Every year, new trends develop in user interface design that literally changes the face of the Internet for years to come. Some of these trends are just starting to emerge, while others grow more popular each year.
As 2018 enters its second half, and 2019 comes into view, we’ll look at some of the current trends, followed by our predictions for what will shine in 2019.
Current UI trends
With a shift towards creating user experiences, rather than just selling, 2018. With this now a possibility, how we interact with those screens is even more critical than it once was.
In 2018, designers were tasked with creating designs that were more time-saving and personalized while delivering deeper metrics than ever before. Changes to the way in which businesses can share and store data in light of the Cambridge Analytica scandal and the introduction of GDPR in the EU, have also already had a big impact on UI, according to Rebeka Hall from Sitback design agency.
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Upcoming UI Trends
These 8 trends not only align with these goals, but they are also most likely to drive the design of websites in 2019.
Long Form Content
The demand for more written content (for a variety of reasons) has led to web pages that require scrolling.
Caitlin Bennett from Alpha Digital tells us, “Readers (and Google’s algorithm) are looking for transparent and credible information online. Collaborate with your clients and partners (both current and potential) to produce research and new insights in 2019. You’ll expand your network, while weaving expertise and multiple perspectives into your pieces.”
While great for search engine optimization, content that extends ‘below the fold’ pose a unique challenge for UI design. Expect to see more UI design trends addressing this issue in 2019.
Cycling’s Road Forward – The Washington Post
Full-Screen Video
While more words can lead to richer stories, videos also tell an impactful story while not requiring the user to scroll down or read. Full-screen videos immerse the site visitor, leading to more involvement (and hopefully) better metrics. As more sites seek to combine experience with metrics, this trend is likely to grow in 2019.
Typography
Whether sites lean toward long-form content or start with full page pictures or videos, typography will take center stage in 2019. Designers such as Oz Chowdrey, who works at Powerphrase agency, imagined a 2018 filled with bold typography. It’s clear already that 2019 will see a continuation of that this trend.
Gradients
When it comes to user interface, 2019 will be the designer’s dream. The 2017 push for personalization has led to expectations of something other than Apple. In 2019, you will see brighter, more vivid colors, and greater use of gradients.
Jordan Edelson, CEO and founder of Appetizer Mobile elaborates, “ Minimal design has been making a rise for the past few years, and 2019 is prime for an uprising in minimal details. That comes in the form of gradients used for fill colors, graphics using flat colors for shading, simple moving animations, and overlapping graphics and icons to create depth. Icons and graphics now have a consistent branding scheme in their design, and they tell the story of a website more effectively and cohesively. Overall these detailed minimal graphics are used for strong representation of concepts on the web to make a more visual connection for viewers.”
Illustrations
Color and typography can only do so much to tell a unique story; illustrations, on the other hand, can tell a story on their own. This emerging trend is very likely to stay relevant in 2019 because Illustrations are an extremely versatile visual element. They can be sophisticated or simplistic; playful or serious. They can even be animated. Bianca Caruana from Matter Design Agency tells us that adding a touch of animation to your site or app can bring it to life and make it more of a joy to use. Micro-interactions give the user a greater reaction and therefore a greater sense of control and ownership. They encourage interactivity and bring a bit of fun to the design. They can also be powerful prompts and tools to guide users towards your main conversion points.
UI Studios’ Creative Director Doug Crawshay explains how these features are already becoming more commonplace, “We’ve noticed that more and more of our clients are demanding uniqueness, to differentiate themselves from competitors through tailored graphics and animation, as a result projects are becoming more extensive and complex. As the demand from clients becomes greater, so does the need for designers to streamline the UI design process. Designers will look to the likes of Sketch, Adobe, Invision and Zeplin to keep up with designer needs and continually push boundaries making the work process more efficient.”
Cards Still Rule
You may already be familiar with cards, but in 2019, they are expected to become even more popular. Cards are great for small screens and are also an effective way to share a lot of information in a small space. Thanks to their ease of use in mobile design, combined with their inclusion in Google’s Material Design, this trend is going nowhere.
No Rules Apply
Near the end of 2016, a growing number of websites began to think outside of the grid when it came to design, and this is not likely to change for 2019. In fact, who even needs UI?
Chris Brummel, creative director of digital agency Globant sees a future that features less visible UI thanks to the growing use of voice user interface. “Interfaces like Alexa and Google Assistant are gaining rapid traction and require brand new techniques for thinking through how to be a successful user interface. Language has always played a part in UI, but guiding people exclusively through language requires designers to look at UI through a new lens.”
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The Need for More Collaboration
As websites become more personalized and options become more diverse, collaboration between creatives, marketers, and developers will likely become more relevant as well. Long-form content requires talented writers, while custom illustrations and typography depend on talented designers. The drive for metrics will also involve marketers in the creation of websites more than ever before.
Although user interface design trends can change as quickly as they develop, it is important to stay on top of what is currently popular in the industry and with users. Regardless of whether you opt for stylistic gradients or think less is more, Slickplan has you covered with timesaving collaborative tools that help you build better websites.
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