Optimizing user experience is EVERYTHING! Facilitating the user flow and providing intuitive navigation ensures a positive user journey.
Here’s what you need to look out for to not only make that first impression memorable but to also sustain it.
BOLD COLORS
The 90s and the Y2K fashions are coming back in style. We are talking about bold, contrasting colors and gradients making a comeback. For the coming year we are looking to see neon contrasted with muted colors and gradients and ombres adding a bit more motion to flat colors.
It’s all about invoking that retro or nostalgic feeling.
ANTI MODES
64.6% of users expect websites to apply dark mode automatically! Asides from reducing how harsh lights can sometimes be to the user’s eye, dark mode also provides a sleek and modern aesthetic to your site.
Similarly, we are transitioning from functional and business-oriented looks to anti-design which is all about self-expression and unconventional choices.
CURSOR REDEFINED
A key but often overlooked part of how a user interacts with your website. There was a rise in custom cursors in 2021 and it is expected to continue through to 2023.
Using a custom cursor for your site is a great way to promote brand loyalty and build it into the user experience.
IMMERSIVE SCROLLING
This involves displaying content to users in a more strategic and narrative manner which increases engagement. The smooth animations, video content and dynamic elements allow for some great ‘scrollytelling’.
This piques curiosity and encourages user interaction with the content.
HANDMADE
Users want to see your brand for what it is and value originality. Using handmade graphics or photos that are original and not stock images is a great way to show authenticity and connect with your user in a more personal way.
It also allows you to share your vision and brand exactly the way you want it to be perceived.
DATA VISUALIZATION
Making data sexy for users allows for easier information absorption and page navigation. Its about taking a more personalized approach to data sharing.
From interactive infographics to themed video content, it results in a more accessible and enjoyable visual-based experience.
ADVANCED MICRO-INTERACTIONS
Another great way to enhance your user experience. These are typically animations or effects that occur when the user interacts with the site. An example can be a check mark appearing next to fields the user has filled out. It is expected to become a common component of design & interfaces.
It’s all in the details!
INCREASED ACCESSIBILITY
Voice search makes your website a lot more inclusive and helps visually impaired people to be able to navigate your site a lot more easily. Rather than having to type into the search bar, users can speak into their devices and perform the search instead.
49.78% of total web visits are mobile. You need to ensure that the website is optimized for mobile devices. Creating a mobile-first design ensures that customers have the best experience on your site irrespective of the device they’re using.
