Read this article to learn about the influence of technology on graphic design, and discover what tools and innovations have changed this creative profession in recent years.
Graphic design has existed for centuries in some form or another. Throughout time, it has changed and been shaped by the influence of various innovations. Naturally, technological advancement has shaped this discipline too.
Read on to discover the 2024 graphic design trends that were introduced and driven by technology.
The impact of tech on graphic design
Technological advancement transformed the design industry in multiple ways:
It introduced digital design tools and software
Adobe Suite, Sketch, and now Figma—all these software allow creators to make striking graphic designs using only a PC or laptop, a mouse, and sometimes a digital tablet.
As technologies develop, new digital tools add to that list. In 2024, designers will likely incorporate advanced AI solutions like Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and neural style transfer algorithms into their creative processes, generating unique and innovative design elements, automating aspects of design workflow, and acquiring more possibilities for creative expression.
It made global and remote collaboration easier
Today, designers can work and communicate with clients and colleagues worldwide using messengers and video call apps. Furthermore, they can also easily upload and share their creations via cloud services and collaborate with other designers in the same work file—for instance, in Figma.
It increased the demand for responsive design
Tablets and smartphones are now a solid alternative to PCs and laptops. As the number of devices people surf the web from grows, so does the demand for responsive design.
Designers now focus on creating visuals that adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes and resolutions to ensure a consistent user experience.
It introduced new tools such as 3D, AI, AR, and VR
Today, we have so many cutting-edge tools such as 3D modeling, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). All of them bring innovation to graphic design and change the way creative professionals work. While not all designers currently use such tools actively, this is most likely to change in the near future, especially considering trends.
For instance, one of the 2024 design trends is mixing different contexts, artistic techniques, and storylines. This year's design experiments will most likely be about pushing the boundaries of how 2D, 3D, animation, and augmented reality are all used today.
It added focus on social media designs
In 2024, there are estimated to be 5.17 billion total social media users worldwide. Social media will continue to grow and prosper, and therefore, designers will continue to tailor their work to fit the visual language and engagement requirements of various social channels, focusing on factors like image dimensions, video formats, and interactive features.
FAQ: How has technology impacted graphic design?
Technology revolutionized graphic design tools, workflows, and the creative process. Today, graphic design is a dynamic and tech-driven profession that uses digital tools and modern technologies daily.
FAQ: What are the benefits of technology in graphic design?
Technology in graphic design boosts and quickens the creative process, offering designers a diverse range of digital tools that enhance efficiency and creativity. It also helps designers stay relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape and learn new things using free access to the Internet and the valuable information it offers.
Top 3 digital design tools
With the advancement of technology, graphic design tools have also changed. In addition to art supplies and other physical tools, designers started using digital ones.
The most prominent digital tools that focus on different design aspects are:
Adobe Suite
Adobe Suite is a set of creative software that includes industry-standard tools for graphic design, photo editing, illustration, motion design, etc. All the tools in the set are professional, meaning it can take time and lots of tutorials to master them. However, they are still a go-to option for multi-skilled designers.
Figma
Figma is a cloud-based design and prototyping tool that can be used for real-time collaboration. Initially created for user experience (UX) design and user interface (UI) design, it is now used for graphic design tasks as well.
Currently, over 1 million teams are using Figma for their design processes. The tool is simple and more user-friendly than Adobe Suite. However, it is internet-dependent and has limitations for extensive offline work.
Procreate
Procreate is a digital painting app created for Apple iPad devices. It is known for its powerful illustration and sketching capabilities. Procreate is widely used by digital artists and illustrators; it is rather inexpensive, has an extensive brush library, and has a fluid and responsive interface.
However, this app is Apple-exclusive and has fewer features than more advanced tools like Adobe Illustrator.
FAQ: How will technology change graphic design in the future?
In the future, technological innovations can enhance design capabilities, completely automate repetitive tasks, and unlock new dimensions of creativity, leading to a more dynamic and immersive landscape for graphic designers.
To sum up
The evolution of graphic design is a never-ending process. New technologies and tools directly affect the work of creative professionals, granting them new opportunities and encouraging them to build new skills.
Graphic design has existed since ancient times and will most likely continue to exist and expand as technologies develop.
