Cards seem to be everywhere. From business cards to game cards, greeting cards, credit cards and ID cards. No matter what size or shape they come in, they are all concise and they always convey precise information. And now web design is mad about cards.

In a previous article, we discussed how responsive web design is one of the main trends around which web design now revolves. But what exactly is web design responding to? Two main aspects that continue to influence the ongoing change are: the rising use of portable devices for internet access as well as the trend to make every experience a personalized one.

To achieve this, a lot of websites and phone applications are tweaking their design to a format known as cards, tiles, module, portrait, or other terms.

What Exactly is Card-Based Web Design?

It is a design approach that breaks down online content into individual stories aggregated according to the user’s interest. Instead of having to go through online pages of endless columns of stories and text, this new approach contains each story within a ‘card’ that is all inclusive with text, visuals and call for action (like, comment, share).

Why are Designers Switching to Card-based Web Design?

Cards are Easy to Digest

The amount of stories and information that an internet user comes across on a daily basis is humungous, which makes it almost impossible to digest every single story in depth. That’s where cards come in handy. Due to their limited space, the content is by default straight forward and concise.

Cards Attract Attention

Realizing the importance of visuals in online storytelling, cards don’t just offer bulks of text, but rather consist of interesting visuals supported by text.

Many designers are now abandoning the idea of creating separate designs for mobile viewership. By using cards, it is easy to align the stories across any type of screen, whether smartphone, tablet or a desktop screen.

Cards induce action

In the same way business cards and post cards are made for sharing, so are online story cards. Interactivity being a key feature of ‘card design’, they all display the amount of interaction the story has already created, and invite the user to be part of the conversation, each application or website in its own way.

Cards are personalized

Unlike the usual approach of web design where a static layout forces a hierarchy of story importance upon the visitors, cards allow for smooth selection and display shuffle across the screen based on the user’s interests and activity history. That way, all content is hero, and stories are only prioritized upon your demand.

You are probably already thinking of numerous websites that are famous for their card-based design. And yes, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest are certainly on the top of the list. But here are a few more website that also use card-based design.

Spotify

Google Now

Mail Client

Pinterest

Behance

Can you think of any other websites that nailed the card-based approach? Hint: StepFeed.