[mcav]

If you look back at trends in web design over the past 10-20 years, you'll notice the progression of different styles. Heck, go back to circa-2004 "Web 2.0" designs, work your way forward, and you'll see that web design trends change every year.

In another few years, noise will be out, and something else will be "in".

[lwhi]

I agree - noise will reach saturation point (no pun intended) .. and will eventually be forgotten about. When it's used properly, you don't notice it.

I sometimes wonder why we actually need trends. It's an interesting subject - in a way trends are a just part of the commodification of design. They provide a way to transfer values (through loose connotations) to an audience .. I think there's something quite cheap (throwaway) about the concept. Without trends, progress is less able to drive commercialisation and the need to update is less essential.