We’re just days away from a brand new year, and while we can never quite know what’s in store for 2021, we do know that many startups and businesses are eager to get back to work. Part of that means more yearly marketing, budget, and project presentations. Here at Beautiful.ai, we know that a powerful presentation can make the difference between team buy-in or the acceptance of a proposal, so we want you to start 2021 off on the right foot.
Below, we’re sharing some of the best upcoming trends in the presentation industry.
Minimalism
This trend may come as no surprise, as minimalism has been a popular trend for several years. In the coming year, though, minimalism feels like a necessity given everything 2020 has thrown our way. Now, more than ever, we want to see and experience a shift in energy that’s far less chaotic and much more peaceful. So, it only makes sense that this mindset will come to life through virtually every aspect of our lives, including presentation designs.
The best rule of thumb here? Less is more. Colors, photos, icons, data. Challenge yourself to scale back and simplify. Hint: Pay close attention to the rest of next year’s trends, as most of them have a common theme.
Our must-have templates for a minimalist presentation: This Social Media Report Presentation and this Event Marketing Plan Presentation.
Softer color palettes
2021 will be the year we press pause on bold and make room for more beautiful, more soothing colors. While next year’s Pantone Color of the Year hasn’t been released yet, we are getting a sneak peek through its Color Trend Report for Spring and Summer of 2021. If you’re not sure what to expect, here are some of our favorite words used to describe this peaceful palette:
- Comforting
- Warming
- Serene
- Earth-inspired
- Friendly
- Joyful
Our must-have templates with muted color palettes: Our Grant Proposal Presentation and this Consulting Proposal Presentation
Nature-inspired
Another phrase used to describe the colors featured in Pantone’s color-trend report speaks perfectly to this next trend: ‘nature-like hues.’ Since 2020 is the year Americans were told to stay home, there has never been a stronger desire to get out and (re) discover nature. Picnics, parks, hiking, walking — we’ve seen a surge of people taking in nature every chance they get as people cope with the loss of once-normal activities that are now restricted or off-limits entirely.
Nature-inspired designs also make sense in the coming year, as they represent more calm and tranquility, and can even reflect an eco-friendly brand or focus. They’re typically softer, include earth-like tones, and embody natural textures. Not to mention, these types of serene designs can evoke an entirely different mood, which can be a powerful tool during any kind of presentation.
Our must-have, nature-inspired templates: This Marketing Plan Presentation and our SEO Proposal Presentation (This template also features a muted color palette!).
Nostalgia
2020 is the year we saw a big boom in nostalgia and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Why? Because nostalgia reminds us of simpler times; a time when we found joy and pleasure out of the smallest things. It’s also a feeling of happiness and comfort — two things that have felt a little harder to come by this year to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
That’s why in 2021, it’s all about going back to the basics to spark those feelings of joy once again. Basic colors, retro designs, polaroid-like photography. We’ll continue to see all of these design elements pulled through into the new year.
Our must-have templates to spark nostalgia: This Budget Proposal Presentation (featuring an “old school” calculator) and this Sales Proposal Presentation.
Geometric shapes
Speaking of basics, geometric shapes are another minimalist, nostalgia-inspired design trend we’ll see more of in 2021. While they’re simple, they can bring any design to life while projecting confidence and structure. They also give off a cool retro feel, which goes hand-in-hand with the ever-increasingly popular nostalgic trend.
Our must-have, geometric-inspired template: This HR Benefits Presentation (that also features a very trendy, 70s-inspired color palette).
Simple (but powerful) statistics
By now, you’ve probably caught on to the fact that all of next year’s trends include some aspect of minimalism. Any statistic presentations now (and in the new year) should be no different. Everything we’ve mentioned before — simplistic, natural, and friendly — can all be applied to the data you show as well.
How? Instead of creating slides chock-full of charts and graphs that are hard to read and digest, we’re beginning to see designs that are much more simple. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the point you’re trying to make; you can still make a bold statement without creating an overbearing slide.
Our must-have slide templates for powerful statistics and data: Pictograph Templates.
Iconography
As technology continues to grow and expand, it’s typical to see trends that focus on more video and photography. After all, they’re much more visually stimulating and engaging than reading words on a slide. However, the pandemic has halted a significant amount of visual production, so we may see that scaled back a bit. And in its place: iconography.
Icons are one of the most effective ways to present key messages in a way that isn’t boring. They can increase visual engagement and interest without new photography and videography, which we may not have a lot of this year. Icons don’t have to limit creativity either; you can use them to show data, highlight important categories, and much, much more.
Our must-have iconography templates: Icon Slide Templates.
Create trend-setting presentations in 2021 with Beautiful.ai presentation templates
With Beautiful.ai, you can jump-start any presentation with our pre-built, automated design templates. With so many slides and presentation templates to choose from, you can feel good knowing your work will be on time and on-trend.
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