10 UI/UX Design trends in 2021

What’s up peeps? Already gearing up for the design trends in 2021? Great because here we are going to tell you exactly that. Two reasons why you need to have the knowledge of ongoing design trends-

1. Redesign your existing products so that they don’t look outdated
2. Design the new projects according to the market expectations

But don’t follow every trend blindly. Follow only what suits your product or else it can look overloaded. Go through our list and decide what all design trends you need to include in your next UI/UX project.

1) Dark Mode

Dark mode already started spreading it’s magic (black) by the end of 2020. This trend will be continued in 2021 as well. If you don’t know what dark mode is, allow me. In dark modes, we simply change the background of our webpages or screens to a darker color (most probably black) instead of a lighter one. There are a few reasons why this is among the design trends-

1. It goes easy on eyes
2. It saves battery
3. Makes the product look sophisticated and elegant

2) UX Writing

UX writing deals with portraying a good image of your product with the use of words and languages. It uses only to-the-point and critical information while avoiding beating around the bush.

Language plays a vital role in establishing personal connection with users. With the help of UX writing, technical information can be converted into informal stories which the users can easily understand. The products can also use regional languages of an area to build a better relationship with the users.

3) Bold Typography

There’s nothing new with bold fonts. We all have used it earlier. But the bold and chunky fonts can be expected to earn some name and fame among the top design trends in 2021. It makes the important information look eye catching (if used smartly). With bold headings, users are easily able to scan through a page and decide if this is what they are looking for. It also gives a trendy feel to your design but yes…Don’t overdo it!

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4) Voice UI

By now we can understand that the idea behind design trends of 2021 is to give more humanistic experience to the users. Using VUI or Voice User Interface can add a human touch to your product and can make the experience memorable for the users.

Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, are examples of Voice User Interface. Since people are getting busier, VUI can help them multi-task by giving a hands-free experience.

5) Floating Elements

Floating elements give your design a soft 3D effect by increasing the depth of design elements. This can be achieved by applying soft shadows to your elements. You can use it for images, videos, buttons, headings (not recommended for regular texts though), etc.

6) 3D Elements

3D elements have been used before but now their 3D-ness (that’s not a word, feel it) is increasing. Now they are being incorporated by latest technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). They can be highly beneficial for brands promoting physical products. The digital 3D forms of the physical products can be beautifully portrayed on their sites.

3D elements make the design look presentable and real. But they can go heavy on your sites so don’t forget to optimize them.

7) AR and VR

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have been very popular technologies in gaming sector. But now their value can be seen in different sectors like education, healthcare, tourism, defense, etc. If properly integrated with interface, it can take your product to the next level.

Virtual reality deals with taking you off of your reality into a different experience. Examples are Oculus headsets and Google cardboard. While Augmented reality deals with adding digital elements to your physical world when viewed through a screen. Popular examples can be the game Pokemon Go and Snapchat lenses.

8) Mobile-first Design

Mobile first design deals with starting the design process of your product with smallest screens. This is because mobile is the most used device in today’s time. Around 60% of the world population use mobile everyday for various purposes. It has now become a priority to take a mobile first approach for your product to be successful.

9) Minimalist Design

Minimalist design will be one of the important design trends in 2021. It focuses on decluttering your design and including the bare essential things. The approach taken is to reduce the time user takes to achieve tasks by offering clean and straightforward interface.

10) Artificial Intelligence

We are moving towards personalizing the services more and more for the users. Artificial intelligence plays a huge role in it. You can observe it when you get suggestions on shopping apps on the basis of your past activities. Or how spam mails go directly into spam folders without you having to move a finger.

Integrating AI with user interface can create a great experience for the users. The products can be optimized to make the tasks easy for users and again to save their time.

11) Glassmorphism

I’m extending this list because this new super cool Glassmorphism trend is in these days. It gives a glassy look to the interface. It is defined by Michal Malewicz and has 4 characteristics. There are certain steps to attain this effect and also some do’s and dont’s to keep in mind while using it. Know More

Conclusion

Exhausted? I will keep on updating this list as and when a new trend arrives. I hope now you can find out which design trends will suit your product. Following trends can help you stay up in the market but forcefully cramming the trends in your design can make it look senseless. Make a good decision! All the best!