UI/UX Design Trends of 2024: Next-Gen Experiences

Why is it important to keep up with UI/UX trends?

Some might say that user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design is where business goals meet user needs, creating a digital environment that’s both engaging and drives results.

But why is this so crucial now? The global UI and UX Design Software market, which was valued at $1.16 billion in 2022, is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 23.37%, reaching $4.09 billion by 2028. This growth is driven by an ever-increasing emphasis on creating user-centric designs that attract and retain customers.

Moreover, the current job market trends reflect the demand for skilled UI/UX designers. Despite a 70% drop in UX job listings, 91% of recruiters in the tech sector are concerned about filling open positions in UX design, as per the State of Tech Talent Acquisition Report 2023. The need in the profession and skillset is still there. 

Overall, staying updated with UI/UX design trends is clearly needed. And it’s not just about keeping your digital presence fresh. It’s about making strategic choices that resonate with your audience and drive business growth.

17 UI/UX design trends to engage users

Each trend we’re about to explore offers a glimpse into a future where technology becomes more intuitive, inclusive, and immersive. From voice user interfaces (VUI) that bring a new dimension to immersive virtual realities, these trends are shaping the next chapter in digital marketing and numerous opportunities for marketers and business owners. Let’s get started.

1. Voice user interface (VUI)

The voice user interfaces market is witnessing a remarkable surge, with its size estimated to grow at a CAGR of 23.39% by 2028. This growth is propelled by a forecasted increase of $50.73B billion in the market size. It was valued at $19.73 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand significantly at a CAGR of 21.3% by 2030. 

The expansion of VUI is largely due to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) that enhance the accuracy and understanding of voice commands. Consider this: in 2020, the world had 4.2 billion digital voice assistants in use. By 2024, this number was expected to leap to 8.4 billion units, more than the global population. This growth reflects the increasing integration of voice assistants in our daily lives, from smartphones to smart homes.

VUI’s applications extend across various sectors, revolutionizing user experiences in automotive, smart home solutions, and even the healthcare industry. The integration with the Internet of Things (IoT) made everyday voice interactions more intuitive and user-friendly.

The future of VUI looks promising yet challenging. Addressing issues of accuracy, privacy, and contextual understanding will be crucial in enhancing the overall user experience. The continuing innovation in VUI technology holds significant potential for transforming how we interact with the digital world, making it an essential aspect of modern UI/UX design strategies.

2. AI integration

As the world becomes more digital, so too must the experiences we provide for customers. The next frontier in delivering captivating and personalized experiences is the integration of AI in UI/UX design. From the intricate twines of crafting better-performing copy to the enchanting realms of virtual reality, the application of AI is promising to redefine our interaction with software and services.

Take Uizard, for example. This AI-powered tool streamlines the process of transforming text descriptions into engaging visual prototypes.

Yet another illustration of AI’s potential in the UI/UX area is seen through AI assistants like InVision. It takes prototyping to the next level by marrying creativity with efficiency. It takes the best of both worlds: allowing you to feel like you are scribbling ideas on a whiteboard (which is still the most real way to create) while doing this online at the convenience of any person who needs to join the session, no matter where he or she is located. 

AI’s potential stretches beyond crafting attractive interfaces. Tools like Bard utilize AI to conquer writer’s block, bringing a new level of personalization to the often-overbearing task of content creation. And for improving email designs, you could check tools like Selzy AI Assistant. 

The integration of AI-infused experiences presents lucrative opportunities for businesses that seek to improve their customer interfaces.    

However, using AI in UX/UI designs is not without challenges too. Prominent among them is the importance of ethical design. There’s a need for a balance between hyper-personalization and user consent. Also, the implementation of AI has to be free of bias and respect user privacy to foster building friendly relations with the users.

3. Gesture-based navigation

Fueled by increasing demand for a seamless user experience, gesture-based navigation patterns are gaining popularity. Infusing real-world interactions into digital, this table of contents for the mobile user experience reveals a different virtual reality — one navigated less by taps or clicks and more through intuitive gestures like swipes and pinches.

This shift is backed by significant market growth, with the global gesture recognition market valued at an impressive $8 billion in 2021. This market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 20.3%, potentially reaching $51.3 billion by 2031. This happens because of the increasing demand for intuitive user interfaces in consumer electronics.

Gesture-based interfaces typically fall into two categories: touch-based and touchless. Touchless gesture recognition, in particular, is gaining traction as a leading trend for 2024. This technology allows users to interact with devices without physical contact, which is not only convenient but also offers a hygiene advantage in today’s health-conscious world.

However, embracing gesture-based navigation comes with its set of challenges. Designers must ensure high sensitivity for quick and accurate gesture recognition, and there is a learning curve for users to adapt to new interaction methods. There’s also the potential for gestures to be misinterpreted, leading to user frustration.

Despite these challenges, the benefits of gesture-based interfaces are compelling. They offer an intuitive and natural interaction style, improved user engagement, and space efficiency by removing the need for physical buttons, and greater accessibility for a wider range of users.

4. Data visualization

As we delve deeper into the digital age, data becomes more prevalent and, importantly, more complex. The staggering forecast that global data creation will grow to over 180 zettabytes by 2025 highlights the critical role of data visualization in UX/UI design.

Several key trends are shaping data visualization in 2024, each addressing the growing demand for more dynamic and intuitive ways of presenting data:

1. AI-driven data visualizations: The integration of AI into data analysis isn’t new, but what’s changing is the demand for explainability so that complex data sets become more comprehensible and actionable. For instance, a retail business might use AI-driven visualization to analyze customer purchasing patterns and transform big unstructured data into clear, actionable insights. 
2. Interactive visualizations: Gone are the days of static charts. Now, interactive visualizations are taking the lead, allowing users to engage with data in real time. Imagine a financial analyst at a bank using interactive data visualization tools. Instead of static charts, they can manipulate data in real time, drilling down into different segments to understand loan performance or customer demographics. And that enabled quicker and more informed decisions.
3. Collaborative platforms: Data visualization is increasingly becoming a collaborative effort. Platforms that support team collaboration are enabling a more holistic approach to data interpretation, combining insights from various perspectives. In a marketing agency, for example, collaborative data visualization platforms allow different departments to contribute their insights to a unified dashboard. This approach ensures an understanding of campaign performance, combining insights from creative, sales, and analytics teams. 
4. Immersive augmented reality dashboards: Augmented reality (AR) is pushing the boundaries of traditional data visualization, creating three-dimensional, immersive environments for data interaction beyond the constraints of a screen. Consider a logistics company using AR dashboards to manage its global supply chain. Warehouse managers can walk through a virtual warehouse using AR glasses, interact with data points, and see real-time information on inventory levels, shipment statuses, and delivery schedules overlaid in their real-world view.
5. Real-time data visualization: In a world where change is the only constant, real-time data visualization is becoming essential. This trend allows businesses to respond swiftly and make informed decisions in dynamic environments. Think of paid traffic acquisition teams as an example. They rely on dashboards that update in real time to monitor campaign performance, track engagement metrics, and respond to changes as they happen. This reaction speed allows businesses to optimize their ad spending and prevent unnecessary costs.  

Data visualization’s importance in UX/UI design stems from its ability to transform raw data into compelling visual stories. However, designers’ job is to ensure accuracy and avoid misinterpretation while creating visualizations that are intuitive yet informative. The key is to balance sophistication with simplicity.

5. 3D elements

From gaming and e-commerce to educational apps and virtual event platforms, 3D elements are enhancing user engagement and pushing the boundaries of digital experiences. No longer confined to niche sectors, 3D design is now present in everyday tools, offering depth, perspective, and a slice of realism that breathes life into digital platforms.

This rise in 3D usage is linked to the need for enhanced user engagement. The depth and realism provided by 3D design makes for an immersive environment that transforms even the most mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. Interactive 3D objects on websites are no longer a novelty but sometimes a necessity. The use of 3D animation designs has seen increased conversion rates, as users are more likely to explore and interact with lifelike elements.

In terms of efficiency, the elegance of 3D design in showcasing products allows for a comprehensive view and a seamless onboarding experience as consumers can visualize products in real-world applications. The trend also dovetails with the increasing opportunities in AR and VR technologies, as 3D elements bridge the gap between digital and physical realities.

In essence, integrating 3D visual elements into UX/UI design represents a convergence of technology and creativity that is reshaping the digital landscape. It embodies the latest trends in UI/UX design, where engagement, interactivity, and realism are at the forefront of delivering exceptional digital services and products.

6. AR and VR Integration: Building metaverse and beyond

Brands and designers are unlocking new dimensions in user experience, tapping into the immersive potential of these technologies. And that’s why twin titans of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) continue to weave their way through the UX/UI design landscape.

Metaverse, often seen as the frontier in UI/UX design trends, converges physical, augmented, and virtual reality in a shared online space. It’s like a parallel digital universe, an expansive network of 3D virtual worlds where users can interact, play, work, and socialize. AR and VR technologies are the building blocks of this universe, providing the immersive and interactive experiences that make the Metaverse feel real

While the first thought of many when AR/VR is mentioned is gaming, the tech offers practical applications that extend far beyond entertainment. 

For instance, in virtual marketplaces, users can explore products in three-dimensional detail, making online shopping more interactive and engaging. 

In the context of remote work and education, these technologies facilitate virtual meetings, where participants feel like they’re in the same room despite being miles apart. 

And think of the educational industry. Let’s say someone strived to become a surgeon — you “perform” surgeries in the metaverse without the risk of hurting anyone. And possibilities are endless. That’s why multinational investment giant, Goldman Sachs, dubs the Metaverse as an $8 trillion opportunity, creating ripples across sectors from gaming to healthcare. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global metaverse market size reached $234.04 billion value in 2022, projecting an almost meteoric rise to $416.02 billion in 2023, to finally hitting a whopping $3,409.29 billion by 2027.

The catalyst for this explosive growth? A synergy with AI that’s personalizing user interfaces like never before, making each interaction a dialogue rather than a monologue.

Designers are adapting and evolving into specialized roles crafted around the intricacies of AR/VR environments. This isn’t just another trend — it’s a paradigm shift in how design is approached, with usability and accessibility at its core. 

7. Minimalist design

Minimalist design, characterized by its simplicity and clarity, continues to have center stage in the UI/UX world for 2023-2024. This design trend is about enhancing user experience through a clean and uncluttered interface. As we advance, minimalist design is evolving, embracing muted color palettes and elegant typography, which add a subtle complexity to images while maintaining simplicity.

One of the key benefits of minimalist design is faster page load times. This efficiency is critical in a world where speed is of the essence, especially for mobile users. By stripping away non-essential elements, minimalist websites offer a seamless, responsive experience, improving user engagement and satisfaction.

Moreover, minimalist design goes beyond mere looks. It’s a holistic approach that impacts various aspects of product development, focusing on proportion, composition, and typography as crucial elements. This approach significantly increases user focus, removing distractions and enabling users to concentrate on what matters.

In 2024, we’re seeing a refined interpretation of minimalism in UI design. It’s no longer just flat design but a harmonious blend of elements that create an elegant yet functional interface. This evolved form of minimalism not only brings sophistication but also contributes to a quicker, more intuitive user experience.

In essence, minimalist design in UX/UI is proving its efficiency and popularity. It’s not just a trend, but a strategic choice for designers and businesses aiming to create digital experiences that are both beautiful and functionally superior.

8. Dark mode

In essence, dark mode inverts the color scheme, using light-colored text, UI elements, and notifications on a dark background. This less abrasive inversion reduces glare, thus minimizing eye strain for users. This is particularly beneficial for those dealing with visual impairments or light sensitivity. But there’s more than meets the eye.

While dark mode visually delivers a profound difference, the inclusive marketing perspective reveals an undercurrent of substantial benefits. One of the impressive ways dark mode shapes user experience is through dark mode emails. With more smartphone users preferring dark mode, email marketers must ensure their templates do not falter in this setting — a perfect example of design adaptation to user preference.

Dark mode’s benefits extend beyond aesthetics and accessibility. With most tech devices featuring AMOLED or OLED screens, implementing dark mode in mobile and web design results in significant power efficiency. This not only stretches out device battery lives but also contributes towards environmental conservation efforts.

Looking ahead, the trend seems unstoppable and set to play an important role in shaping digital marketing with its compelling narrative, championing user comfort, and fostering inclusivity.

9. Emotionally intelligent and inclusive design

Another monumental trend in the world of UI/UX is the ramp-up in emotionally intelligent design. Experts predict that this will be an important future key focus, especially in areas of ethical design and accessibility. Acknowledging that human emotions significantly impact perceptions and behaviors, these designs can enhance user behavior predictions, fostering loyalty and trust. Cases in point: Slack and Microsoft Teams. For instance, Slack allows team members to express emotions and ideas with emoji reactions and threaded conversations. Microsoft Teams enhances meeting engagement and inclusivity with a together mode, placing participants in shared virtual spaces like coffee shops. That’s their techy way of using emotional intelligence to bring empathy and understanding into people’s collaboration on their platforms.

As for closely related inclusive design, it’s become more than an ethical priority. By presenting your platform in a manner accessible to all, its usability opens to a wider range of abilities and increases the prospect of growth.

Expect a blend of these trends in 2024. Emotionally intelligent design plus inclusive design equals an excellent user experience. Consider this scenario: you’re a marketer using a platform with this advanced approach. You could shape your message with greater emotion and reach a wider audience. That’s the power of these UI/UX design trends that promise an inclusive future.

10. Microinteractions

In exploring the deep leagues of user interface design, one cannot overlook the continuously emerging UI/UX design trend — microinteractions. 

Microinteractions are subtle yet vital elements within a software application that enhance user engagement and provide feedback. The simple “Like” action on Instagram or the “Retweet” function on Twitter highlights the impact of microinteractions in our day-to-day navigation on digital platforms.

Interfaces with well-embedded microinteractions not only embody best practices in design but they also contribute to building friendly, navigable software. From guiding you on a website to simplifying your mobile app usage, these intricate animations are essential cogs in the interface wheel.

In the e-commerce sphere, adding items to a shopping cart might trigger a subtle animation, providing feedback that confirms the action’s success. This not only makes online shopping more enjoyable but also ensures that customers clearly understand each step of their journey.

In 2024, micro-interactions are expected to become even more refined and engaging. As a top trend in UI design, they are revolutionizing the way we interact with digital products. By making digital interactions feel more human and delightful, they help bridge the gap between user and interface, making products not just usable but genuinely engaging.

11. Accessible design

Accessible design spells the difference between broadening market reach and leaving out a staggering 1.3 billion people with disabilities worldwide. A staggering 16% of the world’s population reveals the immense scale of the audience that accessible design caters to. This shift towards creating adaptable, customizable digital experiences isn’t just about being ethical. It’s about tapping into a market often overlooked yet full of potential.

Accessible design is more than the promise of alternate texts for the visually impaired. It transcends beyond color contrast optimization for easy reading or keyboard-only navigation for those unable to use a mouse. Products that offer closed captions or transcripts up the ante of the user experience for people with hearing difficulties. 

From digital lenses and AI pins to scent-free locations and silent discos, the array of solutions is as diverse as the users they aim to serve. In 2024, we expect to see UX design further drive accessibility by adding elements like manually adjustable displays, tailored audio options, and comprehensive transcription services, making information universally accessible.

This approach is not without its challenges. Striking a balance between inclusivity, universal compatibility, and overall usability requires a nuanced understanding of diverse user needs. The European Union’s European Accessibility Act is a proof of the growing regulatory focus on these standards, signaling a shift in how businesses approach design.

12. Cross-platform and adaptive UX

Every user is different, with some leaning towards Android while others swear by iOS. Some crave the seamless interface of a MacBook, while others prefer the familiar ring of a Windows startup. And how do you go about someone who uses the same website or app both on desktop and mobile? The objective at the end of the day remains the same — providing an identical, efficient, user-friendly, and adaptive interface across all platforms.

Cross-platform and adaptive UX is not a passing trend; it’s a necessity molded by user habits. Over half of online sales, to be precise 55.25%, occur via mobiles. This figure shines brighter given that mobile rake in an astounding 75% of all visits to digital storefronts.

The implications are clear — adaptive design and cross-platform UX are critical for businesses. They grant a consistent and seamless experience to users, irrespective of their choice of device. Adaptive design also sprouts different layouts for different screen sizes, ensuring a tailored experience for each user and every platform.

However, it’s easier said than done. Designing a cross-platform experience is akin to threading a needle in the dark. It involves navigating through the labyrinth of screen sizes, operating systems, design guidelines, and resolution orientations to create responsive and adaptive layouts. While adaptive designs can lead to faster loading times and better control over aesthetics and functionality, they demand more resources and time.

In 2024, the demand for cross-platform services is surging, thanks to evolving user habits. The scenario calls for businesses to prioritize cross-platform user experience design. In the era of wearable tech, seamless transitions across devices might be the focal point of UX design.

13. Location-based UX

Location-based UX/UI is no longer a fancy experiment. It’s now a necessity. Why? Because it personalizes experiences for users and does it effortlessly. 

Moreover, stats show us that the mobile location-based services market is ballooning. In 2023, it had already accounted for $71.28 billion. It’s projected to grow to $642.91 billion by 2033. So, this isn’t just a “passing trend” but rather a significant pivot in the way we approach UX/UI design. Credit also goes to AI for predicting user movements and behaviors, which is shaping the future of location-based experiences.

So what exactly does a location-based app do? It uses location information to enhance user experiences, provide critical business insights, and create safer environments. Consider a retail app. It prompts you to enter the specific store location you frequent. Based on your past searches and purchases, it pops up recommendations. Handy, isn’t it? This is just one instance of how location-based UX/UI design is working behind the scenes in sectors such as retail, transportation, and tourism.

Moving onto 2024, we expect the demand for location-based experiences to shoot further up. Changing user habits is the driving force behind this. Want to meet user expectations? Start prioritizing location-based UX/UI design.

14. Frictionless authentication

Finding a way around the traditional password is another trend redefining UI/UX design. Face authentication, fingerprints, and PIN codes are replacing the stodgy password system that can get sticky for users. What’s more, forgetting passwords is no rare occurrence. The majority of users grapple with it as passwords often involve a confusing mix of alphabets (lowercase and uppercase), special characters, and numbers. Wouldn’t it be great if this hassle was entirely eliminated?

Let’s focus on frictionless authentication for a moment: a beautiful, user-friendly approach that promises seamless entry into web platforms, minus the memory test at the doorstep. Hate passwords, you say? A lot of us do. Good news: it seems like they’re out of fashion in the UI/UX design world.

This trend shows signs of seeping into various verticals, from app design to mobile interface. It’s about making the user experience as painless as possible, right from the initiation to the onboarding process. So, going passwordless is no magic trick. It’s just you seizing the opportunities the latest trends in UI/UX design dish out. 

15. Surreal product pictures

Once upon a time, realistic product photographs were the cornerstone of direct mail design. Now, they struggle to catch a second glance. People’s tastes have taken a sharp left turn — entering a realm where the rules of reality are irrelevant with small to mid-size business owners vying to step up their marketing game. Ever-evolving consumer tastes have made keeping up with design trends an absolute must. And these trends include curiously enough, surreal product photographs.

So, what does this mean for user interface design? For starters, design has been veering off the beaten path. The voice user interface, for instance, has incorporated surreal elements in its layouts to draw in users. The era of dull, lifeless product photographs is over. Usability and accessibility, once defined by cookie-cutter elements, have been infiltrated by an unexpected trend: surrealism. It’s out of the ordinary and in with the whimsical.

Examples of this can be seen in how web design firms are moving towards incorporating surreal product pictures into their work. The user experience is taking on a whole new depth. The industry’s heavyweights, like Nike and Gucci, have tossed their hat in the ring already.

Gone are the days when product photos were solely about showcasing features. Welcome to an era where imaginative elements hold sway, and the surreal imparts reality to customer engagement. So, business owners, pay attention. As we journey further into 2024, incorporate surrealistic design into your interface for a pitch-perfect marketing approach. 

16. Neumorphism

Neumorphism is an on-again, off-again player in the UI/UX design trends, a subtle spectacle that combines flat design and skeuomorphism to create functional aesthetics. 

With digital spaces feeling more realistic, the user interfaces look more natural. Imagine a button on your screen that seems to pop out like a balloon. The buttons designed using Neumorphism appear as if they are coming out of the screen. That’s neumorphism doing its magic. And it’s not just web design or tech geeks going gaga over it. The trend influences various sectors, from healthcare to entertainment, bringing clarity to screens and refining visuals with its immense usability and accessibility.

But truth be told — neumorphism faces strong criticism from UX experts. Why? It rubs the basic usability principles the wrong way. The stark reality is — despite its elegance and futuristic appeal, it compromises intuitiveness and accessibility. Nonetheless, brace yourselves. Our digital interfaces are in for a wild ride in 2024 as neumorphism is here to stay (at least for a while), for better or worse.

17. Brutalism

With brutalism announcing its grand arrival in 2024, the UI/UX design landscape is preparing for a shift. Smashing through the norms of symmetry and uniformity, brutalism declares a new era where raw and stripped-down aesthetics reign supreme. 

Unapologetic, raw, and provocative, it’s a design trend sweeping across web design and user experiences like an unleashed beast. This brutality is less about physical violence and more about a frontal assault on the viewer’s senses. Direct and bold, as effective in direct mail design as a punch in the face but much less painful. 

One leading example of this trend comes under a particularly striking moniker: bold typography. Say hello to bigger, louder, text. From landing pages to microsites, this beast of a trend is roaring, capturing user attention as effectively as it asserts its dominance. And it’s not just a passing fad. Bold typography has been recognized as more than a one-time wonder, with its growing popularity set to gain momentum in 2024.

Final thoughts

In the dynamic world of UI/UX design, the sheer volume of trends can be overwhelming. For Selzy’s marketers and business owners, our advice is simple: start with one. Choose a trend that resonates most with your brand and audience, and gradually expand from there. Here’s how to begin:

1. Choose wisely: Start with a trend that aligns with your business goals. Whether it’s Voice User Interfaces (VUI) for more natural interactions or Minimalist Design for cleaner, faster-loading pages, pick one that can make a significant impact.
2. Test and learn: Implement your chosen trend and closely monitor how it affects user engagement and satisfaction. Use these insights to fine-tune your approach.
3. Expand gradually: Once you’ve mastered one trend, consider integrating others. For instance, after VUI, you might explore Gesture-Based Navigation or Data Visualization to further enhance user experience.
4. Stay user-focused: Remember, the goal is to improve the user experience. Whether it’s through AR/VR Integration for immersive experiences or Accessible Design for inclusivity, ensure that your efforts align with your users’ needs and preferences.
5. Adapt and evolve: The digital landscape is constantly changing. Keep abreast of emerging trends and be ready to adapt your strategy to stay ahead.

By taking this step-by-step approach, you can effectively leverage the power of UI/UX design trends to create more engaging, intuitive, and inclusive digital experiences for your customers. Start with one, and expand as you grow – the potential for innovation and connection with your audience is boundless.