Exploring the Rise and Potential Future of Neumorphism in UX/UI Design

‘Let’s Talk UX’ Vol. 3: Neumorphism

Neumorphism is a design trend that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in the field of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design. It involves creating digital interfaces that have a soft, 3D, almost holographic look and feel. This is achieved through the use of gradients, shadows, and other design elements that give the impression of depth and dimensionality.

One of the main goals of Neumorphism is to create a more immersive and intuitive user experience. It aims to blur the lines between the digital and physical world, and to create a sense of continuity and cohesiveness in the user interface. Neumorphism can be used in a variety of contexts, including in mobile apps, websites, and even hardware interfaces.

The Top Benefits to Using Neumorphic Design

1. Creating a sense of depth and dimensionality: One of the main benefits of Neumorphism is that it can make digital interfaces feel more immersive and lifelike. By using gradients, shadows, and other design elements to give the impression of depth, designers can create a sense of physicality and presence that is often lacking in flat, 2D interfaces.
2. Guiding user attention: Neumorphism can be used to guide the user’s attention to specific elements of the interface. For example, designers can use highlights and shadows to create the illusion of buttons or other interactive elements protruding from the surface of the screen. This can help users find and use important features more easily.
3. Making interfaces feel more intuitive and natural: By creating a more realistic, 3D look and feel, Neumorphism can help to make interfaces feel more intuitive and natural to use. This can be particularly useful for tasks that involve manipulating virtual objects or interacting with digital environments in a lifelike way.

Apple Continues to Innovate

An example of a website that uses good Neumorphic design is Apple. Apple’s use of Neumorphic design is better than others because it is minimal and elegant, with calming and inviting elements. It also has subtle textures and shadows that make interactions more tactile and intuitive. Additionally, the design allows for user customization, allowing users to tailor their experience to their needs and preferences. This makes the user experience more enjoyable and easier to navigate.

In the coming years, Apple’s use of Neumorphic design could evolve to take advantage of new technologies such as 3D perspectives and motion design. This could make the design more engaging and interactive, and allow users to even more easily tailor their experience to their needs and preferences.

The 3 Things to Avoid as a Neumorphic Designer

1. Overuse of Neumorphic elements: A first common pitfall of Neumorphic design is overusing these elements, which can lead to visual clutter and make the interface harder to use. It is important for designers to use Neumorphism sparingly and in a way that enhances the user experience, rather than detracting from it.
2. Lack of usability: Another pitfall of Neumorphic design is that it can sometimes prioritise aesthetics over usability. For example, designers may use Neumorphism to create an interface that looks visually appealing, but that is not necessarily easy or intuitive to use. It is important for designers to consider the needs and goals of their users and to ensure that their designs are functional and usable.
3. Poor accessibility: Neumorphism can also pose challenges for users with disabilities, particularly those who rely on visual cues to interact with interfaces. For example, some users may have difficulty distinguishing between raised and recessed elements if the design uses similar gradients or shadows for both. It is important for designers to consider the accessibility of their designs and to ensure that they are usable by as many people as possible.

Spotify Doesn’t Seem to be Listening

Spotify is an example of a website that utilises a Neumorphic design that is often seen as inadequate. Spotify’s Neumorphic design is unacceptable due to its busyness, its bright colours and gradients, and its lack of customization or personalization options. Furthermore, this implementation of Neumorphism fails to consider important UX/UI elements, such as user flow and readability, which can cause confusion and lead to a subpar experience with increased abandonment rates.

Signing Off

Thank you for reading this article! I hope that it has helped shed some light on Neumorphic design and that this article has provided some helpful advice on how to create an effective Neumorphic design. I look forward to sharing more updates in the future and hope that you’ll check in to find out what’s new. Thank you again for your time and attention!\

Author- Matt Harris (UX/ UI Designer at Empirisys)

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