What will the user experience look like in 2022 and beyond? This is a question that many UX designers are still asking themselves, even as we move into the second half of the year. After all, the technology landscape is constantly changing and evolving, so it’s tough to predict what will happen next.
However, now that we’re a few years into the new decade, we can see some patterns emerging—meaning that there are a few UX design trends that we can be reasonably certain about. Here, we will explore some top trends predicted over the next few years.
Trend #1: Gesture-based interfaces
We’ve seen the rise of gesture-based interfaces thanks to designs like the Apple Watch and the Samsung Galaxy S10. These systems allow you to navigate through apps and do specific tasks without needing to use a keyboard or a touchscreen keyboard. There are a few reasons why gesture-based interfaces are becoming so popular.
First, users are getting more comfortable with the idea of not needing physical buttons on their devices, thanks to the rise of voice recognition. Second, gesture-based interfaces are becoming more common and accessible to designers.
After all, in this fast-moving world, gestures are often much easier and faster than typing on a keyboard. They save users the time they would spend clicking on a screen. This is why we expect to see the popularity of gesture-based interfaces increase over the next few years.
Trend #2: Voice recognition
More people than ever before are starting to use voice recognition. Whether it’s for interacting with smart home devices, ordering takeout from an app, or even just setting timers and reminders on their phones, voice recognition is becoming a much more common part of our daily lives.
We can expect this to continue growing as the usability, accessibility, and affordability of devices supporting voice recognition increase. That’s because more and more devices will start to include this as a standard feature.
More companies and startups are also developing voice recognition software and tools. This means that businesses will be able to use this feature to interact with users and customers. Anticipate seeing voice recognition become a much more common way to interact with devices.
Trend #3. Virtual and Augmented Reality
Virtual and augmented reality is becoming common online. We’ve already seen some big companies and brands use VR and AR for marketing purposes, like the Pokémon Go events earlier this year or any immersive blockchain games like Somnium or Revomon.
VR and AR are also used to allow users to explore new products and services before buying them. This means that consumers can try things out before making a purchase—something that has caused a lot of excitement in the industry.
Along with being used for marketing purposes, we can also expect to see more websites start to use this technology to boost their functionality as VR and AR are increasingly accessible and affordable.
Trend #4: 3D and Animation
As more devices and apps rely on voice recognition and gesture-based interfaces, animation will become critical in the user experience design of products. The reason is that animation can help users understand a product’s functionality and how different parts of the device work.
Animation is already a big part of user experience design. In fact, some companies have even started hiring dedicated UX designers specializing in these areas—and more organizations are following suit.
As VR and AR become more common, more products will need to include 3D and animation to help users understand how they work. UX designers will need to learn how to work in these mediums.
Trend #5: Dark Mode
Dark mode has been a common design trend throughout much of the past decade. However, it has recently become more popular as designers realize that dark modes are much better for your eyes.
More companies have started to roll out this feature for their websites, apps, and other digital products. We’ve also seen it appear in design conferences, expos, and other events.
We expect dark mode to become even more popular as designers continue to realize its benefits. In addition, as more devices start to include eye-friendly features like red lights and blue light filters, dark mode is expected to become commonplace.
Trend #6. Screen Size and Pixel Optimization
As devices start to include voice recognition, 3D and animation features, the design of many products will change. Products will be able to understand what users are saying and what they’re trying to do.
This means that the design of many products will need to change to accommodate these new features—often by becoming more minimalistic. Products with a lot of visual information can be complex for voice recognition to understand.
As a result, we will continue to see screen sizes and design resolutions increase. For designers out there, this means one thing: they will need to start designing for larger and more complicated products that can understand a wider variety of commands.
Trend #7: Inclusive Design
Accessibility has always been a big part of UX design. However, it has taken on a much broader meaning as more devices get added to the internet of things.
Designers have realized that accessibility isn’t just about making products that people with disabilities can use. Instead, it’s about ensuring that products are usable for as many people as possible.
That’s why it makes sense that designers are starting to make inclusive design a much more significant part of their work. Companies are even beginning to hire dedicated UX designers specializing in this area.
Conclusion
As the tech landscape changes, we will continue to see more trends emerge and take hold. The good news is that we can expect these occurrences thanks to existing technologies; they are easier to predict and prepare for than they were in the past.
The opinions expressed here by Guest Contributors are their own, not those of Rise Marketing.