As human values shift, technology shifts with it – and UX design is no exception.
There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, the field itself is maturing, and many a UX design company is finding just exactly what its capable of. Secondly, outside innovations such as AI are causing massive changes to every industry, including the design industry.
Taking both of these factors into consideration, UX design will evolve in 2019, prioritizing some key components that benefit both users and business owners. Let’s take a look at what designers are buzzing about as we head around the corner to 2019.
Designing with heart
A key part of UX design has always been user efficiency. These days, however, it’s also about something more human: using efficiency to make people’s lives better. Innovations like the launch of Ontario’s AODA, for example, has really drawn people’s attention to the way people with disabilities use technology, and the ways we can improve their experiences.
Ultimately, however, UX design is about closing the gap between all kinds of users. Design with a human element can include personalized messages based on prior interaction, and designing with different age groups, genders and cultural backgrounds in mind.
A UX design company has the power to help make human connections, and this a trend we predict will really blossom in 2019 and beyond.
Real time becomes key
Never has instant gratification been more central to people’s lives than it is currently. Users want answers and they want them now. Part of this can likely be attributed to the rise in social media’s real time features. The “Insta Stories” feature, which launched earlier this year, has made it easier than ever to see exactly what your friends are up to at any moment and comment in real time. Snapchat has done the same for a few years now, while messaging systems like WhatsApp have made it easier than ever to communicate with groups on the go.
The result? People have grown used to this and expect access to products and services to be equally rapid. Whether it’s a chat bot that pops up immediately when you land on a homepage, a streamlined payment system or a real time order tracker, a good UX design company will have its designers constantly thinking about how to address this need with the products they create.
What’s your story?
Long considered the realm of technology gurus and digital behaviour experts, UX designers are realizing the importance of storytelling. After all, every page has a narrative. This doesn’t just apply to the words themselves, but to a much more all-encompassing narrative throughout the entire site.
This means it’s not just enough to think about designing visually using a wireframe, but also about identifying your product’s story outline. The way your pages interact together – the way they flow – tells the user a story about your products and services. A skilled UX design company will get to the bottom of exactly what you want it to say.
Focusing on narrative also helps you appeal to a broader audience, those who may not be viewing your content in its original webpage format. This includes those using assistive devices like a screen reader, using Google Home or Amazon’s Alexa, or subscribing to your content through an RSS feed. If your webpage tells a succinct, understandable story, even without its design features, you’re doing it right.
In 2019, having your company’s digital products provide assistance in real time, tell a clear story and know how to bridge the gap between humans and devices will become key. These are more than just frivolous design trends, however. At heart, they all have something in common. They’re about harnessing the power of digital to create connections. Isn’t it time your business got on board?
To learn more about how we can leverage UX to enhance your digital products, get in touch today.