Trends in UX Design in 2021

With the competition for user attention reaching an all-time high and the dynamic, ever-changing nature and expectations of users, adapting and coming up with unique user experience or UX design trends is top priority for most business owners. Research shows that UX design has a positive correlation with users’ positive interactions. 

This, paired with the fact that COVID – 19 has changed the whole game of internet use and brought many businesses to a digital platform, places all the more importance on developing and maintaining updated UI/UX designs. 

Although user-centric, the terms User-Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) cannot be used interchangeably. UX makes the interface more intuitive and useful whereas UI adheres to the aesthetics of the interface.

 UX encompasses UI. Both work together to impact the user’s impressions of a software, positively. Understand the Relevancy of UI/UX here.

UX design trends have been changing constantly with every passing year and upgrades in technology. Some of these trends stand out and inspire whereas few others are an eyesore. With users in a rush to select options which offer the best solutions to their necessities, business owners need to adhere to the latest trends in UX design to stand apart in the market and above the competitors. 

Here’s a look at a few of the upcoming trends in UX design in 2021

Virtual reality and Augmented Reality

With immersive UX design trends, AR is scaling the boundaries of UX design and nourishing user experiences. Although not a new concept in 2021, it has reinvented the way users engage and interact with brands. 

Beyond just reading a description of a product, AR has integrated fictional design elements into a physical world, allowing users to also deeply engage with the product/service. 

With people being encouraged to stay indoors and, in many places, even forced to, AR offers vast potential in services such as interactive learning, virtual try-on, gaming experiences and so forth. 

As mobile usage has long outdone desktop usage, digital experiences have been integrated into daily life. In 2021, AR apps are predicted to go beyond being seen as a tech gimmick and expand into the practical and commonplace. 

The advent of VR headsets has been a game changer in the gaming industry. In 2021, more companies and industries are expected to embrace VR. 

Understanding Micro- Interactions

UX designs can create a literal back and forth communication between the user and the digital platform which makes it interactive and not static. This is referred to as micro-interactions, taking actions such as clicking on a button that makes the page respond. Tactile satisfaction is promoted. In 2021, this UX design trend is becoming more macro integrating extreme animations and transitions, maximizing users’ connection to the page.  

Communication styles have also changed in many companies. There has been a shift from formal language to more casual sentences which increases the users comfort levels.

 Some UX designers in 2021 are not hesitating to add in humor to their page responses and UX writing. Huge typography with spectacular, jumbo fonts is another upcoming UX design trend to attract customer’s attention.  

Abstract, Asymmetry and Unorthodox Layouts

With a good UX design strategy, well-designed asymmetry can be used in mobile and web interfaces to create a sense of randomness and balance on purpose. Scattered layouts, unconventional colour choices can help push the user’s imagination and increase recall value of the brand. In 2021, users are finding beauty in the imperfect and even incomplete. These are creating an exclusive brand outlook coupled with a human touch making it a UX design trend to follow. However, usability must be kept at the core of designing an asymmetrical UX design.  

Escapism – The New Need

The global pandemic, lockdown orders and being confined to their homes have left users no more looking for realism. There is a shift towards the surreal and larger than life digital and visual experiences. With virtual vacations being introduced into our vocabulary, it is no surprise that this UX design trend has sprung up and will be embraced further in 2021 as people are living vicariously through digital platforms, which has led designers to use lush colours, wanderlust lifestyles and exotic locations as a core of their layouts which fosters a sense of escapism in the users. 

Accessibility – A Core Factor

As mentioned above as more and more users are becoming dependent on digital platforms, accessibility is no longer a trend; it is a necessity and a requirement. The ability to cater to a wide demographic can help brand reach and interact with a widespread user base. These include older users, users with visual and hearing impairments, rheumatoid arthritis, special needs and users who have a mental illness. Some users might require more help than others, making provisions for the same is a necessary practice to follow. 

A Conclusion for the Trends

As mentioned earlier, with the dynamic nature of users, UX design trends too need to be constantly upgraded lest they become obsolete. Understanding companies that have built their brand on the trends would give a better clarity, Click here Top UX agencies 2021. Continuing UX design trends such as dark mode, voice control, foldable displays, AI and automation and so on will also find prominence in 2021 along with upgrades.