UX Design Trends for the Future

UX, also known as User Experience, is classified as the interaction between the user and a company’s products/services. UX is an essential component of any successful company. As technology advances at a rapid rate, all industries have felt the effects, UX design included. In other words, UX designers have to be ready and able to adapt to these changes. All UX designers, regardless of experience level, will want to keep tabs on the latest tech developments.

It is also important to remember that with the rise of digital, virtual and remote working, UX designers have had to shift and change their approach. Almost every industry has been shifted due to remote working and it reflects in the trends we are seeing now.

Voice Technology

Back in 2019, it was predicted the smart speaker industry would be worth $7 billion. The growth rate from 2018 was exponential, making a 63% jump. We can only anticipate this growth will continue as more and more customers are using this technology on a daily basis. When surveyed regarding their use of voice-activated speakers, approximately 70% said voice-activated speakers were a part of their everyday routine. Mundane activities such as playing music and checking the weather were completed by Google Home or Alexa. As voice technology continues to improve, we will be in need of VUI (Voice User Interface) designers. If the industry reaches its full potential in the coming years, the addition of VUI designers will be critical.

Voice technologies such as Alexa and Google Home are highly personalized interfaces that initiate a particular task with natural language. This type of technology has to be applied in a way that benefits the users. Whether it be “hands-free” or “tap to talk,” it is important that a seamless conversation is created. This can only be accomplished by a deep understanding of how users interact in different scenarios.

Companies will be making additions to their teams, specifically by hiring VUI designers. Even UX designers will be incorporating voice technology into their skillset. As with any new technology, there are always concerns regarding privacy, ethics and security. These topics will have to be addressed as voice technology continues to advance.

Device-Agnostic Experiences

User experience is no longer limited to mobile-only. The term is now understood on a broader scale as all user experiences, from smartphone to laptop. When it comes to creating a seamless journey between all smart devices such as phones, speakers, laptops, watches and more, the goal is to create a device-agnostic experience.

To give an example, take the activity of online shopping. Many people shop online, however, not everyone has an optimized experience from start to finish. Let’s take a look at what a device-agonistic experience would look like. First, the customer is scrolling through a popular social media site such as Instagram. They notice an advertisement for an apparel company they like. Naturally, they click the link and are taken to the website. They begin online shopping and add 5 items to their basket. When they are ready, they use their laptop to enter their shipping, billing and payment info. Then, a day after their purchase, they download the brand’s app to track the progress of their order.

This scenario is a perfect example of how brands, and more specifically UX designers, can create a fluid user experience with a device-agnostic approach. The days of exclusively focusing on mobile devices are over. Brands are looking to amp up their approach and become holistic when it comes to users and their experiences.

The Takeaway

Brands are always looking for ways to be remembered by potential customers. UX is an essential component to achieving this as it merges the gap between the brand and the customer. Therefore, the demand for talented and innovative UX designers is high. The user experience should be unforgettable. If a user does not have a positive experience right away, they can easily go elsewhere due to plentiful market options. This is why brands are faced with the challenge of attracting and keeping users engaged. This is why voice technology and device-agonistic experiences are the two most compelling trends in UX, shaping the way users interact forever.

Photo by Alvaro Reyes on Unsplash