With 2014 well on its way we thought it was a great time to look at this year’s graphic and web design trends to help you work towards achieving your competitive edge.

iStock Photo by Getty Images asked creatives around the globe to weigh in on what’s hot and what’s not for 2014. The resounding response was that simplicity is king, even as we’re introduced to more and more complex devices, platforms and channels than ever before. From flat design to reigned-in parallax scrolling to 5-second social media videos, think of simple design as the yin to technology’s yang.

10 Graphic and web design trends for 2014

1. Simplicity

Simplicity will undoubtedly be the most powerful tool for expressing the highest level of sophistication.

2. Flat Design

Hopefully we see better ‘flatness’ than we did this year. Many screen and app designs have applied flat shapes and solid colours with such fervor that they created layout, rhythm and usability issues. The many screens and wearable tech gizmos will require us to design clever and connected experiences.

3. Improving Parallax Scrolling

Over the past few years parallax scrolling has become a very popular tool enlivening the delivery of content on the web. More and more we will see this used in a restrained way — with more of a ‘light touch.’

4. 5-7 Second Storytelling

The biggest social media trend will be 5-7 second storytelling — clickable videos, Vine, and animated Gifs all use small pieces of moving media to tell a story quickly.

5. Logos With Depth

The increasing simplification in logo (re-) design is overused. In many cases this leads to a loss of brand sovereignty.

6. Real Models

I believe there is a trend in portraying reality more. We know models are meant to help to sell products…but the imagery of normal, real people also sells and can enhance public affinity with the brand.

 7. Digital Innovation

The Brazilian advertising industry is becoming more and more mature, focusing on what is really relevant to consumers, not just on what wins awards. Advertising needs to change to adapt to a market that has already changed.

8. 3D Printing

New forms, designs and patterns by 3D printer will be gain more popularity in 2014.

9. Creative Inspiration

We need to invest in knowledge about ourselves, about the world we live in, about the role of creativity on this planet. This knowledge will help us transform reality into something closer to what we dream of.

10. Trend Lists

I don’t believe in design trends being overused. The issue is around timing; if you’re using an aesthetic, design or idea that people are sick of, you’re not doing your job. However, I think creatives get jaded with new design styles way before the general population, so I’d say feel free to overuse more. People like consistency.

To download the full infographic visit iStock.