I aim to identify emerging trends before they become mainstream, rather than following the crowd.

I am referring to trends in website design such as element placement, visual style, user experience, and menu organization. Can you recommend any resources or individuals to follow for staying updated on these trends?

The items being sold on websites like TemplateMonster and ThemeForest are becoming increasingly commonplace.
The focus is on staying up-to-date with current trends, rather than worrying about the timing of sales calls. It's important to remember that even if you do apply Lebedev's strategies, others may not necessarily understand or appreciate them.

If we are discussing interface design, my suggestion would be to approach each project individually. You can search for recently developed websites from top studios that are accompanied by case studies. Look for any differences in their implementation of elements compared to the norm, and strive to comprehend why this was done.

Doing so will provide insight into where this discipline is headed. Any design decision should always have a sound reasoning behind it. Popular trends commonly don't need much justification as they are widely known, understood, and used.
but, if you are searching for new solutions, the reasoning behind them should be more detailed; otherwise, there is a high possibility that your ideas will not be comprehended.

As a web designer, it is crucial to consistently seek out inspiration in order to generate original and innovative designs. In this post, I would like to share several sources where you can discover inspiration for web design. Pinterest is an excellent resource that offers a wide array of design ideas and layouts that can stimulate you to produce your own projects.

Behance is an online platform that showcases designs from designers worldwide, providing numerous examples of original and creative designs that can serve as inspiration for your work.

 Dribbble is another website where designers exhibit their work, offering many intriguing and imaginative concepts. Websites featuring contests and awards publish their winning projects online, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the latest trends and derive ideas for your projects. Additionally, don't forget that inspiration can be discovered in all that surrounds you, such as nature, art, and architecture.
In summary, inspiration can be found anywhere; the key is to persistently search for fresh ideas. By seeking inspiration from various places, you may create a design that will astound the world.

While working with website it is necessary to be up-to-date with in current trends in web design.
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To stay updated on the latest trends, I recommend following the who's who of the web design industry. You know, the thought leaders, the innovators, and the rule-breakers. Here are a few individuals and resources that'll keep you informed and inspired:
You should be following the likes of Dribbble, Behance, and Designspiration. These platforms are the go-to destinations for discovering fresh talent, innovative designs, and trending styles. You'll find a constant stream of inspiration, from bold typography to avant-garde illustrations.

Next up, keep an eye on the blogs and newsletters of industry heavyweights like Smashing Magazine, A List Apart, and Web Designer Depot. These publications are the authority on web design, and their writers and editors are always pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

If you're looking for something a bit more niche, you might enjoy the work of designers like Andy Clarke, Cameron Moll, and Jason Santa Maria. These guys are the masters of crafting beautiful, functional designs that are both aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly.

And, of course, no discussion of web design trends would be complete without mentioning the behemoths of the industry: Google, Apple, and Amazon. These companies are constantly pushing the envelope, experimenting with new design languages, and redefining the rules of the game.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "What about the influencers?" Ah, yes, the influencers! Well, let's just say that the web design influencer scene is a bit of a mixed bag. Some are genuinely talented designers, while others are more interested in self-promotion than actual design innovation. But, if you're looking for a good dose of inspiration and insight, you might want to check out the work of folks like Vitaly Friedman, Joshua Davis, or even the enigmatic, and sometimes, infuriating, Ethan Marcotte.
Don't underestimate the power of online communities like Reddit's r/webdev and r/design, Stack Overflow, and even the occasional design-focused podcast or YouTube channel. These platforms are the perfect place to connect with fellow designers, ask questions, and learn from their experiences.