Websites and apps have added so much to people’s lives. Unfortunately, many people stop using websites and apps because they get bored. Keep your users coming back for months or years by following these UX trends that make products more useful and exciting. You face a lot of competition, so you need to do everything you can to maintain an edge!
Add Microinteractions to Your Designs
Microinteractions have been around for years, but they have recently gotten more attention as designers search for new ways to make their products fun and engaging.
Microinteractions give users a chance to communicate with products without making major commitments. The Facebook “like” buttons provide good examples of micro-interactions. When you “like” a post or comment, you only have to press a small button. After that, you move on.
You probably forget about the interaction within seconds. Still, it gives you something to do while using an app or website. Even a small action makes you feel more connected to the product, which makes you more likely to return.
Inside Design has some superb micro-interactions that may change the way you think about how your products and users communicate.
Use Augmented Reality to Merge the Real and Digital Worlds
Augmented reality has evolved quickly over the last few years. At first, app developers were thrilled that they could help you see what a couch would look like in your living room. In 2016, Pokemon Go took augmented reality out into the real world.
Augmented reality technology didn’t stop moving forward with Pokemon. Today’s apps can use the tech to:
- Help you find products in stores.
- Teach consumers how to use products.
- Provide remote assistance while people work from home.
- Guide new mechanics trying to diagnose automotive problems.
If appropriate, consider adding augmented reality to your apps. When used correctly, it can help and entertain users immensely.
Discover Innovative Design Ideas by Encouraging Collaboration
Unfortunately, designers can get stuck in ruts that make their products look and behave similarly. That can help when you want to grow your brand. When a designer works for multiple clients, though, it quickly starts to feel boring and lazy.
Using a design collaboration tool can help professionals break free of their old habits. When a designer gets to work with one or more other experts, they can push each other to discover innovative design ideas that product users will love.
Occasionally, excited designers will push the limits a little too far. You can keep wild ideas under control by choosing a prototyping tool like UXPin. UXPin lets designers send prototype links to stakeholders, friends, and colleagues. Recipients don’t need accounts to view the prototypes. As long as they have the correct link, they can view the work.
The option to share prototypes means that you can get feedback from third-party observers who don’t feel invested in the Design. A designer who spent four hours creating something may not want to remove it from the app. Someone outside of the team can give objective feedback without the emotional baggage.
Bring Your Products to Life With Animation and Interactive Elements
Animation doesn’t have to involve a big production with multiple characters and huge amounts of data. Something as simple as a feature button that spins while it does its job gives users some entertainment while they wait.
Experiment with different types of entertainment to find concepts that fit your product’s target audience. Excessive animation could annoy some people. A few animated elements, however, can keep them engaged.
Interactive elements provide a similar benefit. With interactive elements, people often input data that the website or app needs to help them. When ordering a book, for instance, the website needs customers to fill out forms to gather shipping and payment information.
Interactive elements can seem dull and confusing, though. Add a little pizzazz so users know that forms have accepted their input. People will feel more confident that the form worked. They may also get a quick smile from interactive elements that respond in fun ways.
Don’t Fear White Space
White spaces on screens can look like areas that need something. White space actually serves crucial functions, though. You shouldn’t fear including them in your designs.
White space, for example, can help a CTA stand out from other elements on the page. Users who want easy ways to order products and services will find the white space very helpful. White space can also make it easier for users to navigate elements on a page. Crammed spaces can look confusing and amateurish. Spreading items out helps people view information and actions on the page more easily.
Always Keep Up With the Latest UX Trends
UX trends a decade ago impressed their users. Try to put them in your designs now, though, and people will turn away from the product. Few consumers want products with outdated looks and behaviors.
Do your best to keep up with the latest UX trends. The more effort you put in, the more exciting and useful your products will become for users.
