UX: the 10 latest UX trends (user experience design)

Nowadays, a website without a well-cared user experience is like a light bulb without light. Therefore staying updated on the latest UX trends is crucial!

The user experience, or UX, is how we move through a given website and how we perceive it. If the navigation is fluid and attractive, the user will spend more time on the interface, which will help us to position ourselves in Google, but it will also help to meet their needs as a customer, even getting them to recommend us to more people.

But it is not enough to build a website with the user experience in mind, you also have to keep up to date with trends, which change and evolve in the same way as the needs of our customers.

To prevent those who enter your website from leaving after a few seconds, you must take into account some basic factors such as having an adequate loading speed, as nobody likes to wait longer than necessary for a website to load, or minimising 404 errors, which frustrate online visitors. These are some examples of basic elements to take into account when creating a user interface.

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New UX design trends

We list the following design trends and explain them in a very brief way.

In addition to the basic elements, to fine-tune the user experience on our website, we must take into account the strategies that work best at all times.

To help you, we tell you the ten latest UX design trends.

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UX Design trends infographic — UX Design Trends – Infographic

#1 Augmented Reality (AR & VR)

Augmented reality (AR) is no longer limited to gaming. It has spread to other sectors such as online shops, education or travel agencies.

It is a trend that is gaining popularity and presence in all kinds of devices and themes. This tool offers immersive experiences for users and helps to connect very well with the audience, improving usability and favouring the memory of the experience.

#2 Voice user interface

This trend has been with us for a while now and everything seems to point to the fact that voice assistants like Siri or Alexa will stay with us.

Users can interact with the interface while performing everyday actions such as cooking, driving or working. In addition to improving the user experience, they are a very helpful option for people with accessibility problems.

app wireframes — App wireframes. Source: Unsplash

#3 UX Writing

Taking care of the design is as important as taking care of the content. If we don’t do so, we will convey an impersonal, cold and not very credible tone that does not benefit us in any way when it comes to connecting with our customers.

It is not about saying more, but about saying more with less and building a pleasant user experience, also with words, through shorter messages and direct headlines that help users to know where they are and how you can help them.

#4 Micro-Interactions

Microinteractions are actions such as “Like” or “Retweet” that are performed through a click.

They favour the interaction between user and application, making it more attractive. Ideally, these small interactions should be differentiating and have animations, sounds or colours that make them more dynamic and encourage tactile satisfaction, increasing the arrival of potential users and promoting a careful and current image.

#5 AI & Automations & Machine Learning

Curiosity and the use of emotions are encouraging users to spend more time on apps and websites.

To achieve this effect, almost all development processes are applying elements of machine learning and artificial intelligence at their core. The user interface becomes more user-friendly and with a higher degree of personalisation, as in the case of Netflix or Spotify.

The personalised experiences that are generated are adapted to meet the needs of users and retain their interest.

#6 Minimalistic Design

We live surrounded by pop-ups, spam, notifications and smartphones full of notifications. Users are saturated with information and therefore, there is a current preference for simpler and more orderly designs.

UX design chooses colours, proportions and compositions to create aesthetically pleasing and orderly experiences that facilitate usability. Highlighting the best qualities of a product and conveying the right emotions becomes the priority and the offer is no longer important.

#7 Mobile First

Almost half of all the internet queries come from mobiles and the figure is rising. We use our phones to find the nearest ATM, buy cinema tickets or book our next holiday.

That’s why it’s important that web design doesn’t just look good on the desktop version. Responsive design has become a significant UX trend and is a great way to improve customer interaction.

mobile app design — Mobile wireframe design. Source: Unsplash

#8 Ethical Design

Today’s consumer is much more conscious. They care about the ethics of the products they consume and the way a company sells.

UX focuses on showing the ethics of a brand, for example by showing how products are made or services are provided.

Today, most conscious users want to know one of the first things is not necessarily the price, but the brand values.

#9 Realistic 3D Elements, Unique & Absurd 2D Illustrations

Visual elements are still important, but they are becoming less generic, more elegant and sophisticated.

3D graphics and animations bring the central objects of websites and apps to life, making it easier for users to grasp concepts quickly.

UX specialists integrate these elements to capture interest and instil brand personality. Complex animations make an interface even more compelling. They push the boundaries between real life and digital experience and are less difficult to integrate than virtual or augmented reality.

✏️ Recommended article: The 8 latest UI trends (User Interface Design)

#10 Font

Font helps to give hierarchy to the information and to give it a more visual meaning. Apart from the usability aspect, this trend gives a more modern touch.

In 2021, font design takes centre stage and becomes an element of the design itself, with spectacular large fonts or fonts that occupy a predominant position on the web, giving a fresh look to the websites that implement this resource.

The Future of UX

As we know, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected many sectors, especially services. These businesses have had to look for new channels and solutions to reach their audiences and stay afloat.

One of the tools they have come across is UX design, which helps them connect with the user and allows them to differentiate themselves from the competition, providing much more intuitive accessibility.

? Continue reading: Growth-Driven Design: the Approach to Get the Most Out of Your Website

It is no longer only the design of products that are improved, but also platforms with a better design. Interactivity and usability become an additional product.

The UX and UI are often confused with the same thing. This video explains the differences with a practical example:

Final Thoughts

The UX trends respond to a change in the way users relate to the online world. They no longer focus so much on offers but are looking for something different and with which they can connect on a more personal level.

Depending on our type of user we will have to implement some trends and not others, to achieve better results and brand image. Only by taking this into account will you achieve a really attractive design and experience.

If you are concerned about web usability and you are looking for an expert in user experience, welcome to Yeeply! We have the best UX professionals who will design an impactful website for your users. If you want to know what we can do for you, contact us and we will help you.