Ironically, one of the few things to remain the same in the digital world is the ever-evolving nature of UX and UI design. Staying relevant and up to date on the latest trends is essential for a designers’ survival.
Design trends sprout from both users and competitors. Whilst some are only passing trends, others may stick around for some time. They may even change the core principles and practices of UX/UI design.
Regardless of how new trends are born or how long they grace us with their presence, it means designers and businesses must be at the top of their game when it comes to design best practices.
We know that mobile users in 2021 spent around 155 minutes per day on the internet. Whereas desktop users spend around 37 minutes per day, per capita worldwide browsing the net. We also know that the average user spends just 2 minutes and 17 seconds on a website.
This kind of information tells us that users are spending a lot of time online. But businesses will have to grab the user’s attention pretty quickly if they’re in with any chance of converting them. It only takes around 2.6 seconds for a user to decide if they like or dislike a website. Therefore it’s essential to offer the best and most current UX/UI designs to ensure you have the upper hand.
To ensure your brand identity sticks out from the rest of the crowd, we’ve put together some of the leading UX and UI design trends from around the world.
1. Dark Mode
Dark mode was one of the hottest UX/UI trends in 2020. Some of the world’s leading brands like Apple, Google, and Instagram are offering dark mode in their options.
Here are the main reasons why dark mode is so popular:
- Modern/sleek look
- Easy to highlight eye-popping elements
- When enabled, dark mode can save battery power on a device
- Eye strain is reduced in low-light conditions
Devices like the Apple iPhone allow their users to choose when to activate dark mode. For example, during sunset and sunrise. iOS users can schedule times for their device to automatically change its appearance.
2. 3D Elements
Realistic 3D visuals are becoming increasingly popular, alongside VR and AR technologies. 3D elements and graphics offer stunning visuals for a website, encouraging customers to increase their website session time.
However, it is essential your website’s platform and web hosting is fast-performing and well optimised. If not, 3D elements will fail to load and will cause huge delays in your website’s loading time (which we know is a big no-no for UI/UX best practices).
3D elements offer a unique and seamless experience between realism and digital realism, pushing the boundaries for users to enjoy a website journey like no other. 94% of first impressions are related to website design, so it’s essential to follow the latest UI/UX trends to increase your CTR.
3. Voice User Interface
Voice technology has surged in recent years, with voice assistants like Google Assistant becoming part of our everyday lives. According to Adobe, 91% of brands are making huge investments in voice technologies as they understand voice will improve the overall user experience, transforming them with voice.
Around 94% of users say they prefer using voice technology because it’s easy and saves time. From driving instructions to checking the weather, playing your favourite tunes to making phone calls, voice technology has made huge headway and strives to continue its expansion.
4. Bold Typography
Bold fonts are stealing the show in when it comes to UX/UI design. Whilst they aren’t a new innovation, they are extremely popular, especially when grabbing the user’s attention is concerned.
Titles and headings tend to be in a larger font than other content on your website, so naturally, this is where your visitors are going to look first. Using bold fonts will attract their attention to where it’s needed, highlighting elements like your products, services, etc.
5. Login Without Passwords
Strong passwords are a common request when it comes to registering and logging into user accounts. Whether it be to access an eCommerce order, retrieve the latest job alerts, or sign up for an online subscription, users are required to remember a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
It can quickly become frustrating to users when they inevitably forget their passwords, so one of the latest UI trends is to offer alternative options other than passwords. This includes facial recognition, touch passwords, PIN codes, and more.