ABOUT 1 YEAR AGO • 4 MIN READ

#62 The Future of UX Design [7 Trends for 2024]

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The Future of UX Design?

As we find ourselves in late of 2023 and it's clear that the world of UX design isn't just changing – it's transforming at breakneck speed.

So, let's take a moment, grab a cup of coffee, and chat about what's on the horizon for UX design.

We'll keep it real, insightful, and, of course, applicable to all UX designers.

Let’s go 🚀


#1 Chatting with our Tech: Voice User Interface (VUI)

Have you noticed how we're talking to our gadgets more these days?

Alexa, Siri, and Google Home (maybe soon ChatGPT) are becoming our new roommates.

This shift towards Voice User Interface (VUI) is something we can't ignore.

As UX designers, we'll need to think beyond the visual and dive into the realm of conversation.

How might we design an interface just for your voice?

Imagine designing a music app that understands your mood and plays songs to match it, all commanded by your voice.

Now, that's a future I'm excited about!

*Queue self depreciating music on repeat


#2 Stepping into New Worlds: Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

AR and VR aren't just for gamers anymore.

They're breaking out of their niche and stepping into the mass adoption.

Apple with Vision Pro. Facebook with V2 of their Ray-Ban mix reality shades.

How might we design interaction merging the physical and digital?

Imagine shopping for a new couch from your living room, placing a virtual version of it right next to your coffee table.

Sounds like a sci-fi movie? Well, 2024 will make it a reality.


#3 Getting Personal with AI and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are no longer just buzzwords.

They're becoming integral to Products and UX.

How might we use AI for better personalization?

Imagine your favourite news app that knows just the kind of stories you like to read over breakfast.

That's AI and ML in action, making your digital experiences more personal and enjoyable.


#4 Designing for Everyone: Accessibility

This year, we're seeing a stronger push towards inclusive design.

It's all about making sure everyone can enjoy the digital world, regardless of their abilities.

Whether it's creating a website with larger fonts and contrasting colours for those with visual impairments or integrating voice commands for users with mobility issues, accessibility is key.

How might we move the industry towards increased accessibility?

Imagine a device that could be control with the power of the mind.

Empathy, understanding, and designing for diversity are on the rise.


#5 Respecting Users: Ethical Design

As users become savvier about their digital rights, we need to step up our game in ethical design.

It has everything to do with being transparent with data usage, respecting privacy, and saying a big no to manipulative design tricks.

For instance, if you're designing a social media platform, be clear about how user data is used and shared.

It's about building trust and fostering long-term relationships with users.

How might we digital rights change in the future?

Imagine the ability to earn a living by selling your digital rights to AI tools.


#6 The Power of Micro-interactions

Micro-interactions are those small, subtle design elements that can make a big difference in user experience.

Think about the 'like' animation on your favorite social media platform or the satisfying 'ping' sound when you send an email.

In 2024, we're going to see more focus on these tiny details that can turn a good user experience into a great one.

How might we delight users to encourage a desired outcome?

Imagine every time you click the buy button it feels like you've won something.

*Gamified shopping carts!


#7 Embracing Minimalism

Less is more, and this couldn't be truer for UX design in 2024.

We're seeing a trend towards minimalism, stripping away the unnecessary and focusing on what truly matters.

Creating clean, simple interfaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also improve usability.

Think of your favourite productivity app – it probably has a straightforward, clutter-free design that lets you focus on your tasks without distractions.

How might we design an interface that's so understandable we don't need words?

Imagine an email app that so initiative it's like interacting with your furniture.


Summary

7 biggest trends for the future of UX Design:

  1. Voice User Interface (VUI)
  2. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
  3. AI and Machine Learning
  4. Accessibility Design
  5. Ethical Design
  6. Micro-interactions
  7. Minimalism

So, there you have it, folks! The future of UX design in 2024 is shaping up to be quite a ride. But remember, the future isn't set in stone.

These are just predictions, educated guesses based on where we are now.

Who knows what surprises the digital world has in store for us?

Let's find out together, one design at a time. ✌️

So, what do you think?

I'll keep writing if you keep reading. I read every reply if you care to reply :).

You might get an answer back.

That's it for today. Speak soon 💛.

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Chris
Founder @ UX Playbook

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