Looking back on 2023 through the lens of UI, there have been some subtle (and one really big not-so-subtle) trends that we at STAUFFER believe will make an even larger impact on how brands tell stories and engage with the world. In lieu of this, we want our audience to be in the best position to dive into the anticipated trends that will shape 2024 and transform how users interact with digital products and services.
Not all these trends will not be for everyone, but knowing about them will expand your gray matter of what is possible and what kind of technology you can deploy to maximize your brand’s user experiences in 2023
Immersive 3D Elements
3D design elements are set to take center stage in 2024. By harmonizing depth of space with realism, 3D elements captivate users and elevate brand storytelling. By using 3D design, an immersive and engaging experience the pulls the user into the story of a brand to make a connection on a more realistic level.
Going deeper, stereo sound, AR, and VR platforms look to take 3D UI into a place of practicality for the home and office. STAUFFER sees many ways 3D elements will be developed and implemented into our daily lives; for more, read our article: Augmented Reality and the Future of Web Design (the Pillars of Great UX and How They Translate to AR).
Neomorphic Design Aesthetics
Neomorphic design is a futuristic trend emphasizing soft shadows, subtle gradients, and a focus on user-centric interfaces. This design trend offers an innovative way to create visually compelling interfaces while maintaining usability. Neomorphic design, sometimes called soft UI, brings a set of aesthetics that reminds me of a time when Winamp skins were all the rage, a world where software could take the shape of ethereal hardware and design limitations were only as limited as the one creating them.
Great UI minds will look to use neomorphic principles to revolutionize how big brands design their digital products, a trend that will undoubtedly continue to gain popularity in 2024.
Artificial Intelligence Integration
No 2023 wrap list could be without a nod to artificial intelligence. AI-powered chatbots provide dynamic content personalization to brands looking to amplify and maximize their voice through AI content, AI metrics, and optimization tools. More important, however, is how AI is changing how creatives approach graphic design.
While possibly a terrifying development for graphic designers, AI image generation allows brands to test and focus more on refining an idea than a product. For manufacturers, this means prototyping and ideation can be done at light speed, allowing for the space for out-of-the-box ideas to be tested. For graphic designers, this means that while the pixel-pushing days may be being phased out, the technical ability to push out more complicated designs and creative ideas has never been more accessible.
Dark Mode Dominance
Dark mode has been a popular trend for a while now, and it’s set to continue its dominance in 2024. Many of the largest brands online have “gone dark” as of late; even Google Chrome dropped a dark mode widget in 2023.
Many users prefer dark mode because it’s easier on the eyes and saves battery life. Dark mode is an aesthetic trend that aligns with the increasing demand for customizable interfaces, making it a design trend that will continue to be popular in 2024.
At STAUFFER, we have spent the better half of the decade tracking and forecasting trends like these, and understanding how they can be implemented and laid into any digital strategy. Contact us today to learn how we can help you create extraordinary digital experiences. The future is bright, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for UX/UI design.
