2022 was a significant year in the field of user interface (UI) design, with events that foreshadowed substantial changes in how we use technology in the future. In this yearly prediction list compiled by UX Studio, we’ve identified 10 of the latest UI trends, some of which are ongoing and others that are far-reaching.

In the past few years, we saw trends such as storytelling, dark mode, custom cursor, unique illustrations, and bold typography, which remain important elements in digital platforms. These are now considered common knowledge rather than “modern UI trends”.

Now, let’s delve into what we can expect to see as defining elements in UI design in 2023 based on what happened in 2022.

10 UI Trends 2023

1. Motion Design

Incorporating motion design into your UI can be a game-changer for the user experience. By adding animation and other forms of movement, you can guide the user’s attention, provide feedback, and create a sense of cohesion and flow within the interface.

You can also use motion design to smooth transitions between different states or pages, provide feedback in response to user actions, and enhance micro-interactions – those small, subtle interactions that add personality to the interface.

Whether you’re looking to add some flair to your UI or simply improve the user experience, motion design is an essential tool to have in your design arsenal.

2. Custom cursor interactions

Custom cursor interactions were already a thing in 2022 and they’ll stay with us in 2023 as well. These interactions are a creative way to engage your users and make your interface stand out. By using the movement of the cursor as an input, you can trigger animations and other interactive elements on the page.

These interactions can help provide feedback and confirmation, guide the user’s attention, and encourage exploration of the interface. However, it’s essential to use them wisely and consider the overall user experience. 

While custom cursor interactions can add personality and unique style to your interface, it’s important to strike a balance between visual appeal and usability. Use them judiciously to create an engaging and enjoyable user experience without causing unnecessary difficulties for your users.

3.  VR & AR

Virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) technologies are becoming increasingly mainstream, and it’s no surprise that we’ll see more interfaces designed specifically for these platforms in 2023.

As VR and AR technologies continue to improve and become more accessible, designers will have more opportunities to create immersive and interactive user experiences.

Bigger markets mean more emphasis on developing new experiences on said platforms which can open new doors for UX/UI design. It is a new playground for innovation and technological advancements.

These User Interface trends will involve thinking outside the box, rather than sticking to the grid. Forget the UI that is restricted to screens. Instead, you should emphasize interactions that feel like they take place within the real-world environment.

In terms of Augmented Reality, Google and Apple have already introduced their own AR development platforms: ARCore and ARKit, that blend the physical and digital worlds. There are multiple approaches to AR UI: 

• Object-related, real-world objects that have tethered interaction

• Fixed to screen space, where the user has to position the camera in a specific way

• Real-world related, which uses the surrounding physical world.

Besides the headset, Apple invests in AR, and there’s a lot of excitement around the Apple Glasses. Therefore, as a designer, if you haven’t already, you should start expanding your knowledge with the upcoming AR UI kits. Additionally, you might also want to think through the context and function of AR experiences carefully.

As designers, we have to consider the fact that we’ll have to get prepared and start learning new tools. The ability to create augmented reality interfaces and 3D elements might become a very useful skill in the upcoming years.

4. Dark Mode Only

Dark mode, which involves using dark colors and low-contrast text in interface design, is expected to be a key trend in 2023. Dark mode offers a range of benefits for both users and designers, making it an increasingly popular choice for interface design.

Dark mode is easier on the eyes compared to traditional interfaces with bright white backgrounds and high-contrast text, which can cause eye strain and fatigue. It uses, obviously, darker colors that are more comfortable for users to look at for extended periods of time, making it particularly beneficial for those who spend long hours in front of screens, such as software developers or data analysts.

We expect to see more interfaces designed exclusively for dark mode in 2023, as it offers a range of benefits for both users and designers. Whether you’re looking to create a more comfortable and visually appealing user experience or simply save battery life on your devices, dark mode is a trend worth considering in your interface designs.

5. Bolder and more characteristic fonts

In the coming year, we (again) expect to see more interfaces that use bold, characteristic fonts to create a cohesive and consistent brand identity and add visual interest and personality to the design. These unique and eye-catching fonts can help brands stand out and create a more memorable user experience. 

6. Voice interactions

As smart speakers and other voice-enabled devices become more prevalent, it’s no surprise that we’ll see more interfaces designed specifically for voice interaction.

These interfaces will use natural language processing and other artificial intelligence technologies to understand and respond to voice commands, making it easier for users to interact with the interface using only their voice. This trend toward voice-based interfaces has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with technology, making it even more convenient and accessible. 

One of the major benefits of voice-enabled interfaces is their ability to provide hands-free control. This can be especially useful in situations where it’s inconvenient or difficult to use a traditional interface, such as when you’re driving, cooking, or performing other tasks.

Voice-enabled interfaces can also be more accessible to users with disabilities, as they allow users to interact with their devices without the need to use a keyboard or touch screen.

7. Gradients

Gradients have been popular in UI design for a few years now, and it’s likely that they will continue to be used in some capacity in the coming year. These color transitions add depth and dimension to the design, creating a more visually interesting and dynamic user experience.

From adding movement and energy to an interface to creating the illusion of depth, gradients are a versatile tool for designers looking to add visual interest to their designs. 

8. Simplification and Brutalism

As users become increasingly overwhelmed by the amount of information available to them, designers are looking for ways to create interfaces that are simpler and more focused.

One approach to simplification is minimalism, which involves using whitespace and typography effectively to guide the user’s attention and prioritize the most important information. Minimalist interfaces tend to be clean and uncluttered, making it easier for users to find what they need and complete tasks efficiently.

Another trend that we might see in 2023 is brutalism, which involves using raw, unfinished, and often blocky elements in interface design. This style is often associated with functionality over aesthetics, and it can be used to create a sense of authenticity and honesty.

Brutalist interfaces are often unapologetically straightforward, making it easy for users to understand and navigate them.

9. Scrollytelling

As users scroll through an interface, scrollytelling can reveal new content and animations, creating a sense of discovery and progression. This can be especially effective for applications that rely on storytelling or immersive experiences, such as games or interactive media.

By using scroll-triggered animation to reveal content and add visual interest, designers can create interfaces that are more memorable and enjoyable for use. While the style captures the users’ attention, the narrative engages them with a brand because it makes them feel like they’re part of the story.

This, in turn, keeps users from simply scanning through the content. So, don’t underestimate the power of UX writing.

10. AI-Powered Design

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making waves in the world of UI design, with more and more interfaces incorporating this technology in various ways. In 2023, we can expect to see interfaces that use AI to analyze user behavior and tailor the interface to their needs and preferences.

For example, AI-powered interfaces might track user actions and adjust the layout or content based on their previous interactions. This can help create a more personalized and intuitive user experience, as users are presented with information and options that are more relevant to their interests.

AI can also be used to automate tasks and provide intelligent recommendations to users. For instance, an e-commerce interface might use AI to suggest products based on a user’s purchase history or browsing activity. This can help users discover new products that they might be interested in, while also making the interface more efficient and convenient to use.

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Which factors influence UI trends in 2023?

As we look ahead to 2023, it’s clear that the field of UI design will continue to evolve and adapt to new technologies and user needs. From motion design and custom cursor interactions to VR and AR, these trends represent just a small sample of what we can expect to see in the coming year.

By keeping an eye on these trends and staying open to new ideas and approaches, you’ll be well-equipped to create innovative and effective UI designs that meet the needs of your users.

And at UX studio, there’s no UI without UX, so check out our other article which features the latest UX trends in 2023.

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