UX and UI are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually mean different things. UX refers to “User Experience design” and UI stands for “User Interface design. Both elements are vital for a product and work closely together. Their roles are different despite their professional relationship. Let’s discuss their role individually.
User experience design is a human way of designing products. It encompasses all interactions between a potential customer and company. UX applies to anything that can be experienced like a website, coffee machine, or even a visit to the supermarket. From the view point of an UX designer, it is important to make the user feel the desired experience. The ultimate purpose of UX design is to create a seamless, efficient, relevant and pleasant experience for the user.
A User Interface design is the point of interaction between the end user and a device or product, it can be like a smartphone or your favorite coffee from the coffee machine. If we are relating it to a website the key points considered are the look, feel, and interactivity. User experience is a combination of tasks focused on the product optimization, but User interface design is its complement to the look, feel and presentation of the product. UI designer thinks about icons and buttons, typography, color schemes, spacing, imagery and responsive design.
The desire for digitalization and user’s expectation keeps on changing. Trends become outdated and move beyond, but some trends stay the same. The entrepreneurs have to be updated about the recent trends in order to fulfill the customers’ needs. Customers tend to change their preference over time, and at this point of time the businesses have to work effectively to retain the existing customers. One of the ways for retention can be building a visually appealing and intuitive web application as per usability principles. Here are some trends that can be followed for getting more users.
Dark mode
One of the hottest design trends for 2021 is dark mode. Brands like Instagram, Apple, and Android work on alternative themes for their products. This feature is a popular trend for web development for both desktop and mobile devices. An example can be of Apple where the users can schedule time to change their device appearance automatically. Users can pick either the sunset or sunrise option or set a time to perform the transition. The core reasons for its popularity are:
Lowers the strain on eyes.
Saves the device’s battery power.
Enables highlighting different design components more clearly.
Immersive 3D elements
3D designs have fascinated users for many years. The trend has gained more popularity in 2020. As the technologies like AR and VR are becoming more used, the designers can make use of the opportunity to create hyper-realistic 3D visuals by combining these advanced techniques. This trend allows UI and UX designers to modify their websites. This can encourage the potential customers to stay and also increase the average session time. These visuals can attract the uses as they can surpass the boundaries between virtual world and real life.
The key aspect for a successful 3D graphics implementation is the high performance of the website. If the platform is not optimized or not loading smoothly, it will be able to support the heavy content. This may lead to low response time, users with lags.
Voice commands
Voice chat bots and visual assistants have become the widely used technology nowadays. This feature is included in the search activity. The popularly used voice interface devices are Siri, Amazon, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Nest. The research shows that 50% of searches will be completed without the use of a keyboard by 2021 and 95% of voice commands for Google Speech Recognition Technology will take over in the regions where English is spoken.
Soft shadows, layers, and floating elements
Soft shadows and floating visuals will evoke positive emotions. This can depict the elements and the web page can be made livelier one. This trend is applicable not only to graphics but also text, images, videos etc. Companies have already started to use layering to place elements on top of each other. It is also recommended to use soft drop shadows for showing enhanced depth. This can transform the classic, flat and immutable designs where layers are placed strictly in order.
Motion graphics
Visual data is easier to remember and understand than the written words. If you want your brand to get noted, you have to make use of visual data on social media platforms. Software programs and graphic design makes everything look outstanding . Motion graphics possess some benefits like;
Activity confirmation and hints on positives and negatives.
Explanation of tricky processes.
Makes transitions fluid.
Draw user attention to upcoming events
It should be ensured that the motion graphics are not overdone as there are a vast number of advantages. It should always give an attractive experience instead of distraction.
AR-enabled mobile applications
AR is not a new addition in the field of mobile design. There has been a growing scope of AR technologies. It is predicted that there will be a double usage of AR-powered applications in 2021. AR is eliminating the boundaries of UX design by enhancing user experience with attractive designs. It totally revives the communication path of users since it eradicates all the physical boundaries. Users are motivated to engage intensely with services and products.
Abstract data visualization
It is important to find new ways of data visualization. This is because the tables, databases, lists, and other formats look out-of-data and unattractive. Abstract visualization is the best solution for websites that are tech-production oriented.
8. ID authentication
Facial unlock and fingerprint sensors are not exactly new design trends. They will have an upgrade 2021.Mobile apps are more exposed to hacking and data thefts. Companies have to be more concerned about the security of the apps. UI design elements have become an important support for the apps. Application developers are paying more attention to facial authentication. So that the users can have more unique data encryption tools and biometric locks. These can develop the market of UI/UX in the future. ID authentication helps in creating trust among the users regardless of the type of service being provided or software that is being sold.
Users want better experience and they are willing to achieve their goals easier and faster. Bearing this in the mind above UI/UX designs will make a difference between you and the competitors. To succeed in the changing world creating a unique and engaging user interface, try to choose several tendencies.
At ESTRRADO we strongly believe that the main goal of UI/UX designs is to help the users in achieving their goals. Businesses should ensure that your websites are not overdone with many designs that will complicate the usability. If you are looking for a solution to help you with all your requirements, you can get the expertise service from Estrrado.
