While 2021 was an exciting year for designers – the introduction of Metaverse caused quite a disruption in the industry. However it came with its own fair share of challenges. We saw how the events around us shaped design trends. 2022 too will see numerous new trends in design and how UX designers can use these trends to build even better products for users. These trends will pave the way for new age UI UX design practices.

Many trends that emerged in 2021 have become more than just trends and some of them have even evolved to something new in 2022. 

Let’s take a look at the top UI/UX trends in 2022 and how designers can implement them.

Minimalism and Simplification

Users are bombarded with information at every turn and this is why minimalism is coming back in design. Pop ups, targeted ads, overflowing email inboxes and phones ringing non-stop are just all part of a regular working day for most people. And it’s really starting to take a toll on us.

If you take a look at the most well-known, leading tech companies, you can spot a strong preference for simple, informative and minimal user interface. Year by year, this trend is getting bigger and bigger and more brands are starting to use it. 

The minimalistic trend should encourage UI/UX designers to become even more selective in their design and only have those elements that are absolutely essential. Minimalism doesn’t necessarily mean simple, primitive or more empty space. Hick’s law talks about simplicity in UI UX design practices.

Minimalism can look extremely classy and sophisticated if done well. This will also reduce anxiety in users and help in clearing out some of the clutter which we’ve all gotten used to.

To implement minimalism in your design, designers should start by removing some unnecessary notifications and pop-ups and also aim to only have that information which is absolutely essential.  There has also been an increase in adoption of minimalism in design by UI UX design companies. 

AI or Artificial Intelligence

AI is a term that is used to describe any intelligence expressed by machines or computerised technology. We already saw the emergence of AI through technologies like Siri, Amazon Alexa and Echo. This is only the beginning, and the future of AI is exponential and even more than these products that are already available.

In 2022, data based AI will be integrated into almost every product that we can imagine. The biggest advantage of AI is that is can be used to personalise the service the more users use the product. This personalisation process increases conversion and makes the UX experience much better, with only a fraction of the work needed.

Some great examples of AI implementation are Spotify’s weekly music picks and Netflix movie choices. Both services have integrated machine learning to generate suggestions tailored for the user. This makes the user feel like the product was especially created for them and also gets them more excited to use it. We are not far from the day when the users would be interacting with a page designed in real time to suit their UI UX preferences.

However designers need to ensure that the AI they implement has inclusive design and doesn’t discriminate between users. When designers and AI work together, they can create more efficient design solutions for the user.

3. Web 3.0 and the Metaverse

The internet has changed immensely from the time of its conceptualisation. Web 3.0 and the Metaverse will create even further developments in the internet. 

Web 3.0 will have a focus on AI and using blockchain technologies to process information with human-like ability. Web 3.0 takes a more decentralised approach, removing governments and public institutions from the picture and creates a more shared, secure and transparent web environment. There will also be a greater focus on 3D graphics, behavioural advertising and smart applications that assist individual users.

Metaverse combines AR and VR technology with the decentralised web. Metaverse is being imagined as a set of virtual spaces where you can create and explore with other people who aren’t in the same space as you. Metaverse has huge potential to change the way our society functions and interacts. There are many immediate effects Web 3.0 and the Metaverse will have on UX. These technologies will make devices more connected than ever. Designers will have to keep this in mind when designing for multiple platforms that can be accessed and used virtually from anywhere.  UI UX design in the metaverse word will come with its own sets of opportunities and challenges.

4. Compelling Storytelling will be Essential for Products

We saw that in 2021, that simply understanding the user and the user journey was not enough. 2022 too sees a continuation of this trend and will push UX designers to roll up their sleeves and get involved with creating compelling stories around their products.

It is important that designers build connections with the users, transfer emotions from business and product in the most informative and creative way possible to set their products ahead of the competition. Good storytelling and UX writing can help make a brand more memorable and excite users to continue to buy or use the product. 

Designers and organisations can implement compelling storytelling in their product by personalisation, focusing on the value that their product delivers and use that to create engaging content.  UI UX design agencies will have much more to offer to their clients by riding on the upcoming future trends.

Key Takeaways

Trends in UI/UX design will continue to change, however designers need to focus on developments in UX practice, and big tech breakthroughs such as data visualisation, dark mode and 3D design tools to become empathic, modern and cutting edge designers.