautiful and user-friendly interfaces.
Ready to Redesign Your Website?
At Canty Digital, we create visually stunning and highly functional websites that incorporate the latest design trends, including Glassmorphism. If you want to level up your website’s UI design and give your users an amazing experience, we’re here to help.
Ready to give your website a glassmorphic makeover? Get in touch with us today to talk about your design needs and how we can bring your idea to life. Our team of web design experts will deliver innovative and effective design solutions for your business.