10 UI design trends to watch out for in 2023

In 2023, the governing theme for UI design trends seems to be "back to basics." Read on to learn about the top 10 UI design trends.

Design trends evolve year after year. As technology advances and user needs change, dominating trends also get updated. In 2023, the governing theme for UI design trends seems to be "back to basics." From colors to visuals, shapes, and patterns, the design world expects a return to the fundamentals. Our eyes are indeed in for an exciting treat, and in this article, we discuss the top 10 UI design trends that will take the reins in 2023.

1. AR+VR

With the arrival of Metaverse, AR and VR are shooting up in popularity and demand. In 2023, businesses will brainstorm ways to use AR and VR best in their offerings. Industries such as eCommerce, healthcare, entertainment, and travel are expected to delve deeper into XR technology. There are predictions of medical practitioners using VR-assisted devices for surgery, remote monitoring, and other processes.

In the eCommerce sector, AR/VR will be used in multiple use cases, such as

• apparel and accessories trials for clothes, sunglasses, and other wearables
• virtual view for building decor like furniture arrangements and paint colors

IKEA has already jumped on the trend by introducing IKEA Place app, which uses AR technology to help shoppers visualize how a particular furniture item will look in their home setting

2. Gamification & Microgames

If you have played the dinosaur game on Google Chrome, you know how cool micro games are and how they enhance user experience. In Chrome, the game comes up when there is no internet/users are in offline mode. By introducing a micro game, Google carefully transforms a frustrating user scenario into an engaging one. Clever, right? In 2023, more apps and games are looking to adopt microgames.

Gamification will increase user engagement and shift users' perspectives towards a platform from a serious one to a fun one. It can fundamentally change the way users think about something. For example, an award-winning design for a stock market learning platform by the best UI UX design agency in India uses gamification to simplify stock education. It converts a learning nightmare into a fun and interactive experience by using games to carry out teaching.

3. 3D imagery

Another trend related to the rise of Metaverse and the boom in AR/VR tech is 3D imagery. 3D graphics have been a trend in digital platforms for a while, but in 2023, we expect to see more widespread usage of 3D imagery. Images with depth and a realistic feel will be preferred across platforms like websites, mobile apps, and web apps.

Not only are they more attractive and eye-catching than 2D images, but they also have the power to convey a story clearly through pictures alone. A universal style for 3D imagery is expected to be in place by 2023, which designers may keep as a guideline while working on the 3D graphics. There are several free resources for designers which can significantly benefit them.

4. Motion graphics

In 2022, we saw videos replace static images and written texts as the most engaging content. In 2023, this trend will be leveraged in motion graphics. Animated graphics will become popular on digital platforms to increase user engagement and attraction.

While earlier, there were many complexities associated with motion graphics, such as performance issues, quality trade-offs, app size issues, etc., with the arrival of 5G and advanced design tools, creating stunning motion graphics and implementing them smoothly is now possible.

5. Illustrations

The UI design trends for 2023 focus intensely on simple and fun user interfaces. Strictly formal and corporate-style UIs will become a thing of the past. Illustrations play a significant role in bringing a casual touch to digital platforms. Custom illustrations personalized for brands will be a big thing in 2023. Not only does it provide a unique experience to users, but it also makes a platform memorable and attractive. A great example of this trend is the website of the popular design tool Figma.

6. Gradients

Gradients in the form of fluid gradients and mixed gradients have been a popular trend in 2022 and are expected to remain that way in 2023. Multi-colored gradients add a modern and sophisticated look to websites while subtly creating a hint of playfulness. Many popular websites like Stripe and Adobe use gradients to enhance their designs.

7. Neubrutalism

The old Brutalism trend came back in 2022 in the form of Neubrutalism. 2023 will see it spread far and wide. Characterized by contrasting colors, bold fonts, solid shadows, and visible grids, neubrutalism takes a different route to classic designs. Unlike Brutalism, the designs follow minimalist principles and emphasize readability and clarity. From what we see about the trend in 2022, it will likely pick up momentum and bring a fresh touch to modern user interfaces.

8. Inclusive visuals

As the world is collectively moving towards building an inclusive society, conscious efforts are being taken to bring inclusivity everywhere. The UI design trends for 2023 also reflect these sentiments. Inclusive visuals showcasing humanity in all its diversity, from culture to race, abilities, age, gender, and so on, will be more widespread. Illustration libraries such as Humaaans support the adoption of inclusive visuals.

9. Playful cursors

Gone are the days of traditional arrowhead cursors. In recent years, cursors have undergone several experimentations, such as custom cursors, animated cursors, etc. 2023 will further build on the playful cursors trend as they are proven to create brand recognition and add a unique touch to interfaces.

Outlab website uses a circle-shaped cursor that changes to a dot wherever it is clickable. Even though it's not highly creative, it manages to leave a mark in users' minds and make it memorable.

10. Micro-interactions

Micro-interactions will become commonplace in 2023, and the wheels are already set in motion. Many job descriptions for UI designers today ask for micro-interaction skills, hinting at how prioritized it will be in the coming years. Apart from adding an element of fun to the designs, micro-interactions will also be used more purposefully in platforms such as eCommerce websites to enhance product descriptions.

There is so much emphasis on users' initial impression of digital platforms that following the latest UI trends is a must-do for all organizations. Staying up to date with the trends is a sure-shot way to get noticed and generate more leads. The UI design trends for 2023 seem fun and engaging, and we can't wait to see them in action!