UX design is an important aspect related to the interface of the mobile that is based on brand, layout, visual design, text, and sound. UI is an essential factor that determines the UX as users prefer using an app that gives that instantly what they are looking for. However, as things keep changing fast in the mobile app world; mobile app developers need to stay updated with the latest trends to be successful. This helps them build foresight and get ready for new challenges coming around the corner. So, let’s check out how you can provide an amazing app experience to your users in 2018.
Trend #1: User-friendly, time saving, simple design
Every user comes to a particular app with a purpose in mind. The more easily the user is able to achieve what they want, the better they feel about the app. A linear user flow, with a particular start, middle, and end, allows users to complete one action at a time and estimate the time needed to complete a task. The progressive disclosure design technique should be used to avoid overloading the user with all information at once. To improve comprehension of the interface and decrease the cognitive, load the information or action should be presented only when needed
Trend #2: Use of micro-interactions, motion design, and animations
The release of iPhone X, lacking the physical Home button, has posted a new challenge for designers. Now designers need to pay more attention to gestures in the app and find solutions for the discoverability and learnability issues associated with them. Here comes the role of micro-interactions, motion design, and animations. For example, the Like button in Facebook and the typing indicator in chat button are examples of micro-interactions, but to make the user understand these animated hints need to be provided. Animations also help in providing feedback on the interactions and animated transitions clarify the spatial relationships between UI elements.
Trend #3: Contrasting colours and fonts
Colour and fonts should be used in such a way that they enhance readability and draw attention. The correct use of colours and fonts not only improves aesthetics but also uplift the mood and influence the emotions and actions of the user. Thus, the overall functional experience of the user is affected by this aspect of design.
Trend #4: Video content and full-screen experiences
iPhone X and Samsung Galaxy S8 have introduced the trend of frameless design and made more screen space available. Thus, users expect full-screen experiences and high-quality images and videos. With more videos being included in the online content, the videos should be kept short to adapt to the short attention span of the users. Moreover, providing the users with portrait (vertical) orientation of the video allows the users to enjoy the videos without switching their device.
Trend #5: Biometric authentication
Biometric authentication using facial recognition, voice recognition, or fingerprints for unlocking the screen or logging in. This makes these actions not only more secure but also faster, time-saving, and easier. Biometrics is predicted to be more accessible in 2018 and will be used extensively for authentication and identity management. This year will see face ID becoming the most natural way of authentication, especially with the release of iPhone X.
Trend #6: More conversational design
The basic purpose of phones is communication and people reach out through phones mainly for conversations. Thus, the popularity of chatbots and voice-activated assistants will be a hot trend in 2018. Though chatbots won’t be replacing regular GUI experiences completely, they will most likely serve as assistants in messaging platforms encouraging real-time automated conversations using artificial intelligence. Voice assistants will popularize the use of voice-activated interfaces in the coming years. The importance of copywriting will also increase, and designers and developers will understand the importance of selecting each word carefully.
Trend #7: More advanced personalization
Personalization has already built its ground in apps, and more customized interface and content are expected to be used this year for enhancing customer’s experience. Location-specific relevant data can be greatly useful for users as their mobiles travel with them and enhance user experience. Based on personal data and user preferences, a tailored user interface will be available for users so that the layout can be personalized for any person. For example, the font size, colour contrast, or sound preferences may be adjusted according to individual requirements.
Trend #8: Augmented reality
2018 will also witness the fast emergence of augmented reality (AR) in mobile apps making the user’s mobile phone or tablet act as a lens into a virtual world. Though creating AR-based apps was not an easy task until now, with the release of AR frameworks by both Apple and Google in 2017, building AR app has become much easier. AR is also being incorporated in apps as a solution for real-life problems by diminishing the lines between the digital and physical environment. For example, measurement of real-world objects is possible by replacing the traditional physical measurement tape with AR Measure.
Trend #9: Cashless payments
Mobile payments have already gained momentum, and the trend will become the standard mode of payment for many users. With the launch of Google Pay and Apple Pay, customers are increasingly making purchases through these modes. These are powerful tools that will change daily commerce and provide users with great experience.
To wrap up
In the dynamic mobile world, it is important to stay updated to beat the fierce competition. These trends will be influencing the way customers will be using apps, so mobile app developers need to incorporate these changes in their apps to attract new users and make their app successful.
