User interface (UI) design, or user interface engineering, is the part of software development services that deals with the design of user interfaces and the behavior of users’ interactions with the software. It’s also sometimes referred to as user-centered design. User experience (UX) design refers to activities that involve planning, developing and evaluating artifacts that help users accomplish tasks through computer applications; this includes how easy it is to use, navigate, find information and perform specific tasks in these applications.
1) Flat UI and UX Design Are on Their Way Out
In a world where everything is digital, people are hungry for new ways to interact with their devices. Flat designs are on their way out as more designers turn to 3D concepts.
We’ve seen this trend start with the release of iOS 11 last year, when Apple introduced long-awaited iPhone X. With continued evolution of virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality technologies we’ll continue to see more three-dimensional design elements moving forward.
There’s still room for both flat design and 3D concepts to coexist side by side though, so it will be up to you what style you choose!
2) Negative Space is Key
Negative space is a design technique that uses the space around an object to emphasize it. In the era of flat design, where many UI elements are reduced to simple shapes, negative space becomes even more important.
Negative space can be used to draw attention to an interface element by placing it on a contrasting background or by leaving empty spaces between objects. It creates visual balance, making interfaces easier to read.
Negative space also provides white space which can help make text easier to read by drawing readers’ eyes across lines instead of down them. If you’re not sure how much negative space is enough, fill out your page with boxes or circles spaced evenly apart until there’s no room left for any new shapes – this is a good indicator of what’s too crowded and what isn’t enough.
3) Subtle Animation is Important
One of the most popular trends in UI/UX design service is subtle animation. This trend has been around for a while but still dominates the interface because people love it. It can be used to attract attention to certain features, show change, or provide feedback.
Subtle animation can be achieved through motion design, interactions, transitions, and even color shifts. It is important to remember that not all animations need to be loud and flashy; sometimes subtler animations are more pleasing.
4) Microinteractions Make an App More Compelling
Microinteractions are small moments of delight that you can add to your app. They make an app more compelling by adding a touch of fun, or getting the user to feel like they’re part of the process.
For example, if you’re designing a weather app, you could use microinteractions to give them options for how they want the weather delivered: by temperature, with humidity percentage, etc.
5) Simplicity Trumps Everything Else
Simplicity is the most important aspect of UI/UX design. The more complicated an interface becomes, the less intuitive it becomes to use. That’s why we’re seeing a trend away from flashy, extravagant interfaces that are designed to wow you with eye-popping visuals, and instead toward streamlined, intuitive designs that put function over everything else.
6) Go Meta with Navigation
It is predicted that by the year 2022 user interfaces will have changed drastically from what they are today.
However, it’s hard to predict what this change will entail. One thing that is certain though is that user experience design will be even more important than it already is. With the push for content to be easily accessible with just a few taps or clicks, UI/UX designers need to create navigation that is intuitive and easy-to-use. A good example of how designers can go meta with their navigation is using scrolling gestures instead of menu buttons which can limit access points.
7) Adaptive Design Matters
One of the top UI/UX design trends to follow is Adaptive Design. Adaptive design means a website or app that can change its layout depending on the device being used to view it.
That means a website or app might look different on a phone, tablet, laptop or TV screen, but it will always be intuitive for the user because they are viewing it on the platform they want or need.
So no matter where you’re using your device, you’ll have the best possible experience. And as devices continue to merge into one another (like laptops becoming tablets), adaptive design will only become more important.
The Bottom Line:
User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) designers have to keep up with the latest design trends in order to improve user satisfaction and conversions.
With new devices, platforms, and applications being released constantly, designers need to stay up-to-date on what will work best for their users in upcoming years. What do you think? Let us know by commenting below!