Analog meets AI and more: Canva unveils seven design trends for 2025

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MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Canva’s latest report identifies seven multifaceted trends, which together indicate that people are both excited by the possibilities of new tech like AI and craving organic and human details. 2025 will be the year “analog meets AI” in our visual worlds, but there’s even more design insight to dig into.

Here are the must-know styles for standing out at work, on social media, and beyond:

2025 Design Trend #1: Analog meets AI

Get ready for a creative mashup — in 2025, we’ll see a delightful blend of old-school charm and modern tech. Think of it as a reunion between analog techniques — like collage and scrapbooking — and cutting-edge AI design tools. This fusion opens up new avenues for creativity and self-expression. It’s no surprise that searches for “scrapbook” on Canva have skyrocketed by 92% over the past year, signaling a desire to reconnect with tactile, personal touches in our increasingly digital lives.

2025 Design Trend #2: Shape Theory

Shapes are making a comeback, and you can say it’s hip to be “square” again. The “Shape Theory” trend embraces bold, modular designs that add structure while incorporating warm colors and back-lit photography for a personal flair. This style strikes a perfect balance between functionality and approachability. ideal for everything from work presentations to your next Instagram post. With search terms like “shapes” and “modular” rising by 56% and 23%, it’s clear that young professionals are ready to experiment with this versatile aesthetic.

2025 Design Trend #3: Opulence Era

Luxury meets simplicity within the “Opulence Era” aesthetic, a trend combining minimalist designs with rich details and ample negative space, creating a striking yet effortlessly chic look. It’s all about achieving that understated glamor without going overboard. The increase in searches for “elegant” and “luxury” —up by 33% and 30% — shows that many of us are drawn to sophisticated designs that still feel approachable.

2025 Design Trend #4: Serious Fun

Call Jack and all the dull boys back, because the “Serious Fun” trend is all about injecting fun into work. This playful approach mixes humor with strategic design elements, transforming the way we think about work-related visuals. It encourages creativity while keeping things light-hearted. With searches for ‘silly’, “funny,” and “humor” jumping by 92%, 36%, and 27%, it’s evident that young professionals want to bring joy into their everyday tasks.

2025 Design Trend #5: Future in Motion

The “Future in Motion” trend emphasizes the power of subtle animations to enhance storytelling in your designs. Visuals come alive when using motion gradients and dynamic typography to create rhythm and flow. The searches for “motion,” “animation,” and “interactive” are all up by 109%, 78%, and 46%, respectively, indicating that audiences are eager for engaging experiences that capture attention.

2025 Design Trend #6: Refined Grit

Sometimes, less really is more. The “Refined Grit” style embraces a minimalist aesthetic while celebrating unique visual identities and bold expressions. Ultimately, it’s all about doing your own thing effortlessly. The surge in searches for terms like “cutting-edge,” “bold,” and “edgy” — up by 71%, 40%, and 23% —shows a growing desire among young professionals to break free from conventional design norms.

2025 Design Trend #7: Mechanical Botanical

In a unique blend of nature and technology, the “Mechanical Botanical” trend harmonizes dreamy textures with intentional gradients and negative space. Reminiscent of aesthetics similar to “Fruitiger Aero,” this trend beautifully illustrates how opposites attract, creating deeply resonating visuals. With search terms like “techno” and “cyber” rising by 30% and 32%, it’s clear that many are excited to explore this captivating, nostalgic fusion.

As we gear up for 2025, these design trends not only highlight emerging styles but also reflect our collective desire to merge technology with authentic human experiences. With insights from one of the world’s most widely used design platforms, this could be handy for standing out creatively in the year ahead.