There’s little dispute that UI design is one of the most exciting, creative, and in-demand fields in tech. But with the software industry growing and maturing with each passing day, new technologies, products, and services emerging in an endless stream, and the behavior of customers constantly changing—keeping up with UI design trends can seem like an impossible task.
To help you to stay ahead of the game, we’ve rounded up five trends that are set to shake things up in 2024.
- Hyper personalization
- Micro-interactions
- Voice UI
- Sustainable design
- Functional design
- Final thoughts
Without further ado, let’s dive right in!
1. Hyper personalization
Imagine interfaces that adapt to your individual preferences, context, and even mood. That’s the potential of hyper-personalization, which uses AI and machine learning to tailor UI elements and interactions to each user. This could mean dynamically changing layouts, showcasing relevant content, and even adjusting the tone of voice and visuals based on your past behavior.
Expect to see hyper-personalization in a variety of applications, from news feeds and shopping experiences to productivity tools and even educational platforms. By offering highly individualized experiences, interfaces can become more engaging, efficient, and ultimately more human-centered.
2. Micro-interactions
While they are by no means a new trend, micro-interactions are nevertheless worth watching in 2024. Typically found all over your electronic device and within most apps, micro-interactions can make the difference between a good website or app and an exceptional one. Every micro-interaction on a user interface tells a story, sets the atmosphere, and helps to establish a brand’s personality.
With micro-interactions, it’s possible to experiment with new design solutions and look for new ways to surprise your users. Reflect on how your users would interact with the platform, then design the appropriate interaction to engage with them along the way. One thing’s for sure: as the use of micro-interactions increases, any website or app that lacks them may get overshadowed.
3. Voice UI
Voice user interface is one of the biggest trends that will continue to dominate in 2024—so much so that mouses and keyboards have already started to become redundant. It’s predicted that the voice recognition market will reach $27.16 billion by 2026.
Not to mention the rise of voice notes on WhatsApp and general use of voice for search. According to one source, over 40% of adults use voice search at least once per day. Voice UI can guide users and help them navigate complex digital products without substantial assistance from other features, such as screens.
The most significant advantage of using voice UI is that it eliminates the requirement for a graphical user interface, and elevates the user experience of your website or app.
(Along these lines, if you want to break into UI design, you should learn a little about Zero UI.)
4. Sustainable design
As environmental awareness grows, so too does the demand for sustainable design practices. This extends to the digital world, with UI designers increasingly focusing on reducing the environmental impact of their creations. This might involve using energy-efficient animations, optimizing loading times, and choosing eco-friendly fonts and materials.
Sustainable design isn’t just about being green; it’s also about creating responsible and ethical digital experiences. By minimizing their environmental footprint, UI designers can contribute to a more sustainable future for both humanity and the planet.
5. Accessible design
The demand for accessible design has rightfully skyrocketed in recent years—and in 2024, we predict (and hope) that it will increasingly be seen as a necessity rather than an afterthought. Users with permanent, temporary, or situational disabilities interact with a website or app in different ways, and adopting an inclusive mindset is essential for designing a product that everyone can enjoy.
Accessible design can take the form of gesture recognition technologies, voice input, fully responsive layout, consistent navigation, accessible audio/video elements, transcripts, captions in audio/video content, and high-contrast color combinations. Whatever you do in 2024, ensure you’re taking on an accessibility-first approach.
To learn more, check our our handy guide on what not to do when getting started in UI design.
6. Final thoughts
So there we have it: five exciting UI design trends to keep you on your toes in the new year. Staying abreast of new trends won’t just challenge and improve your skills as a UI designer; it will also ensure you remain in tune with the shapeshifting needs and preferences of your users. You’ll also enjoy the added bonus of always being one step ahead of the competition as we enter a brand-new decade in design.
Diversifying your reading list, attending regular UI design networking events, frequenting UI design blogs, and completing design challenges are just a few ways to stay in the know of new and emerging trends in the burgeoning field of UI design. Remember, keeping an open mind is key!
For even more UI design trends, check out these 8 typography trends that will transform your user interface. Want to explore the field of UI design in more detail? Check out these blog posts: