Isometric design is currently trending. This modern design with 3D objects in an isometric style can be found on many websites and in PowerPoint presentations. Our world is three-dimensional, so it's no surprise that design objects with depth are perceived better by internet users than flat objects. The new trend in 3D design is therefore called "isometric design."
This design trend features isometric illustrations that appear simple yet detailed. Building on the long-standing trend of minimalist flat design, these illustrations achieve their effect without many shading effects such as shading or gradients. Isometric drawing allows for the creation of professional, unique, and realistic-looking 3D objects. This new design trend opens up new possibilities for presentations, particularly for product and corporate presentations.
Isometric illustrations - 3D design without perspective
Isometric designs are an evolution of flat design and other 3D design styles. Unlike other 3D designs, there are no vanishing lines or converging perspectives. All surfaces are either orthogonal or angled at 30 degrees. This results in a clearer overview for the viewer. This parallel perspective ensures that no content is obscured, and even complex 3D structures can be displayed clearly yet in detail. Furthermore, all isometric graphics and designs are compatible and can be combined in any way.
Why are isometric designs so popular?
Isometric designs offer numerous possibilities for creating customer-oriented illustrations. Individual graphics as well as entire marketing campaigns can be presented using isometric illustrations. Isometric designs result in clear, realistic, and easily understandable 3D structures, which are now more popular than the hyperrealistic variations of skeuomorphic design. While 2D designs used to be rather low-contrast and boring, isometric versions can be depicted with high contrast and detail. In marketing, this design trend opens up new possibilities for precisely tailoring content to a company's corporate design and customer needs.
Changing perspectives with isometric illustrations
Previous graphics, primarily created using flat design, couldn't depict curved screens. Isometric illustrations, however, make designing for curved screens effortless. What previously appeared flat now reveals an impressive depth through isometric rendering. This leads to a different perspective in direct comparison, allowing the design to be perceived from various angles. This new design trend offers companies new opportunities to present a service or product in an abstract and illustrated form.
Anyone working in marketing who wants to offer their clients multiple design options can create versatile design variations with isometric design. Compared to flat and skeuomorphic design, isometric techniques display highly detailed graphics. Viewers perceive 3D objects harmoniously, without a clutter of converging lines negatively impacting the perspective.
Isometric designs vs. skeuomorphic designs
Flat design trends were used in advertising and the internet for a long time. Windows, for example, relied on flat design, while Apple used skeuomorphic designs. Due to a veritable flood of flat design trends and hyper-realistic designs, flatly depicted objects are currently experiencing a decline. Today, more organic designs are in demand, offering a familiar and realistic representation of objects and campaigns.
Flat design vs. skeuomorphic design
Flat designs do not imitate reality. They forgo shadows and color gradients. Simulated light sources are also not used in flat design. Depending on the technique, a schematic representation is developed that does not allow for a realistic view.
Windows frequently used flat design, while Apple opted for skeuomorphic design. The elements in Apple's iOS provide examples of skeuomorphic design. This design is recognizable in small details, such as a glossy effect or calendar apps that feature quilted stitching and a leather-like appearance. The address book in various iOS versions also uses a skeuomorphic design. In Apple's apps, it looks like an open address book.
Flat design has its limits.
Flat design is a simple design approach that evolved into isometric design. It retains the simplicity of flat design while simultaneously adding a sense of depth. Compared to isometric design, flat design is more limited. Isometric design offers more ergonomic representations because it allows for the creation of objects with depth. For example, symbols can appear raised or embossed.
The depth of the symbols and the clear layout entice internet users to click on an object or symbol. Simple designs without depth, such as those created with flat design techniques, are not necessarily better. Complex information and relationships cannot be represented satisfactorily with flat design. Flat 2D designs fail to utilize visual options. Isometric design techniques offer more possibilities and enable the perception of depth. Instead of just one front, the object has multiple sides.
Isometric designs - how do they work?
Isometric designs utilize simple techniques that are easily implemented by experienced designers. Those new to the field, or who wish to use the PowerPoint isometric technique, should keep a few things in mind. Isometric design techniques employ an isometric grid, which ensures that no lines converge.
A design is considered isometric only if it follows an isometric grid, vertical lines remain vertical throughout, and all horizontal lines have a 30-degree slope. Furthermore, a 120-degree rule is mentioned, which states that the angle between the Z, Y, and X axes must equal 120 degrees.
In summary, isometric design is subject to the following rules:
- follows an isometric grid
- has no converging lines
- Vertical lines remain vertical, horizontal lines have a 30-degree slope.
- The X, Y, and Z axes are at 120 degrees to each other.
Disorder caused by converging lines
Converging axes create a certain degree of disorder when viewing 3D objects. Isometric techniques work without converging lines, thus changing the way we perceive them. Consider, for example, the view of a road. When people scan a road until it disappears into the distance, they no longer perceive it as running parallel to the horizon.
To the human eye, a road appears to converge at a single point in the distance. Isometric designs prevent this perception and can depict objects as they truly are. Perception is adjusted to reality, and visual clutter is avoided. A designer should avoid excessive manipulation of 3D objects to prevent creating unnecessary visual clutter. The viewer of a 3D design should not be overwhelmed with information.
Presenting too much information at once can, for example, deter internet users. Isometric designs are appealing to anyone who wants a simple yet impactful design. Isometric symbols are currently trending, and the isometric technique enhances the recognizability of objects. Campaigns and individual symbols can be visually appealing without sacrificing their message. With a well-executed isometric design, the customer will immediately understand what the symbol represents and what information it contains.
Application areas of isometric design
Isometric design is used, for example, for logos and icons. Flat icons are an older style on the internet. Isometric icons, with their added depth, appear more interesting and are currently very popular. Further examples of isometric techniques are given below.
Design 2D maps isometrically
Isometric designs allow for the conveyance of more detail. Classic two-dimensional maps can gain depth through isometric techniques without becoming cluttered. This allows the viewer to see not only the map from the front but also from the side. The lines of sight do not converge, and the map information remains clear even with the added depth.
Information graphics
So-called "infographics" can be designed to be both interesting and easy to understand using isometric techniques. Information panels no longer need to be flat; they gain depth and are presented in three dimensions. Such 3D information entices viewers to stop and, online, leads to clicks.
Design hero images in three dimensions
Hero images are large banner images, often designed in a flat style. Isometric techniques allow for three-dimensional hero images, which can be designed playfully and with simple colors. Isometrically designed hero images can be more appealing and invite the viewer to discover individual banner elements.
Should you follow the isometric trend?
3D illustrations add depth and, when designed isometrically, practically invite the user to click or take a closer look. Isometric illustrations are clearly and precisely designed. At the same time, they radiate warmth and offer creative minds versatile design possibilities.
Isometric techniques can be used in marketing, medicine, and many other fields. Isometric design can be advantageous wherever clear and concise information is needed. As with all trends, isometric design should not be overdone. Isometric designs can offer perfectly tailored illustrations and are used, for example, on Pinterest.
Isometric Design - Conclusion
Isometric design is a technique for creating illustrations and can be used, for example, in PowerPoint isometric presentations. Isometric drawings allow objects to be presented realistically in three dimensions with precise measurements. Isometric translates to "equal dimensions" or "equally." In isometric design, the three axes of a 3D object are all arranged at a 120-degree angle to each other.
Isometric designs create a reality in which people can perceive objects as they actually are. Human perception, when viewing objects at a distance, tends to make them appear to converge at a single point.
Humans don't perceive a horizon as it truly appears; instead, they combine many individual elements based on distance to form a single element. Isometric design enables a clear perception of depth. With isometric design, your next presentations will be a success.
Professionally designed isometric templates for your presentation can be found here:
