Why is UX/UI design important in building and developing a product?

Understanding the needs, preferences and behaviors of those who will use your product is one of the most important tasks of UX designers. Based on such information, specific solutions are designed to help you meet the goals of your product. A good UX design increases the value of your product. So, you need to identify the potential customers’ profile and then map their behavior and preferences.

In turn, UI design allows you to present your product in a visually attractive way that will encourage your potential customers to use it. UI includes all visual elements, e.g. menu, gallery, text layout, colors, so everything regarding the aesthetic layer of communicating about and with the product. It is important that the UX and UI designers work in synergy. As a result, your product will be better received by users, and the effects of this cooperation will show very quickly.

UI design trends for 2020

1. Microinteractions

Microinteractions are 'events' that have one main purpose. They are to achieve user satisfaction by creating engaging interactions. Sometimes users don't even realize their existence! A good example of their use are animated icons, e.g. Facebook and the "like" options, or a common "send" button, where a bird flies away after clicking this button to indicate that the message has been sent.

To put it shortly, microinteractions are designed to increase customer satisfaction and increase retention.

2. 3D graphics in web and mobile

3D graphics are a great idea to improve the interface of your product. A well-designed one can be very engaging and attract the attention of the recipients (and that's what this is all about!). For instance, you can often see 3D graphics in mobile applications. Without a doubt, this is a trend that will grow even more in 2020.

3. Hand-drawn illustrations

This is a very interesting trend that has many followers. Such graphics can bring freshness to your product and make your users even more interested in it. It's a great idea to stand out and go beyond well-known standards.

4. Motion design

Used in movies and animations to build the illusion of movement, motion design often involves a combination of sound and multimedia. It is also used beyond the film industry. More and more companies are opening up to this method of transferring information to their clients. It surely is a very interesting and developmental direction.

5. Asymmetrical layouts

In design, asymmetry is often used to create visual tension. It allows to draw the recipients’ attention in a less obvious way and intrigue them. This search for non-standard solutions often brings great results. It is worth noting that minimalistic asymmetrical layouts are actually among the most difficult design styles to perform.

UX design trends for 2020

1. Broader cross-device interface

More and more websites and applications will be expanding their presence onto new platforms. In this way, you can reach the user even better and meet his needs more efficiently. In this situation, UX designers will focus on matching the interface to many different devices with different resolutions.

2. Voice users and AI

The use of artificial intelligence is another trend associated with UX design. Tools such as Siri or Alexa are getting more and more attention. It should be expected that similar solutions will become increasingly popular and willingly used. It is possible that they will soon become the standard.

This trend of gaining business knowledge and engagement in product environment development by UX designers should be expected. With this approach, you can further understand the target group, its preferences and behaviors, and, thus, more effectively design the product. It can be said that the more the UX designers’ team is able to understand in the business background of the product, the greater the effect they can achieve.

4. Division into UX specializations

Just a few years ago, a UX designer was responsible for virtually everything – testing, drawing mock-ups, graphics, research and writing. Currently, the division into specific specializations is becoming noticeable. Even now, separate positions are occupied by UX specialists in various areas (in truth, another position should be established in 2020 – "UX writer").

5. The growing importance of inclusive design

Inclusive design emphasizes that understanding user diversity leads to informed design decisions and the will to including as many people as possible. User diversity covers a variation in capabilities, needs and aspirations. An example of a typical inclusive design is three-fold: recognize exclusion; solve for one, extend to many; learn from diversity.

Summary

The world of UX/UI design sees changes of various extent every year. However, if you want your product to be user-friendly and eye-catching, you should know the most important contemporary trends. Such knowledge will help you improve your product even more, better reach the preferences of your target group and - obviously - increase your business profits. Personally, I have no doubt that the role of UX/UI design in contemporary business is growing more and more. Therefore, remember that every product needs a good UX and UI. It is ‘must-have’!

Read more:

- The most tiresome contemporary challenges for Tech Leaders

- 10 reasons why cooperating with a software house can be profitable

- The ugly truth about software development process