Web design trends: from carousels to AI chatbots
A web designer reflects on how clients consistently demand the latest trend, from carousels to cookie consent banners to AI chatbots, not for utility but for social signaling. The chatbot, often broken and ignored, has become a symbol of keeping up. The designer notes that simple, fast websites are appreciated but dismissed as 'not impressive enough.' The pressure comes from a decade of bloated web standards. The shift may come from users, not decision-makers.
Key facts
- Clients demand chatbots in 2026 to avoid looking behind.
- Chatbots are often broken and ignored by visitors.
- Simple, fast websites are praised but seen as not impressive.
- The pressure comes from the web's feature arms race.
- The shift may come from users, not decision-makers.
Entities
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