If a design technique is popular only because «all the cool kids are doing it,» it’s a design fad. Design trends, on the other hand, emerge organically. As the digital landscape changes, similar design problems will naturally result in similar solutions. Design has no room for fads. If something's a «fad,» then it's probably decoration and not design.

As always in the world of design, we should be conscious of how we are using every element on the screen. Is this necessary? Can it be simplified? Does it move us closer to our project goals? If we can justify everything on the screen, we are doing something right. If we are using styles and elements simply because we saw someone else use them, we are embracing the unhealthy pattern of following fads, to the detriment of ourselves and our clients. Design responsibly.

via The Industry.