Keep It Fresh

Design, by definition, is function over form. This means that as long as function is maintained, a design can take any form. Enter creativity. Any form means that designers have the opportunity to express a function in many different ways. However, true originality is rare, as inspiration to create often comes from another source.

While there is nothing wrong with using other sources for inspiration (in fact, its always a good thing), harm comes when a reoccurring cliché appears within the design community. Designers need to be aware that any element can become overused, and stay original in order to keep designs fresh.

Trend Versus Cliché

Trend

In terms of elements used in design, a trend is an element that can be seen across multiple websites yet still has enough variation between designs to be considered a positive addition to the design.

Strictly adhering to trends is the quickest way to turn a trend into a cliché and turn your design into an unoriginal patchwork of others. However, using trends is alright, as long as you alter the element enough, or use it in an original way to make it your own.

Cliché

In design, a cliché is an element that has been overused to the point that adding said element to your design detracts from your design (regardless of its visual appeal, though clichés are rarely considered aesthetic), as it is so unoriginal.

Simply put, avoid clichés. Its too late to save these elements, its best to not use them in your designs and let them rest.

To better understand the two, let’s take a look at some examples.

Examples

Trends

Hand-drawn elements: While commonly used, hand-drawn elements rarely the same illustration, keeping them a trend.
Vintage Look: Personally, I believe the vintage look is often misused, however, it stays a trend, as it has yet to be overused.

Clichés

“Web 2.0 Look”: The “Web 2.0 Look” is highly overused and lacks originality, particularly the reflected logo. Nothing says cliché more than a reflected logo (unless your company actually has something to do with reflections… then its alright to use a reflected logo, but you should still stay away). Oddly enough, this style actually has nothing to do with Web 2.0.
Silhouettes: These elements have been overused, often by designers who lack experience; making them associated with a lack of visual appeal.

What is neither

Minimalism: Don’t tell me that minimalism is a trend of a cliché, it’s neither. It’s a style. Saying minimalism is a cliché is like saying romanticism or post-impressionist are clichés.
Function-related elements: Something related to function (in example, a navigation bar, or a rss feed button) cannot be a cliché or a trend, as clichés and trends only refer to the form part of design, not the function. A car with wheels is neither, so why should a website with a footer classified as one of the two.

Modification

Design elements need to be modified to stay new and creative. If you want to use an element of a particular trend, go ahead. Just be careful not to use it in a way that has been seen before. Modify it to keep it your own.

In conclusion, stay innovative and keep your designs fresh.