Integration of AI into design
In 2024, AI is having more of an involvement in current UX/UI design practices. Designers are using machine learning to analyse and understand user behaviours. Through machine learning algorithms, AI can identify patterns in how users interact with an interface, such as their preferred layout, features they use most often, and even the time they spend on certain tasks. This data allows the interface to adjust to suit each user's needs.
AI is also helping designers to create interfaces that adapt to individual preferences, offering a more personalised and predictive user experience. As a user browses a site, an AI can monitor their interactions. Like the products they're interested in, the filters they apply, and the items they add to their cart. Over time, the AI learns the user's shopping habits and preferences.
Voice-to-speech search assistance
Voice commands are evolving with voice-to-speech search assistance. By using advanced natural language processing, this trend ensures that users get more accurate and context-aware responses, making voice interactions smoother and more intuitive.
With the evolution of voice-to-speech search assistance and natural language processing (NLP), devices can also now tackle more complex queries. For example, if a user asks what they should wear for the day, a smart assistant can analyse the local weather forecast, consider the user's past choices for certain types of clothing in similar conditions, and then respond with a tailored suggestion.
Cross-platform UX
As users move between devices, consistency is really important. Cross-platform UX is all about providing a seamless experience on all devices, whether you’re browsing or using a digital product on a phone, tablet or desktop. As users increasingly switch between devices throughout the day, ensuring that their experience remains seamless is crucial for maintaining engagement.
For instance, a navigation structure may be consistent across devices, but is also optimised for each platform. On a desktop, an app might feature a sidebar for easy access to different sections, while on a mobile device, this sidebar might be replaced with a bottom navigation bar or burger menu to suit a smaller screen.
Bright colour palettes
Muted tones are definitely out. 2024 is all about bright, bold and eye-catching colours in interface design. These vibrant palettes not only draw the user in, but also create friendly, positive and visually stimulating interfaces that enhance user interaction.
Animated icons
Animated icons are becoming popular for adding movement and providing clear, visual cues. These animations guide users through interactions and provide feedback, making navigation more intuitive.
For example, consider a mobile banking app that uses animated icons to improve user navigation. When a user taps on the 'transfer money' icon, the icon transitions into a loading animation such as a pulsating dot, rotating arrow or hourglass. This animation gives instant feedback to reassure the user that their action has been registered and that the transaction is in progress. When complete, the icon could animate into a tick, to show the user their transfer was successful.
Turning negative user experiences into positive messaging
There are more creative ways to control how negative user experiences like error messages are received and processed. By writing witty UX copy or involving interactive graphics, these moments can be turned into more positive opportunities for user engagement.
3D visual elements
3D graphics are making a splash in UI/UX design. These elements add depth and realism to interfaces, creating a more immersive experience. Take an e-commerce site selling furniture that integrates 3D graphics into its product pages. Users can interact with a 3D model of a piece of furniture before they purchase it. They can rotate it 360 degrees, zooming in to inspect it, and view it from different angles. This gives the user a realistic sense of the product, as if they had seen it in person. 3D graphics would also enable the user to position the chair in a 3D-rendered room to visualise how it would look in their own home.
Overstimulation
Although this may have previously gone against the rule book, more UX designers are using controlled overstimulation to keep users engaged and to truly immerse them in a product experience.
For instance, a music streaming app might use controlled overstimulation by triggering a cascade of colourful visuals and dynamic animations when a user discovers a new playlist. This energetic display acts as a celebration, creating a memorable moment that encourages users to explore more content.
Emotionally intelligent design
Emotionally intelligent design is about understanding and responding to user emotions. This trend focuses on creating more human-like and personalised interactions. An example is a meditation app that changes its interface based on the user’s mood. If the app detects that a user is feeling stressed, either through a mood check-in or their interaction patterns, it might offer soothing and calming colours, play calming music, or suggest guided meditations tailored to reduce stress and anxiety. This more empathetic approach helps the user feel understood and supported, creating a comforting experience.
Storytelling and motion design
Storytelling combined with motion design is becoming a powerful tool in UX and UI. By integrating narratives and animations into the user journey, designers are crafting more cohesive and immersive digital experiences.
