With the start of a new year comes a slew of articles and posts predicting trends for the coming year. Read any publication or browse social media for a few minutes and you are inundated with anticipated trends for everything from fashion to investing and even graphic design.

Design trends can be exciting in the moment, and it can be easy to get swept up in the hype. A new font is released, a color palette suddenly becomes all the rage, or a website animation style pops up on a competitor’s website.  

So, should those in the investment world chase design trends?

We believe design decisions should balance new capabilities and trends with solid design principles.

Not every design trend is worth following, especially for those in the investment industry. Your brand identity is essential in fostering trust, loyalty, and professionalism. It reinforces your expertise and role as a steadfast financial partner. It’s not something that should change based on a trend or fad.

As we’ve blogged about, the start of a new year is the perfect time to work with your creative team or agency to assess the overall health of your brand identity.  During those conversations, remember to balance interest in what looks good now with creating a strong brand that can stand the test of time.

Trends are usually temporary. Good design will never go out of style. Design for the investment world should balance new capabilities and design rooted in fundamental best practices. Design experts, like the team here at Emerson Ward, can guide you through the options and opportunities to help you determine what’s best for your firm. Ready to start your 2025 off on a creative note? Let’s chat.