UX design is an intriguing field that revolves around crafting fresh products, apps, website layouts, and user interfaces. Both experienced designers and newcomers must keep up with the UX trends to ensure they don’t fall behind in business. 

In this blog, we will be discussing the current UX trends that are being established in 2024.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword in UX design; it's shaping how we interact with tech every day. According to a recent report by Gartner, AI will create $2.9 trillion of business value and recover 6.2 billion hours of worker productivity by 2025.

Today, AI-powered features are everywhere, across all digital platforms, offering users personalised and predictive experiences like never before. Take chatbots, for example. They're not just good at making small talk; they're actually pretty smart. Companies are investing big money in them because they're super-efficient at handling customer queries in real-time. In fact, research from Grand View Research says the global chatbot market is set to hit a cool $1.25 billion by 2025 – that's a lot of virtual chatter!

But AI's impact extends far beyond customer service. Recommendation systems, fueled by AI algorithms, are reshaping how content is curated and delivered to users. Netflix, for instance, attributes 80% of content watched on its platform to recommendations powered by AI. By analysing user preferences and behaviour patterns, these systems deliver tailored recommendations that keep users engaged and satisfied.

The key takeaway here is that AI integration is not just about enhancing user interactions; it's about driving business value and fostering deeper connections with users. As AI continues to evolve, designers will play a crucial role in leveraging its capabilities to create intuitive and impactful experiences that meet the ever-changing needs of users and businesses alike.

With smartphones practically glued to our hands these days, it's no surprise that mobile-first design is a big deal. In fact, it's gone from being just a trend to an absolute must-have for any digital product worth its salt.

Why all the hype? Well, consider this: according to Statista, there are over 3.8 billion smartphone users worldwide – that's nearly half the global population! With so many people accessing digital content on their phones, it's clear that designing for mobile isn't just an afterthought; it's a top priority.

So, what does mobile-first design actually mean? It's all about putting the user experience on mobile devices front and centre. That means designing for smaller screens, where simplicity, clarity, and efficiency are key. After all, nobody wants to squint at tiny text or fiddle with a clunky interface on their phone.

That's where responsive design comes in. UX designers are embracing responsive design principles to ensure that digital experiences look and function seamlessly across all devices – whether it's a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer. According to Google, 61% of users are unlikely to return to a mobile site they had trouble accessing, so getting mobile optimisation right is crucial.

‍

Inclusive design is all about recognising the diverse needs and abilities of users and creating digital experiences that cater to everyone, regardless of their background or abilities. Did you know that according to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability? That's a pretty big chunk of the population – and it's growing every day.

That's where inclusive design comes in. By considering factors like accessibility, language, culture, and cognitive differences, UX designers can create digital experiences that are not only usable but also welcoming to all users. It's all about levelling the playing field and ensuring that everyone has equal access to digital content and services.

So, what does inclusive design look like in practice? Well, it could be as simple as incorporating alternative text for screen readers, so that visually impaired users can access image-based content. Or it could mean providing customisable settings for font size and colour contrast so that users with visual impairments or dyslexia can adjust the design to suit their needs.

But it's not just about accessibility – it's about empathy too. Inclusive design is about putting yourself in the shoes of users from different backgrounds and abilities and designing with their needs in mind. After all, a digital experience that's accessible to everyone is not only the right thing to do – it's also good for business. According to the Click-Away Pound Survey, 71% of users with disabilities will leave a website that's not accessible to them.

Micro interactions are small, subtle design elements that add personality and interactivity to digital experiences. From animated buttons to notification badges, these micro-level interactions play a significant role in shaping user perceptions and behaviours. UX designers are getting really good at leveraging micro interactions to enhance the overall user experience. According to research from Nielsen Norman Group, well-designed micro interactions can make users feel more in control, more engaged, and more satisfied with their overall experience. In fact, 83% of users say that a seamless user experience across all devices is important to them, and micro interactions are a big part of making that happen.

But it's not just about making things look pretty – micro interactions also serve a practical purpose. They provide feedback to users, guiding them through tasks and helping them understand how to interact with a digital interface. Ever tried to submit a form online, only to realise you missed a required field? That little error message that pops up – that's a micro interaction at work, gently nudging you in the right direction.

And let's not forget about delight – because who doesn't love a little bit of joy in their digital interactions? Micro interactions can create moments of delight that surprise and delight users, making their experience more memorable and enjoyable. Whether it's a cute animation that plays when you like a post or a satisfying sound effect when you successfully complete a task, these small touches can leave a lasting impression on users and keep them coming back for more.

‍

With voice-enabled devices becoming increasingly common, VUIs are upgrading how we interact with technology.

From smart speakers like Amazon Echo and Google Home to virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, VUIs are everywhere these days. They offer hands-free and intuitive interactions that make our lives easier and more efficient. According to a report by Statista, the number of voice assistants in use is expected to reach 157 million by 2026 in the US alone, up from 142 million in 2022. That's a pretty staggering growth rate!

UX designers are at the forefront of this revolution, exploring new design paradigms and voice interaction patterns to create seamless VUI experiences that understand user intent and respond in a way that feels conversational and intuitive.

So, what does that look like in practice? Well, it could be something as simple as asking your smart speaker to play your favourite song or checking the weather with a quick voice command. But it goes beyond that – VUIs are also being used in healthcare, finance, and other industries to provide personalised assistance and support. For example, voice-enabled virtual assistants are helping patients manage chronic conditions, providing medication reminders, and answering medical questions in real-time.

By harnessing the power of voice technology, brands can create immersive and engaging experiences that resonate with users on a human level. Whether it's providing personalised recommendations, answering questions, or just having a casual conversation, VUIs have the potential to transform how we interact with technology and make our digital experiences more natural, intuitive, and enjoyable. So, next time you find yourself talking to your smart speaker or virtual assistant, remember – you're not just talking to a machine, you're engaging with the future of digital interaction.

Wrapping up, it's clear that UX design is always on the move. So, let's recap the UX trends of 2024 so far:

• AI Integration -  AI isn't just a fancy term anymore; it's making our online experiences smarter and more personal. Think chatbots that can actually hold a conversation and recommendation systems that know your binge-watching habits better than you do.
• Mobile-First Design -  With everyone glued to their smartphones, designing for mobile isn't just a trend - it's a must. Responsive design ensures your website looks just as slick on a tiny screen as it does on a big one.
• Inclusive Design -  Everyone deserves a spot in the digital world, right? Inclusive design is all about making sure no one gets left behind, whether they're visually impaired, dyslexic, or just not tech-savvy.
• Microinteractions - It's the little things that count, like those tiny animations or sound effects that add more fun and interactivity. They may seem small, but they pack a punch in making your user journey smoother and more enjoyable.
• Voice User Interfaces (VUIs) - Chatting with your smart speaker or virtual assistant isn't just cool – it's the future. These voice-enabled devices are changing the game, making tech more intuitive and human-like than ever before.

So, whether you're tweaking your website layout or brainstorming the next big app idea, keep these trends in mind. By staying in the loop and embracing the latest in UX design, you'll be sure to create experiences that not only wow your users but also keep them coming back for more. Need help with your UX design? Our expert team of UX designers are ready to help, simply get in touch. 

‍