What Are the Different Types of Web Design?

Every business or organization needs a website to establish an online presence, attract potential customers, and increase conversions. However, not all websites are created equal; they differ in design, functionality, and purpose. What are the different types of web design?

There’s a generous selection of web design varieties, from static vs. dynamic and custom vs. CMS sites to responsive vs. adaptive. Minimalist designs differ from e-commerce sites in complexity and interactivity. Parallax sites also focus on visual appeal, while single-page designs are ideal for a linear user journey.

I’ve prepared a more detailed take on the different types of web design I’ve developed since 2008. Understanding these types can help you when hiring a web designer.

1. Static Web Design

Static web design is the most traditional form of website design. It involves creating a fixed layout via HTML and CSS. These sites are typically minimalistic, with limited interactivity and a static visual appearance.

Static websites are also cheaper to build and maintain since they don’t require databases or backend development.

Use Cases

• Basic business websites.
• Portfolio websites.
• Landing pages.

Perks

• Cost-effective.
• Easy to design and code.
• No database is necessary.

Drawbacks

• Limited interactivity.
• It is challenging to update without coding knowledge.

2. Dynamic Web Design

Dynamic web design takes a more modern approach by using server-side scripting languages like PHP or JavaScript. This type of site is database-driven, meaning that the content displayed can vary based on user input or data stored in databases.

Dynamic sites have more features and customization options than static ones, but they’re also more expensive and require development expertise.

Use Cases

• E-commerce websites.
• Social media platforms.
• Content-heavy platforms (e.g., news portals).
• Student portals.
• Workflow management tools.

Perks

• Tailored content based on user input or data.
• In-depth features and functionalities.
• Scalability.
• Personalized.

Drawbacks

• Higher cost of development and maintenance.
• It requires knowledge of programming languages.

3. Responsive Web Design

GSMA’s 2024 report confirms that 4.6 billion people (57% of global population) access the internet via mobile devices. Mobile devices are very convenient for users, but they come in various sizes and screen resolutions.

Responsive web design solves this problem by adapting websites to fit different devices without affecting the user experience. It combines flexible grids, images, and media queries for a fluid layout that adjusts according to the device’s screen size.

Use Cases

• All types of websites, especially those with a mobile audience.

Perks

• Improved user experience across all devices. Here’s why user experience matters in web design.
• Cost-effective as it eliminates the need to create multiple website versions for varying devices.
• Boosts SEO by providing a single URL for content instead of separate URLs for desktop and mobile versions.

Drawbacks

• It can be challenging to implement complex designs.
• It needs rigorous testing on different devices and browsers to ensure proper functionality.

4. Adaptive Web Design

Adaptive web design (AWD) is a technique that uses predefined layouts based on breakpoints to adjust a website’s design and content for different devices. Unlike responsive web design, which fluidly adapts to any screen size, AWD has specific layout designs for different device sizes.

Use Cases

• High-traffic websites with complex designs.
• Websites where user behavior or location plays a significant role in the interface presented.

Perks

• Greater control over the design and user experience for different devices.
• Faster load times as only necessary assets are loaded according to device specifications.

Drawbacks

• Higher development costs due to creating multiple versions of the same website.
• It’s a high-maintenance asset, especially with the need to update various versions of your site.

5. Single-Page Web Design

Single-page web design (SPWD) is an approach that presents all website content on a single page, eliminating the need for visitors to navigate through multiple pages. This design relies heavily on visuals and animations to engage users and communicate information effectively.

Use Cases

• Landing pages for products or services.
• Personal portfolios or resumes.

Perks

• Easy navigation as all the content is available on one page.
• Enhanced user engagement due to visually appealing designs and interactions.
• Faster load times as there are fewer pages to load.

Drawbacks

• Limited scalability for websites with significant amounts of content.
• It can be overwhelming for users if not well-designed or organized.  
• Limited content and SEO challenges.

6. Parallax Web Design

Parallax web design is a popular technique that creates an illusion of depth by moving different elements on the page at varying speeds.

This design often combines scrolling effects, animations, and layered images to create a visually stunning and engaging user experience.

Use Cases

• Websites with storytelling or interactive elements.
• Branding-focused websites.
• Event or product launch pages.

Perks

• High visual impact and user engagement.
• It allows for creative and unique designs.

Drawbacks

• It can be resource-intensive due to its complexity.
• It may not be suitable for all websites, as it can distract or overwhelm some users.

7. Minimalist Web Design

Minimalist web design uses simple elements and white space to create a clean and clutter-free website. This approach focuses on essential content, typography, and visual imagery to convey the intended message.

Use Cases

• Blogs or personal websites.
• E-commerce websites with few products.

Perks

• Fast loading times due to minimalistic design elements.
• Easy to navigate for users as there are fewer distractions.

Drawbacks

• Limited design flexibility can make the website appear too basic or boring.
• It may not be suitable for websites with a lot of content or complex features.

8. E-commerce Web Design

E-commerce web design is specifically tailored for online businesses to convert visitors into customers. This design type focuses on making the shopping experience as smooth and user-friendly as possible.

Use Cases

• Online stores or marketplaces.
• Subscription-based services.

Perks

• High potential for conversions and sales.
• Customization options for product displays and payment methods.
• Data insights help create better sales strategy.

Drawbacks

• It can be expensive to set up and maintain, especially for small businesses.
• You need to update these sites constantly to maintain a great user experience.

9. Custom Web Design

Here’s where pipeline dreams become reality with skilled and creative coding. Armed with end goals and desired output, a coder or coding team will summon their talent to turn a vision into an actual website.

They use various coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to build a website from your goals and UX design. Custom web design offers endless possibilities for creativity and functionality.

A read through Web Designer vs. Web Developer let’s you know that you can be a custom web designer without coding skills because that a developer’s role.

You can curate the UX and web design and partner with a developer for coding.

Use Cases

• Businesses with specific branding or design requirements.
• Websites in need of complex features or functionalities.

Perks

• Complete control over the website’s design and functionality.
• Flexibility to incorporate unique features based on business needs.

Drawbacks

• It’s not easy to build a custom website.
• It requires technical expertise in coding languages.

10. Template-Based Web Design

Template-based web design involves creating a website using pre-made templates or themes. They’re basically code libraries that you can buy or download for free if open-sourcing is involved.

You only need to call functions or edit specific sections to create your website. Customization options include changing fonts, colors, and layouts to match your branding.

Use Cases

• Personal blogs or portfolios.
• Small businesses.
• Startups.

Perks

• Cost-effective and time-saving compared to other design options.
• Quick to deploy.
• Beginner-friendly.

Drawbacks

• Limited customization options make it difficult to stand out from competitors.
• It can be restrictive when trying to add more complex features in the future.  

11. Experimental/Artistic Web Design

Experimental or artistic web design involves pushing the boundaries of traditional web design to create unique and visually striking websites. This approach often incorporates unconventional layouts, animations, and interactive elements.

Use Cases

• Creative agencies or artists looking to showcase their work uniquely.
• Websites for events or festivals.

Perks

• It’s visually captivating and can leave a lasting impression on website visitors.
• It allows for creative expression and experimentation with new techniques.

Drawbacks

• It may not be suitable for all types of businesses as it can be seen as too avant-garde.

12. Accessible Web Design

Accessible web design refers to designing websites that cater to everyone, including people with disabilities. This type of design ensures that everyone, including people with special needs, access the help they need on your site easily.

Efforts in accessible web design include providing alternative text for images, using easy-to-read color contrast, and implementing keyboard navigation.

Use Cases

• Government websites or institutions are required to comply with accessibility laws.
• Businesses are looking to create a more inclusive online experience for their customers.

Perks

• It provides equal access to all individuals, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
• You comply with digital laws.
• It boosts your SEO.

Drawbacks

• It requires thorough knowledge of accessibility guidelines.
• Balancing aesthetics with accessibility features is often challenging.

Which Web Design Type is Ideal for You?

You can leverage the perks offered by different types of web design to determine which type will best suit your needs and goals. Consider the following factors:

• Your target audience: for example, a flat design may be more appealing if you are targeting a younger demographic.
• Your industry: certain industries may require a specific type of web design to convey their brand image effectively.
• Your website’s purpose: if your website is meant to showcase creative work, then a dynamic or parallax design could be a good fit.
• Your budget and priorities: if you have limited resources and want to focus on functionality, a minimalist or responsive design may be the way to go.

Always choose a web design that suits your objectives and rubs off well with your target audience. User experience is a huge factor for search engines and online sales efforts.

Let’s discuss your brand goals and the problems you want to solve for your target market, and I’ll be happy to recommend the most suitable web design type.