UI/UX design trends 2021

The world around us has changed. There will no longer be “as before”. We all see how the pandemic has become the main trend that created its own adjustments in all spheres of life. The digital world has ceased to be as abstract and virtual as before. Furthermore, it has become a new reality. In the context of limited social contacts, digital technologies have become our irreplaceable assistants. Medical appointment booking, banking, remote work, ordering groceries, holding business meetings. Even concerts and theaters have gone online. Of course, this causes several inconveniences and rejection on the part of new users forced to use digital services. However, it also sets digital solutions trends in UI&UX design and development in 2021. 

Currently, competition in the market is growing along with the increase in users. The winner is the one who cares more about a positive user experience. The UI/UX design trends of 2021 are highly binary and transitional. Therefore, we have collected the most interesting for you below:

UX design trends 2021

1. Heading for a friendly UX

Shortly, headings should be clear and straightforward for the user. That’s all. Do not force users to think hard. Within the context of the everyday world, which is highly overloaded with information, the last thing your user needs to spend time on is finding where to leave a comment on the order. It will be easier for him to make an order in another store.

Whereas, use additional tools to help the user:

2. From emotions to sense

This is a new but already a highly-popular trend. Previously, brands took the user’s attention only with emotions. And it’s outdated. The more brands influence social life, the more important it is what spirit they carry. Therefore, modern UI/UX should convey the sense and mission of the brand, and thus make it more valuable for the end user.

From emotions to sense

3. Don’t just talk, show it

The brand’s tone of voice is essential and should be visible. Use visuals for the brand presentation as part of the animation. Go further and complement the landing pages with liven-up videos.

4. Clear UX texts

Always write in clear and simple language that will not trigger a question.

Clear UX texts1

Clear UX texts

5. Ethics and inclusiveness

Finally, the world has begun to think more broadly and accept everyone as equal. Tolerance has not only become a trend, but a part of our lives. Ethics research and accessibility testing have become an integral part of the development. Therefore, don’t miss this stage in your project planning.

6. Taking care of the mental part

More and more studies are appearing about the negative impact of gadgets and metropolises on people’s emotional state. Consequently, taking care of the user’s emotional state and preserving his resources may become a must-have in the coming seasons.

7. Minimalism in navigation

Use voice control and as little text as possible. Nowadays, everyone needs asceticism and new forms of interaction.

Minimalism in navigation

UI Design Trends 2021

1. Black-n-White dress code

Dark mode, which entered the market in 2020, has become the main trend of the past year. All major companies have shown updates with the ability to choose a dark theme. Be sure, this trend will remain stable in 2021.

The use of dark colors in the background allows favorably emphasize design elements, less irritating to the eyes and more pleasant for long-term use of the service. Moreover, the reverse side of this coin is the use of a white background. Thanks to this color mode, it is easy to highlight any color accent and create a feeling of a bright atmosphere. Let the users choose a mode, and you will win.

 

Black-n-White dress code

Black-n-White dress code

2. Play of colors

The natural palette with bright, flashy accents attracts the most attention. Futuristic colors, such as blue, purple, and bright pink, certainly give the design a sense of fantastic radiance. Furthermore, use bold color combinations to make web design literally jump out of the screen. This trend is particularly evident in duochromic web design.  

3. Spirit of madness

Sometimes it’s good to fool around. If your brand takes liberties, you can use an ultra-modern style. Switch creativity to the maximum, and all liberties are allowed. Flashy incompatible colors – why not? Asymmetric layout, three-dimensional objects, the game of fonts, and elements that overlap each other? Great! 

 Play of colors UI design trends

4. Engage an artist

Hand-drawn illustrations will perfectly emphasize the quality of photo and video elements. Exclusive graphics will attract attention to the product and make it memorable. Add animation, and you have the upper hand on the market! 

5. Style Icons

2021 is exactly the year of technologies and digital solutions. Therefore, everything should be thought out to the last pixel. Do not use different icons or stock solutions. Use the ready-made library, or include the development of the icon concept in the brand book. You can find several solutions here:

6. Airy and easy

The trend for interfaces loaded with details has definitely remained in the world without masks. A minimum of objects, a lot of free space. The play of light and shadow will allow the creation of a sense of elements of lightness, and this is what you need to strive for in 2021.

Airy and easy

7. Expand the space

The elements of three-dimensional space have fascinating users for a long time. But as VR and AR technologies go forward, the popularity of immersive 3D elements will only grow. Such UI can give the user a completely new experience and will stand out in their minds. The ability to implement 3D features in augmented reality makes the transition from the old to the new even brighter and highlights how our world has changed. It is in the hands of designers that it is possible to combine two dimensions

8. Bold typography

The text is no longer just a set of words. Now, this is an image that can attract all the attention. Large fonts, different fonts, asymmetric layout.

9. Ground-glass effect

A modern trend that fits perfectly into the concept of minimalism, lightness, and bright colors. The effect of ground-glass or glassmorphism, blur, and blurred background allows to focus on functional elements and does not distract attention.

10. Quality mark

The ability to play high-quality videos and photos is not a phenomenon anymore, but the norm. Therefore, no one in 2021 will forgive you for the low-quality media content. Free stock photos are also unlikely to help create a sample of digital art. Exclusive photo art, specially shot photos. High-quality media incorporated in the technology interface is the motto of this design year.

It is necessary to highlight the main design trends for 2021 separately:

The main rule of UI/UX design at all times, which is not affected by trends:

Ask us about the best UI and UX for your idea:

Get in touch!