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2022 UX and UI Design Trends

UX UI Design Trends 2022 Title Image
UX UI Design Trends 2022 Title Image

 

Brands are benefiting today from embracing a more comprehensive approach to web design by researching the customer and how they feel when they interact with a website. An approach called user experience design (UX) examines factors such as usability, accessibility, credibility, find-ability, desire, value, and usefulness. One essential component to creating good UX is an effective and engaging user interface (UI). The user interface is the appearance or  aesthetic of the website, and it intersects in many ways with the user experience.

 

Consumer behaviors, attitudes, and buying habits have all been changed by COVID-19.  The overwhelming shift towards eCommerce over in-store experiences,  as well as an increased focus on sustainability and premium experiences.  Continue reading below for our  top eCommerce Trends for 2022. 

1. Imagine the physical while designing the digital

Even as millions of people around the world continue to distance themselves from one another due to the pandemic, digital experiences and online communication channels have become more important than ever. As a result, a new urgency has arisen to expedite online experiences to close the gap between available products and consumers still at home. Diesel’s digital showroom is an example of an effective pivot that occurred during the pandemic. The company encouraged remote buying by creating a digital version of the try-and-buy process.

 

2. (Responsibly) Breaking the Grid 

Grids have been the best way to arrange all elements of a layout for both print and screen since the days of movable type. As a result of grids, web interfaces are faster and more responsive across devices and browsers.  However, grids have also played a role in diminishing the unique look and feel of websites and digital products/services. In 2022 and beyond, designers will embrace opportunities to create unique asymmetrical designs and responsibly break the grid in order to create new ways to display products and content on screens.

 

3. Human-centered design for digital wellbeing 

Psychologically, many people experienced a rollercoaster ride due to the pandemic. Additionally, we now know some of the most popular digital services and apps are designed so that we spend as much time using them as possible, maximizing their advertising revenues. In some cases, these services are designed to be addictive. It is more important than ever for designers to be aware of how the designs we create can affect our mental health. It is critical that we design tools with empathy, respect, and integrity for the people who use them.

 

4. Social Media SHOPPING 

Due to health risks and government restrictions, many are not be able to visit physical stores and shopping malls this year, so social channels will become an increasingly important way to discover, browse, and buy products. The ability to buy items on the same platform where they receive recommendations, from friends, influencers, or ads, will seem more natural to consumers. Retail brands will invest tremendous energy and capital into meeting consumers where they are-on social media platforms-by developing digital retail experiences in 2021 as social e-commerce explodes. Check out the latest digital fashion partnership with Nike and RTFKT here. 

 

Social Media Shopping Image

 

5. Less Apps, More Browsing

In the age of streamlining and minimalism, many brands are shifting away from native apps to lighter and more progressive web apps. Apps can be difficult convincing consumers to purchase and download, and they also require frequent updates which can become expensive to maintain. We will see an uptrend in digital experiences existing directly on the web, regardless of the user’s device.

 

6. Build Digital Playgrounds

The web is full of straightforward design focusing mainly on sales and fulfillment, which can lead to digital fatigue. Designers will be focusing more on incorporating engaging user experiences (UX) that are playful and empower the user.

 

7. Accessible Design

In the past, web design for people with disabilities has often been overlooked, when in reality, they are also active web users and their needs must be taken into consideration when developing websites. Some protocols for making your website more accessible and functional, and ADA friendly, include having high-contrast background-to-text content, using ALT tags for images, and placeholders for form fields. Designing for larger screens is also a key factor to keep in mind, which has seen an uptick in sales for those working from home. 

 

Facebook Meta 3D New Logo
Facebook - new Meta Logo

8. Animated logos 

How do you elevate your logo for 2022? The latest trend is moving from static to motion. Static logos don’t have the same wow factor as animated logos – they don’t grab the same amount of attention. Of course this isn’t possible for print design, but incorporating it into your digital marketing will be an attention grabber. Making it 3D can take it to the next level, like Facebook’s new 3D Meta logo.

 

 

9. Taking Inspiration from the 90s

In a time of uncertainty, many people become nostalgic. Designers from fashion to Web are drawing inspiration from the 90s, the era of the start of email, internet and web resources. Older generations will appreciate the familiarity, and the younger generation finds appeal in the “vintage” look. 

 

Amazon AR VR App
Amazon – AR / VR App

10. Virtual and Augmented Reality

Yet another trend inspired by COVID is VR and AR. With all of the shutdowns, companies were forced to offer augmented reality to offer their customers an alternative to in-person IRL visits. The use of virtual reality combined with artificial intelligence will gain more popularity in 2022 and beyond. Expect to see virtual spaces to emerge as alternatives to IRL workspaces, conference rooms, events and training. 

Virtual Reality is also making waves in eCommerce, with customers having the ability to preview what an item they are interested in purchasing might look like in their space.  Amazon launched a VR “view in your room” feature to see how a product would look. Source: Amazon App

 

We hope you found these UX/UI design trends for 2022 to be helpful. Most of all, we wish you and your loved ones a happier and healthier 2022!

 

If you’re looking to use 2022 to launch a business or elevate your existing brand, we encourage you to explore our Services and Capabilities.

About Us

Thread & Butter takes inspiration from trends around the world and delivers thoughtful, creative design solutions with a whimsical and eclectic attitude. Our work is exciting, demanding, outstandingly creative, and strikes a delicate balance of being of the moment, yet timeless. We are the thread that connects your brand to the world, seamlessly.

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