Flat design casts a long shadow

Whilst many designers embrace flat design wholeheartedly, it seems a growing number have already tired of its charms and are casting around for the next big thing.

One contender, being championed by some, is ​“long shadow” design.

Long shadow design produces an effect like looking at an object late on a Winter’s day, when the shadows lengthen to dramatic proportions. The effect adds a great deal of depth while still retaining an essentially flat aesthetic.

Typified by a 45 degree shadow that extends well beyond the length of a traditional drop shadow, the diagonal lines are reminiscent of early Soviet posters and collages by the likes of Malevich — produced before Socialist Realism became the only acceptable style. It is a similarly positive, ambitious and idealistic style, which is great for icons and branding.

It’s going a little too far to suggest that long shadow design is a solution in itself; it’s simply a development within the larger flat design trend. We’re likely to see many more developments, both revolutionary and evolutionary, before flat design is abandoned in favor of something new.

Whilst not a solution in itself, long shadow design is perhaps a route towards flat design 2.0, and certainly offers a way to introduce drama, tonality and depth to flat design. Used sparingly it can be a highly effective tool.

What do you think of the long shadow trend? Have you used it in a project? Let us know in the comments.