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2024's Top UI/UX design trends you can't miss

 

The field of UI/UX design is always changing, and as 2024 approaches, things will be changing even more quickly than before. Having worked in this industry for a number of years, I've seen trends come and go, but this year a couple stand out for their durability and usefulness. Regardless of your level of experience as a designer, staying up to date is vital. Here are several trends that I've personally seen have an influence on my job and the reasons you should be aware of them as well.

 

1. Goal-Oriented Minimalism

 

Which is the trend?
UI/UX design has always been based on minimalism, but in 2024, utility will take precedence over beauty. Nowadays, intentionally eliminating clutter is just as important as lowering the number of things on the screen in order to improve usability. I've observed in my own projects that eliminating distractions increases user attention on important activities and boosts engagement.
 
 
Why Is It Important?

Particularly with regard to mobile devices, users are inundated with interfaces and information these days. Simplicity became crucial when I was creating for my senior care service brand, Helpee. The app's simple UI helped older users in particular by making navigation across it easy. We were able to concentrate on usability by using purpose-driven minimalism, ensuring that each piece had a distinct purpose.

Real-World Illustration:The simplistic UI of Medium, which keeps the emphasis on content while providing a distraction-free reading experience, is among the best examples I've come across.

 

2. Micro-Interaction that Involve

 

Which is the trend?

Micro-interactions, often known as subtle animations, are becoming more sophisticated and common in websites and apps. Users are more engaged when they can linger over buttons and see real-time feedback from their inputs. This encourages them to return.

 

Why Is It Important?

We included micro-interactions in a recent UI redesign project I worked on for an insurance firm in order to increase form completion rates. Subtle animations validated user actions as they clicked on fields or submitted documents, which made the process feel more responsive and seamless. As a result, user annoyance and abandonment rates were significantly decreased.

Real-World Illustration: I like how Duolingo's lively and entertaining animations make learning enjoyable by rewarding users with light-hearted comments.

 

3. Integration of Augmented Reality (AR)

 

Which is the trend?

AR is no longer limited to video games. 2024 will see an increase in the number of brands using augmented reality in regular encounters, particularly in retail and education. AR-guided user manuals and virtual showrooms are just two examples of how this is making the digital experience seem more real.

 

Why Is It Important?

I found it difficult to explain the use of augmented reality in UI design when I first started. Nowadays, though, the focus is on developing useful, real-world experiences. One local real estate company I consulted for, for example, had AR elements in their app that let prospective buyers see houses and interior designs in real time. Decision-making became significantly quicker as a result, and user engagement with the product rose.

Real-World Example: IKEA's smartphone app, which enables users to place virtual furniture in their homes, is one of the best examples of augmented reality that I've seen. It's a great illustration of how augmented reality can address actual consumer problems.
 
 

4. Customising the Theme and Using Dark Mode

 

Which is the trend?

Although dark mode has been available for a while, user customisation will be the main focus in 2024. Users may now choose between light and dark themes in more apps, and even create unique ones according to their preferences or surroundings.

 

Why Is It Important?

In my own experience, customer feedback was highly good when we implemented dark mode and theme options for a project at work. Not only did it make text easier to read at night, but consumers also valued that they could customise the interface. It turned into a selling feature for our software, particularly for younger users who desired a customised experience.

Real-World Example: This feature, which lets teams personalise their workspace appearance with custom themes and dark mode, is masterfully implemented in the Slack app.
 
 

5. Voice UX, or conversational user interfaces

 

Which is the trend?

Conversational AI and voice user interfaces (VUIs) are revolutionising user interfaces for digital products. As voice assistants and smart speakers become more commonplace, it is becoming more and more important for app designers to incorporate voice features.

 

Why Is It Important?

I worked on a voice navigation project for a healthcare software that enabled senior users to perform activities with voice commands. Voice interfaces greatly increased the app's accessibility for users with vision impairments or limited mobility, which enhanced user engagement and usability.

Real-World Example: As an illustration, consider Google Assistant. Its conversational design eliminates the need for complicated menu navigation by enabling users to make appointments, set reminders, and even operate smart home appliances using just natural language.

 

6.Design Driven by Sustainability

 

Which is the trend?

Design is becoming influenced by sustainability in ways other than aesthetics; one such area is the reduction of digital carbon footprint. Interface designers are maximising energy and data consumption while encouraging environmentally conscious behaviour.

 

Why Is It Important?

In my design approach, sustainability is a major factor, particularly when it comes to mobile apps. We lowered load times and minimised the app's energy use, especially on battery-intensive devices, for a recent project in Sri Lanka by optimising data load for users on slower connections.

Real-World Example: Ecosia, a search engine that prioritises minimising data consumption and uses its income to plant trees, stands out in this market. Its environmentally sensitive design and goal appeal to people who wish to have a beneficial effect on the environment.

 

7. AI-Assisted Customisation

 

Which is the trend?

In 2024, AI will improve personalisation more than ever. We're moving away from generic user interfaces and towards dynamic ones that change in real time to accommodate user preferences and behaviours.

 

Why Is It Important?

In my experience working on a huge corporation's customer care site, AI-powered personalisation significantly enhanced the user experience. The software would modify its design depending on user behaviour analysis, giving users quicker tasks and more relevant material that was tailored to their previous interactions.

Real-World Illustration:Each user receives a highly customised experience via Spotify's AI-driven suggestions, including its "Discover Weekly" playlist, which keeps users interested and coming back for more.

 

In summary

The 2024 UI/UX design trends are changing the way we think about user-centred design in general, from sustainability to personalisation. To remain competitive, designers must accept these changes and constantly adapt. Whether you're enhancing voice search optimisation, experimenting with augmented reality, or perfecting minimalist designs, keeping up with these trends can put you at the forefront of the market and increase consumer happiness.

 

I hope you find these patterns as helpful in your projects as I have found them to be in mine. They are already proving to be quite helpful. In 2025, which trends are you most looking forward to?

author
Lambodharan K Sharma

UX Designer, Apptimus