Top UX Trends of 2017: User-First Innovation Leads the Way

by | Jan 20, 2017 | User Experience

In 2016, user experience (UX) saw significant developments, from the rise of sophisticated chatbots to the emergence of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in digital interfaces. As we moved into 2017, user-centered innovation continued to take center stage, shaping how businesses approach design, usability, and engagement. This year, UX design trends have evolved, focusing on intuitive, human-centered experiences that cater to users’ needs and expectations across various digital platforms.

Here, we explore four key UX developments that suggest how user experience will continue to evolve and grow, impacting everything from usability standards to design practices and conversational interfaces.

1. Standardized Usability Norms: Raising the Bar for User Experience

ConclusionOne of the most notable trends in UX design has been the movement toward standardized usability norms. Companies like Google have played a pivotal role in establishing these standards by releasing interaction libraries and design guidelines. For instance, Google’s Material Design provides designers with clear principles and visual components, ensuring a consistent and intuitive experience across digital products.

These standardized norms simplify UX design for developers by offering ready-to-use resources, such as UI patterns, icons, and animations. Meeting primary usability requirements—such as ensuring users can complete tasks with minimal confusion—is now a fundamental aspect of UX. By following these established guidelines, designers can create user interfaces that are not only functional but also visually engaging and accessible.

In 2017, on-trend designers focused on making innovation subtle and user-friendly. Rather than introducing flashy features that could confuse users, the emphasis was on supporting user intent and prioritizing relevance in every design element.

Example of Standardized Usability in Action:
Consider Google’s transition from using the hamburger menu to placing key navigation items at the bottom of mobile apps. By doing so, Google follows usability norms that align with how users naturally hold and interact with mobile devices, making it easier for users to access important features.

Actionable Insight: If your brand is designing a new app or updating a website, consider using Google’s Material Design as a foundational guideline. This can help ensure your digital properties are user-friendly and adhere to industry standards, increasing user satisfaction and engagement.

2. Outdated UX Terminology: Why Terms Like “Responsive Design” Are Fading

In 2017, certain UX terms started to fade from everyday conversations among designers. Two terms that have become increasingly outdated are “responsive design” and “above the fold.”

The Decline of “Responsive Design”

Responsive design, which ensures websites are mobile-friendly, has now become the standard rather than the exception. As mobile usage has surged over the years, designing for multiple screen sizes has become a baseline expectation. In fact, Google removed “mobile-friendly” labels from search results in 2016, indicating that mobile optimization is now assumed.

Today, rather than talking about “responsive design,” designers focus on a mobile-first approach, designing with mobile screens as the starting point. Mobile-first design emphasizes usability on smaller screens, accommodating larger screens like desktops as a secondary consideration.

The Fading Relevance of “Above the Fold”

Another term that has lost relevance is “above the fold.” In the past, designers focused on keeping critical information “above the fold” (the visible part of the webpage before scrolling). However, with users accessing websites on a variety of devices—tablets, phones, and desktops—the concept of a fixed “fold” no longer applies.

Modern UX design accounts for the fact that users access content in different ways depending on their device. Designers now prioritize creating engaging, scroll-friendly content that guides users through the page, rather than limiting essential information to a specific screen area.

Example of Mobile-First Design in Action:
Instagram’s app, for example, was designed with mobile-first principles. The layout, navigation, and functionality cater to the way users interact on mobile devices, with a seamless experience that keeps users engaged and scrolling.

Actionable Insight: If you’re designing a new digital product, think mobile-first. Start by designing for the smallest screens, ensuring all essential features work seamlessly on mobile before adapting to larger screens. This approach aligns with modern user behavior and enhances the user experience.

3. Conversational UX: A More Natural Way to Engage Users

WorkflowsConversational user interfaces have gained popularity as advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have allowed for more natural interactions between users and digital platforms. Chatbots, virtual assistants, and voice-controlled interfaces such as Siri and Google Now mimic real conversations, making user interactions smoother and more intuitive.

In 2017, more apps and digital services adopted a conversational approach to UX, allowing users to interact with brands as if they were conversing with a real person. This approach makes the user experience feel more natural and eliminates many of the friction points that can arise from complex navigation or rigid interfaces.

Example of Conversational UX in Action:
Take a food-ordering app as an example. Rather than forcing users to navigate through multiple pages, a conversational UX could prompt users to enter their location, select items, customize their order, and provide payment information through a simple chat-like interface. This conversational flow feels more intuitive and reduces the cognitive load on the user.

Actionable Insight: Consider implementing a chatbot or conversational interface on your website or app. Chatbots can guide users through their journey, answering questions and providing support in real-time, which enhances user satisfaction and engagement.

4. More Human-Centered Design: Personalization and Cultural Sensitivity

For years, UX design has focused on screens and how users interact with visual elements on those screens. However, with the advent of voice-controlled interactions like Siri and Google Assistant, designers now face the challenge of understanding not only what people do but how they do it. Human-centered design goes beyond mere functionality, taking into account users’ cultural backgrounds, preferences, and unique ways of interacting with technology.

As personalization becomes more essential in UX, designers are increasingly mindful of the different ways users from diverse backgrounds engage with digital products. For instance, two people from different cultural or linguistic backgrounds might have similar goals but express their needs differently. A human-centered approach to UX design considers these nuances, ensuring that interfaces are inclusive and adaptable to various user preferences.

Example of Human-Centered Design in Action:
Consider a healthcare app that serves users from different cultures. In some cultures, discussing medical conditions openly may be considered impolite or taboo. A human-centered design approach might allow users to ask questions in indirect terms, using metaphors or common expressions from their culture, ensuring the app remains respectful and accessible to all users.

Actionable Insight: When designing a digital product, think about the cultural and linguistic diversity of your user base. Personalization options, language preferences, and flexible interactions can help make your app more inclusive, enhancing its appeal and usability across different demographics.

How These Trends Shape the Future of UX Design

The UX trends of 2017 highlighted a shift towards a more user-centered, flexible approach to design. With standardized usability norms, outdated terminology, conversational interfaces, and human-centered design, the focus is clearly on making digital interactions intuitive, relevant, and accessible. Here’s how these trends are setting the stage for the future:

  • Enhanced Usability and Accessibility: Standardized usability norms and the move toward mobile-first design have made digital platforms more accessible and intuitive for all users, regardless of their device.
  • Natural and Intuitive Interactions: Conversational UX allows users to interact with brands in a natural, human way, creating a more comfortable and engaging experience.
  • Inclusivity and Cultural Sensitivity: By taking cultural differences and personalization into account, human-centered design ensures that digital products can be enjoyed by diverse audiences around the world.

Implementing These UX Trends in Your Business

For companies looking to enhance their digital experience, here are some practical steps to implement these UX trends:

  1. Follow Established Design Standards: Use interaction libraries like Google’s Material Design to ensure your digital properties are consistent and user-friendly. This can help streamline the design process and ensure your platform meets industry standards.
  2. Adopt a Mobile-First Approach: Design for mobile screens first, ensuring essential features are easy to use on smaller devices. This approach aligns with current user expectations and improves usability across platforms.
  3. Integrate Conversational Interfaces: If your business can benefit from a conversational approach, consider adding a chatbot or voice-controlled interface. These tools can reduce friction and make your customer interactions more engaging.
  4. Focus on Personalization and Cultural Sensitivity: Customize your digital experience to account for different user preferences, languages, and cultural contexts. This approach can enhance user satisfaction and increase accessibility for diverse audiences.

The Business Benefits of Staying on Top of UX Trends

Incorporating these UX trends not only enhances the user experience but also drives business growth by:

  • Increasing Customer Satisfaction: By creating more intuitive, accessible, and relevant experiences, you can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, leading to repeat business.
  • Boosting Conversion Rates: Conversational interfaces and human-centered design reduce friction, making it easier for users to complete desired actions, which translates into higher conversion rates.
  • Building Brand Reputation: A seamless, engaging UX reflects positively on your brand, fostering trust and establishing your business as a leader in innovation.

Ready for a Forward-Thinking UX Solution? Contact Interact Today

Staying ahead of UX trends is essential for creating digital experiences that resonate with modern users. If you’re looking to implement user-first design strategies that keep pace with evolving expectations, contact Interact today. Our UX experts can help you develop a forward-thinking digital experience that enhances customer satisfaction and positions your brand as an industry leader.

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