Top 9 UX/UI design trends to look out for in 2023
UI/UX design has been going through many changes and developments these past few years. As the digital world is growing and expanding, UI/UX design is essentially building the bridge between users and products, with the help of technology. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest UI and UX design trends for 2023.
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enovatika
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25 min read
1. Cross-device User Experience
In today's growing digital ecosystem, with its many devices, operating systems, and technologies, customers want to have a seamless user experience across different platforms. Cross-device experience design is an important element of the product development process, as designers need to provide a consistent and reliable user experience in real time, no matter the device.
This year, we will witness an increased focus on products that work well on different devices, with designs that are adaptable, consistent, and accessible. The extra effort is worth it: ignoring cross-device user experience may lead companies to lose customers, as they could switch to a product that can offer the same services both on desktop and mobile.
2. Focus on Accessibility
This year, the European Union has mandated the adoption of the European Accessibility Act. By 2025, applicable enterprises within the member states will need to fully abide by this legal requirement, which will apply to a wide range of products and services, from computers and operating systems to ATMs and e-commerce.
Accessible design is crucial in building an equitable digital world and making sure that digital products and services can be used just as easily by people with disabilities. Designers need to get acquainted with accessibility guidelines and implement them into their work.
In 2023 we will also see the rise of inclusive and universal design principles, both of which are supporting designers in adapting to the variety of users and needs that appear in a globalized digital world.
3. Qualitative UX research
UX design relies on research to improve and adapt, and it uses two kinds of studies: quantitative and qualitative. While quantitative UX research focuses more on the bare data and numbers, qualitative research allows designers to better understand the product and the customers, notice changes in behavior and improve interactions. Qualitative research answers the question "why", uncovering people's thoughts, attitudes, and motivations.
Covid restrictions determined many companies to neglect qualitative UX research, but in 2023, the situation will change and this valuable method of study will make a comeback.
4. Emotional Design
Emotional design has been around for a long time and it is rooted in the understanding that emotions are the core of how we interpret reality, and that humans base their decisions on emotions, rather than logic. In today’s oversaturated digital market, it won’t be enough to focus solely on usability and functionality – emotional design can make a product stand out and have a competitive edge while creating a positive experience for users and evoking pleasant emotions.
To develop and improve emotional design, UX researchers and designers will need to focus on the emotional needs and expectations of users and understand how emotional design shapes the entire user experience. Emotional design might seem less straightforward than your usual design strategies, but it is well worth the time and effort - it can significantly improve customer loyalty by cultivating positive emotions that are linked to the product or service.
5. Data Storytelling
Data storytelling is not new, but the trend has been steadily growing in popularity, especially for activity-related applications such as health & fitness or money & finances. Data storytelling allows designers to transform data and analytics into clear and compelling narratives.
Data storytelling allows complex information to be simplified and delivered in a way that is easy to understand and pleasant to users. It adds value to data and insights, while also providing a human touch. Using data storytelling together with data visualization can significantly improve communication, especially when it comes to dense, overwhelming data sets. This trend has the potential to transform dry, monotonous interactions into enjoyable ones.
6. Voice User Interface & Voice Search
Voice User Interface (VUI) has been growing in popularity significantly, and experts predict that this trend will reach an all-time high in 2023, as more companies and consumers focus on automation and mobility.
Many consumers are already using VUI to search for various things on the internet, from local businesses to online queries. Voice search is becoming more and more popular, especially thanks to voice assistants that are integrated into our gadgets. As technology evolves, VUI becomes less frustrating to use and more inclusive, with multiple language support and a better understanding of various accents. VUI is also used in businesses as part of the customer service experience.
This year, it is likely we will witness the continuous adoption and increase in popularity of Voice User Interface. This technology can elevate and simplify user experience by allowing your customers to navigate digital products without relying on a screen.
7. Scrollytelling
In today’s digital landscape of information oversaturation, it can become increasingly frustrating to scroll through a website, when the important information is hard to reach. Enter scrollytelling, or storytelling through scrolling. This relatively new digital narrative device can turn a potentially dull action into a highly engaging user experience, by telling a story through scrolling.
Scrollytelling often includes eye-catching images and graphics, animations, or other dynamic elements. It can be useful in providing additional context or explanations, or in illustrating data through interactive infographics and data visualizations. It gives designers space for creativity, experiments, and innovation, by changing the ways information is usually conveyed when scrolling.
Scrollytelling is also an excellent way for businesses to stand out. A well-thought-out visual branding can offer users a memorable experience while helping the brand distinguish itself on the market.
8. Dark Mode
You might have noticed that more and more products have the option of light and dark modes for their themes. This UI design has become quite popular and is here to stay.
Dark mode inverts the black text on white background, placing white or light-colored text on dark backgrounds. There is no consensus on whether dark mode is better for eyesight than light mode, but some users report feeling more comfortable with dark mode, as it puts less strain on their eyes. It is especially useful in low-light environments, under the full sun, or for people with visual impairments.
Some studies have shown that dark mode can use less battery than light mode, and is more friendly with OLED screens.
9. Micro-interactions
Microinteractions have been trending these past few years and will continue to be a focus in the UI/UX world because they can significantly improve the quality of human-computer interaction.
As the name suggests, micro-interactions are small interaction moments with a product that allow users to accomplish a single task. Micro-interactions are everywhere: from swiping to liking and sharing, CTAs, and animated buttons, they can enhance the user experience, improve website navigation, and make it more rewarding and intuitive.
In 2023 we will continue to observe the implementation of various micro-interactions, as part of a larger focus on understanding user experience, customization, and emotional design.
Do these trends matter?
Every year we see lists and lists of trends and predictions, but should your brand care about them? As we have previously discussed, trends come and go, but they must touch on your brand's core values in order to truly work. At the end of the day, the most important aspect is adaptability – your brand should remain flexible, open to new advancements and shifts in the market, yet able to discern between a fad or something that is here to stay and works for you.
What are your favorite UI/UX design trends of 2023? If you would like to upgrade your brand’s design or need some fresh input, you can find us here.
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enovatika is a UI/UX design & development agency in Timisoara, Romania. We partner with Startups, SMBs, and SMEs to deliver impactful web and mobile applications worldwide.
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