UI UX Design Trends in 2023

Fahim Bin Omar
Bootcamp
Published in
9 min readJun 1, 2023

User interface design trends are constantly evolving, driven by changes in technology, user behavior, and overall design aesthetics. As we move into 2023, several emerging user interface design trends are shaping the digital landscape. In this article, we’ll explore some of the notable user interface design trends that are gaining attention.

User interface design trends are ever-changing and it is important for designers to stay up to date with the latest developments. The trends we’ve explored in this article are just some examples of the many ways user interface design is changing. By incorporating these trends into their designs, designers can create more engaging, intuitive, and user-friendly experiences for their users.

Neumorphism

Neumorphism
Neumorphism is a design trend that has grown in popularity in recent years. This involves creating designs that mimic real-world objects, using shadows and highlights to create the illusion of depth and texture. The end result is a modern yet familiar design. Neutralism is especially well-suited to minimalist designs and can help create a sense of calm and simplicity.

Light & Dark Mode

Dark Mode
Dark Mode has been around for a while, but it’s still a popular trend in user interface design. Dark mode refers to using a dark background instead of a light background. It is especially useful for mobile devices, as it reduces eye strain and improves battery life. The dark mode is also considered more polished and modern than the light mode and can help create a sense of depth and contrast. Dark mode has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it is likely to continue to be a trend in 2023. This is because dark mode can be easier on the eyes and can save battery life on devices with OLED screens. However, it is important to offer users the option to switch to light mode if they prefer.

3D Design

3D Design
With advancements in technology, the use of 3D elements and immersive experiences in UI design is likely to increase. Three-dimensional graphics, parallax scrolling, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) elements can create a more interactive and captivating user experience. 3D design is becoming more and more popular in user interface design, thanks to advances in technology that allow for more realistic and interactive designs. 3D design can be used to create more immersive experiences and can help convey information in more engaging ways. However, it is important to use 3D design sparingly and in a way that enhances the user experience, rather than overwhelming it.

Voice User Interfaces (VUI)

Voice User Interfaces (VUI)
Voice UI is a trend that is gaining momentum as more and more people use voice assistants like Siri and Alexa. Voice user interfaces allow users to interact with technology in natural language, which can be more intuitive and user-friendly than traditional user interfaces. Voice user interfaces can also be used to create more accessible designs, as they can help remove barriers for people with visual or mobility impairments. As voice assistants and smart speakers continue to gain popularity, integrating voice user interfaces into applications and websites can enhance accessibility and user convenience. Voice commands, voice search, and voice-guided interactions are expected to become more prevalent in UI design.

Advanced Micro-Interaction and Motion Design

Advanced Micro-Interaction and Motion Design
Microinteractions are small interactive elements that improve the overall user experience. They can be used to provide feedback, create excitement, or guide the user through a process. Microinteractions are often subtle and unobtrusive, but they can have a big impact on the overall user experience.

Focusing on micro-interactions is one of the key trends of 2022. These subtle design animations enhance the user experience and provide a level new of communication with users, bringing digital designs to life and enhancing brands. experience.
Micro-interaction is expected to be common in digital design and is one of the core styles defined in design systems and user interface sets along with color palettes and typography. As this trend has continued strong over the years, micro-interactions and animations have become more sophisticated and advanced. There are new resources emerging that make it easier to include these animations in digital products. Libraries like Lottie Files allow designers to create stunning animations while keeping file sizes small and smooth.

Gradients

Gradients
Gradients are making a comeback in user interface design, as designers experiment with bold and colorful designs. Gradient colors can be used to create a sense of depth and dimension, and they can help draw attention to key design elements. The gradient can also be used to create a sense of movement, especially effective in mobile designs.

Minimalistic and Clean Designs

Minimalistic and Clean Designs
Minimalism continues to be a popular choice for UI design. Clean and clutter-free interfaces with ample white space, simple typography, and a focus on essential elements will likely remain prevalent. Minimalism is a design trend that has been around for a while, but it’s still popular in user interface design. Minimalism is all about using clean, simple designs that focus on the essentials. It is especially suitable for mobile designs where space is limited. Minimalist designs can help create a sense of calm and simplicity, and they can be very effective at conveying information quickly and clearly.

No more parallax scrolling

No more parallax scrolling

Parallax scrolling was a popular trend a few years ago, but it is starting to fall out of favor. This is because it can be disorienting and make it difficult to focus on the content. Instead, designers are focusing on creating smooth and seamless scrolling experiences. Many websites will phase out parallax scrolling by 2023. This feature is obsolete and deprecated now!
Parallax scrolling is a visual effect in which the background moves at a different speed than the foreground using CSS. It is only effective when there is a lot of information and it is necessary to draw the user’s attention to all the information.

Giant Typeface

Giant Typeface
In 2022, we’re talking about big typography as a visual trend that helps organizations simplify their messaging. In 2023, this trend has grown and now we welcome giant typography.
This obvious trend is to take advantage of larger screen resolutions. The most popular fonts in digital design today are moving away from classic geometric sans serif fonts in favor of different-sized serif fonts. The popular website Awwwards has a long history of typography-based highlights and this trend will continue to grow and evolve in the years to come.
When it comes to typography, it’s also important to mention the use of the variable Figma font. Variable fonts open up a wide range of styles in a single typeface, giving designers more control and expressiveness by using one or more axes to provide more style.
While static fonts need individual files for each width, weight, or style, variable fonts give you access to the entire range of fonts, all in one file, this means shorter wait times for web pages to load and more time to read that beautiful large typeface.

Cross-device and cross-app user experience

Cross-device and cross-app user experience
Enhanced cross-device and app experiences will become more ubiquitous in 2023. Cross-device user behavior is used as a user interacts with multiple devices at different points in the same user journey, crossing mobile and desktop viewing in the long run.
Clear, real-world examples of cross-app experiences can be found at payment providers and comparison sites. When a user wants to pay a bill through a banking application or is considering taking out a loan or buying insurance through a third-party partner, communication and interaction between different digital products and devices must be clear, transparent, and understandable to users. user.’ user. Another simple example of cross-device design is to cleanly copy the text on iPhone to paste
text in real time on iMac.
Mapping the journey with multiple touch points and understanding how to design for multiple devices is now a must-have skill for all UX and UI designers.

Vivid reels

Vivid reels
Another trend that is growing since 2022 is live scrolls. Last year we looked at a common use of scrolling narration where the user stays in one place and while scrolling, a story unfolds on the screen using motion and images. animations, text, backgrounds, and illustrations. This trend is very closely related to animation and motion design and it continues to grow in popularity and complexity as designers use it to create innovative interfaces.
The scrolling operation itself can now be modified to achieve specific behaviors, such as transitions for certain elements, zooms in and out for videos, and shape changes. for images, etc. When these animations are refined, they become tools for designers to tell richer stories. This feature allows companies to display their products in an immersive and narrative way that is interesting and engaging for users.

Nostalgic and sentimental design

Nostalgic and sentimental design
Beautiful design helps build better relationships with users. Millennials and Gen Z love reference to the ’90s and early 2000s that spark childhood memories and nostalgia. This UI design trend is reminiscent of various visual styles like vintage, retro wave, the 80s and 90s, posters and magazines, Y2K design, and more.
Besides visual appeal, tone and message are also important elements of emotional design. For example, when users get feedback from their apps and devices after running 5K, hitting a milestone, adding a new social contact, and so on, they want to feel rewarded. because of that. Creating these messages with microscopy and retro imagery brings users closer to their goals and helps drive customer engagement and loyalty.

Large font size and immersive experience

Large font size and immersive experience
Users are increasingly looking for interfaces that are easy to read and navigate. This means using larger fonts, more white space, and a more minimalist design. Immersive experiences can be created through the use of animation, video, and other interactive elements.

Make full use of the card UI component

Make full use of the card UI component
Cards are a versatile UI component that can be used to display a variety of content, such as products, images, and articles. They are also a great way to create a sense of hierarchy and organization.

Generative AI in the Design Process

Generative AI in the Design Process
Generative AI is becoming increasingly powerful and is being used by designers to create new and innovative interfaces. This technology can be used to generate everything from color palettes to layouts.

Enhanced Accessibility

Enhanced Accessibility
Designing for accessibility is becoming increasingly important. Inclusive design practices, such as using clear color contrast, providing alternative text for images, and ensuring keyboard navigation, will continue to be emphasized to ensure that digital experiences are accessible to everyone.

Remember that these trends are speculative, and it’s crucial to consider the specific needs and goals of your project, as well as conduct user research to ensure the best possible user experience.

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