As we bid farewell to another year, we reflect on the trends we foresaw for 2022, many of which have indeed made their mark in digital products across our devices. As we prepare to usher in 2023, we are meticulously examining the ongoing evolution, transformation, and innovative applications of both UI and UX trends for the enhanced satisfaction and delight of users. In this article, we shed light on the trends we believe will endure and potentially gather even more momentum in the upcoming year.
UI Trends
1. Motion Design
Motion design example for iPad Mini by Apple
Motion design is now a crucial part of interface design. Thanks to advancements in animation and video compression, as well as improved internet, browser, and device capabilities, interfaces can feature more intricate and subtle motion effects without sacrificing speed or efficiency.
With user-friendly animation tools and libraries readily available, designers are gaining confidence in experimenting with motion to enhance the dynamic and visually appealing aspects of their designs. By replicating the natural movement and physics of physical objects, designers can create immersive digital interactions.
Looking ahead, motion will continue to play a significant role in video content. Carefully crafted video snippets, dynamic backgrounds, and creative video pop-ups will become even more essential for creating captivating brand experiences.
2. Scrollytelling
Scrollytelling example by Mr.Pops
Let’s dive into a cool aspect of motion design called “scrollytelling” or “immersive scrolling.” Just like other animations and small interactions you see on websites and apps, scrollytelling is becoming pretty popular for making your online experience more exciting.
Okay, so what’s scrollytelling? It’s like a magic trick for your screen. When you scroll down a webpage, instead of just plain text or pictures, cool things happen. It’s not always about making the website work better, but it sure makes it look amazing. It’s like turning the pages of a digital storybook.
Imagine this: as you scroll down a webpage, the background changes, or elements on the page start moving or appearing in a fancy way. It’s like the website is telling you a story through your scrolling. Even if there’s not a ton of stuff on the page, scrollytelling makes it feel alive and fun.
In simple terms, scrollytelling is a new way of storytelling on the internet. It’s like adding a bit of movie magic to your website. It doesn’t just make things look cool; it also makes you like the brand more and want to use their stuff.
So, as you surf the web, keep an eye out for scrollytelling. It’s a cool trend that’s just getting started, and you’ll see all sorts of creative things happening on websites because of it.
Scrollytelling example by Bloom.xyz
3. New Bolder Minimalism
The next step in the minimalism trend might not seem totally new at first, but it’s got some cool twists. So, you know how minimalism is all about keeping things simple? Well, that’s still the core idea: focus on stuff that works, skip the fancy decorations, and leave lots of empty space. But here’s the interesting part.
They’re going for a monochromatic look, which means using one color (but in different shades) to make things look really sleek. Plus, they’re using big, flat blocks of color and adding lots of space around stuff, so it doesn’t feel crowded. Everything still looks soft and smooth, with rounded edges and simple graphics, but they’re mixing in different types of fonts to make it more interesting.
So, what’s new in this trend? Well, it’s about making your digital world feel personalized and unique while keeping things super clear and easy to use. It’s like having your cake and eating it too — minimalist, but with a pop of style and personality. Keep an eye out for this fresh take on minimalism in the coming year!
4. Happy Colors / Dopamine inducing palettes
Picture this: a fashion trend called “dopamine dressing” is making a splash. It’s all about embracing vibrant and cheerful colors, inspired by the retro styles making a comeback in recent years. And guess what? This trend isn’t just for clothes; it’s also changing the way we design digital stuff.
Imagine mixing bold colors, adding a touch of texture, and using soothing shades that make you feel good. Then, toss in some retro vibes, and you’ve got a recipe for a funky and eye-catching design. Sometimes, it even means breaking the traditional design rules to create something super unique.
But here’s the kicker: this burst of happiness is spreading everywhere, even big brands are catching on. They might have a more serious look most of the time, but they’re jumping on the dopamine color train for special campaigns. It’s like they’re adding a pop of fun without changing their whole style.
So, whether you’re a fan of the 70s or part of Generation Z, get ready to see more of these vibrant and joyful designs that’ll give your brain a little dopamine boost!
5. Aurora Gradients
If you thought that after Instagram’s makeover, the gradient trend would disappear, think again. Gradients are here to stay, but they’ve got a fresh twist.
Imagine colors blending together like a beautiful sunset or the Northern Lights. That’s what we call “aurora gradients,” and they’re all the rage. These vibrant color combos create a dreamy, almost magical vibe that gives a nod to the cool styles of the ’80s and ’90s. It’s not exactly new, but it’s growing and showing up everywhere, not just in tech but in all sorts of industries.
They’re called aurora gradients because they look a bit like the Northern Lights, those mesmerizing lights in the sky. When you mix colors in just the right way, it makes your design feel elevated, mysterious, and oh-so-smooth. So, get ready to see more of these dreamy gradients in web and app designs — they’re like a splash of color magic!
UX Trends
1. Cross-device experience
Imagine this: you’re used to apps working smoothly on all your gadgets, thanks to companies like Apple setting the standard for seamless device use. You expect everything to work together seamlessly, whether you’re on your phone, tablet, or computer. Well, guess what? This isn’t just a habit anymore; it’s a must-have for users.
But here’s the exciting part: people are finding all sorts of cool ways to use this flexibility. Experts in user experience and technology will have their hands full. They’ll be working on making sure that switching between devices is super smooth, even when things get a bit tricky or unusual.
But there’s an even bigger challenge. They need to find new ways to make our lives easier with this cross-device magic. They’re not just fixing problems; they’re looking for new ways to make us happy by meeting our needs and solving our tech headaches.
So, get ready for a world where your devices play nice together, and tech experts are on a mission to make your life even better. It’s all about making your digital world work like a well-oiled machine!
2. Emotional design
Let’s talk about something that’s been around as long as people have been studying how we use stuff on screens. It’s called “emotional design,” and it’s a big deal because it reminds us that we humans make choices based on how we feel, not just what makes logical sense.
Now, here’s the thing: there are so many digital products out there that just being new and easy to use isn’t enough to stand out anymore. It’s like there’s too much of a good thing. So, what’s the secret sauce? It’s all about making people feel something when they use your product. That’s where emotional design comes in.
To get really good at this, the experts — those UX researchers — have to dig deep. They’re not just studying how things work; they’re figuring out how to make you feel happy or excited when you use something. They want to know what little things can make you smile or feel connected before you even think about it too much.
They’re looking at tiny movements, words that make you feel like they get you, and even how your stuff can be unique to you. It’s all about creating products that make you go, “Wow, this is awesome!” So, get ready for a future where the things you use online aren’t just functional; they’re also designed to make you feel great. It’s like adding a dash of magic to your digital world!
3. (Hyper) Personalization
In the world of emotional design, get ready to hear more about “personalization.” It’s like that friend who knows exactly what you like and makes your day better. Whether it’s a health app, a smart home setup, or a to-do list app, they’re all getting smarter at knowing what you need.
Here’s the deal: they want to make your experience unique, like it’s made just for you. To do this, experts are diving deep into learning about you. They’re figuring out how to gather the right info, but don’t worry, it’s all with your permission. This way, they can make your interactions with these gadgets and apps feel even more special.
They’re not just stopping there. They’re also thinking about how all your devices can talk to each other to create a seamless and super-personalized experience. It’s like having a team of tech wizards working behind the scenes to make your digital world all about you.
So, get ready for a future where your tech doesn’t just work well; it’s like your own personal digital assistant, making your life easier and more enjoyable. It’s all about giving you the VIP treatment in the digital world!
4. Micro-interactions
Let’s talk about something small but super important in the world of technology: “micro-interactions.” These are like the little things that make your gadgets feel more human and friendly. But here’s the cool part: they’re not just about making things look nice; they’re about making your tech work even better.
So, what are these micro-interactions all about? Well, they come into play when you’re already well into building a digital project. It’s like adding the finishing touches to a painting. But to do it right, you need to understand how everything flows and how your actions and the tech’s actions create a dance of sorts.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. These tech wizards are not only looking at how the tech behaves but also diving into your brain and how you think. They’re even checking out how physical things work to find inspiration. All of this is to find new ways to make your interactions with gadgets feel smooth and intuitive.
So, in the future, get ready for technology that not only works great but also feels like it understands you. It’s like having a tech buddy who knows just what you need, even before you ask!
*Honourable mention
Sustainability in tech
Sustainability is like making sure we don’t use up all our resources today and leave nothing for the folks who come after us. It’s not just about protecting the environment; it’s also about keeping our lives good in every way — environmentally, socially, and economically.
Now, we know that the tech world isn’t always the most eco-friendly. But we, the architects of the digital world, have a duty to change that. We’re on a mission to make sustainable choices part of your everyday tech experience. That means giving you clear info and tools to make eco-friendly choices when you’re using digital stuff.
But here’s the thing: we’re also keeping it real. We won’t hide our mistakes or pretend to be greener than we are. We believe in honest and transparent green efforts.
And it’s not just about your choices; it’s about creating tech that tackles big issues like climate change and food shortages. We want to make these solutions user-friendly because we know that’s how we’ll make a real impact.
But we’re not stopping there. We’re also bringing the sustainability talk to our workplaces. From reducing our tech’s environmental footprint to using eco-friendly hosting services, there are tons of ways we can make a difference.
Remember, UI and UX trends are cool, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. We’re here to make your tech experience helpful, intuitive, and delightful while also making the world a better place for everyone, now and in the future.
Written by Ai Human
