After Corporate Memphis: What comes next and how to stay ahead of the trends

Once prominent in digital design, the Corporate Memphis style, characterized by exaggerated, rubbery human figures and vibrant, abstract elements, has seen a decline, with no single design style taking its place. Instead, there is a shift towards simplicity, with companies like Hinge and Shopify opting for photographs, basic color blocking, and soft gradients. This change reflects broader design trends, which are cyclical, reactive, and often influenced by nostalgia, current events, and technological advancements. As designers look for what might follow Corporate Memphis, the 90s anti-design style, known for its rebellious, chaotic aesthetic, emerges as a potential successor. This style, which juxtaposes minimalist elements with bold, unconventional visuals, is gaining traction as it resonates with contemporary tastes and nostalgia for the 90s. However, while anti-design appeals to brands aiming to disrupt or evoke a countercultural vibe, it poses challenges in accessibility, requiring careful crafting to ensure clarity and usability.