UX trends in 2024

With smartphones practically glued to our hands these days, it's no surprise that mobile-first design is a big deal. In fact, it's gone from being just a trend to an absolute must-have for any digital product worth its salt.

Why all the hype? Well, consider this: according to Statista, there are over 3.8 billion smartphone users worldwide – that's nearly half the global population! With so many people accessing digital content on their phones, it's clear that designing for mobile isn't just an afterthought; it's a top priority.

So, what does mobile-first design actually mean? It's all about putting the user experience on mobile devices front and centre. That means designing for smaller screens, where simplicity, clarity, and efficiency are key. After all, nobody wants to squint at tiny text or fiddle with a clunky interface on their phone.

That's where responsive design comes in. UX designers are embracing responsive design principles to ensure that digital experiences look and function seamlessly across all devices – whether it's a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer. According to Google, 61% of users are unlikely to return to a mobile site they had trouble accessing, so getting mobile optimisation right is crucial.

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Inclusive design is all about recognising the diverse needs and abilities of users and creating digital experiences that cater to everyone, regardless of their background or abilities. Did you know that according to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people worldwide live with some form of disability? That's a pretty big chunk of the population – and it's growing every day.

That's where inclusive design comes in. By considering factors like accessibility, language, culture, and cognitive differences, UX designers can create digital experiences that are not only usable but also welcoming to all users. It's all about levelling the playing field and ensuring that everyone has equal access to digital content and services.

So, what does inclusive design look like in practice? Well, it could be as simple as incorporating alternative text for screen readers, so that visually impaired users can access image-based content. Or it could mean providing customisable settings for font size and colour contrast so that users with visual impairments or dyslexia can adjust the design to suit their needs.

But it's not just about accessibility – it's about empathy too. Inclusive design is about putting yourself in the shoes of users from different backgrounds and abilities and designing with their needs in mind. After all, a digital experience that's accessible to everyone is not only the right thing to do – it's also good for business. According to the Click-Away Pound Survey, 71% of users with disabilities will leave a website that's not accessible to them.

Micro interactions are small, subtle design elements that add personality and interactivity to digital experiences. From animated buttons to notification badges, these micro-level interactions play a significant role in shaping user perceptions and behaviours. UX designers are getting really good at leveraging micro interactions to enhance the overall user experience. According to research from Nielsen Norman Group, well-designed micro interactions can make users feel more in control, more engaged, and more satisfied with their overall experience. In fact, 83% of users say that a seamless user experience across all devices is important to them, and micro interactions are a big part of making that happen.

But it's not just about making things look pretty – micro interactions also serve a practical purpose. They provide feedback to users, guiding them through tasks and helping them understand how to interact with a digital interface. Ever tried to submit a form online, only to realise you missed a required field? That little error message that pops up – that's a micro interaction at work, gently nudging you in the right direction.

And let's not forget about delight – because who doesn't love a little bit of joy in their digital interactions? Micro interactions can create moments of delight that surprise and delight users, making their experience more memorable and enjoyable. Whether it's a cute animation that plays when you like a post or a satisfying sound effect when you successfully complete a task, these small touches can leave a lasting impression on users and keep them coming back for more.

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With voice-enabled devices becoming increasingly common, VUIs are upgrading how we interact with technology.

From smart speakers like Amazon Echo and Google Home to virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, VUIs are everywhere these days. They offer hands-free and intuitive interactions that make our lives easier and more efficient. According to a report by Statista, the number of voice assistants in use is expected to reach 157 million by 2026 in the US alone, up from 142 million in 2022. That's a pretty staggering growth rate!

UX designers are at the forefront of this revolution, exploring new design paradigms and voice interaction patterns to create seamless VUI experiences that understand user intent and respond in a way that feels conversational and intuitive.

So, what does that look like in practice? Well, it could be something as simple as asking your smart speaker to play your favourite song or checking the weather with a quick voice command. But it goes beyond that – VUIs are also being used in healthcare, finance, and other industries to provide personalised assistance and support. For example, voice-enabled virtual assistants are helping patients manage chronic conditions, providing medication reminders, and answering medical questions in real-time.

By harnessing the power of voice technology, brands can create immersive and engaging experiences that resonate with users on a human level. Whether it's providing personalised recommendations, answering questions, or just having a casual conversation, VUIs have the potential to transform how we interact with technology and make our digital experiences more natural, intuitive, and enjoyable. So, next time you find yourself talking to your smart speaker or virtual assistant, remember – you're not just talking to a machine, you're engaging with the future of digital interaction.