2017 is in full swing and we’re super excited for some of the new app and web trends we can expect to see this year!
VR and AR
In 2016 we had a taste of consumer Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). While we’re still in the early stages of exploring these technologies, it looks like 2017 will be the year that they’re going to be on the menu for the masses. This year, we will see many products implement self-tracking headsets and get rid of external tracking systems. Inside-out tracking seems set to become the next big leap, though it might still make you a little dizzy.
Prototyping and Interaction Design Tools
There have been over 30 different prototyping and interaction design tools launched in the last few years. This is a clear sign that there is a strong demand for this kind of communication. Whether you’re designing a simple user flow or a multi-screen app, having the ability to communicate new interactions and animations to stakeholders is one of the key milestones in getting work approved.
Prototyping tools are making this step cost affective, allowing everyone to be on the same page as well as allowing the work to look amazing.
Examples of some Prototyping Tools:
framerjs.com
UI Pattern Libraries and UX Research
Watch out for UI pattern libraries and style guides as they will become mainstream, making user experiences more consistent, practical and usable. With more businesses realising the importance of design thinking and UX research, designers will become more involved in strategy rather than just the visuals. Example: styleguides.io
Natural User Interfaces and Bot Interfaces
We will see many more conversational interfaces this year as they are quickly becoming an essential component of every service and product. At CES (Consumer Electronics Show) Alexa was in everything from a LG fridge to a Ford F-150 and even a smart bed cover. With Google Assistant and Siri soon to follow, talking to yourself will soon be the norm.
Less Fragmentation in Mobile
Let’s get streamlined! There will be fewer apps, less fragmentation and a movement towards a more centralised digital experience. Yay! Integration between mobile, social and commerce will grow and become more popular as we redefine our relationships with our devices. That's right it's not just going to be what’s on your screen your device will be your key to real world devices. From unlocking your front door, becoming your ATMs biometric reader, your credit and even your doctor with glucose and blood pressor monitoring.
Messaging
Feel like you’re checking countless apps to see if someone’s messaged you? Well guess what? Messaging will keep growing! More and more businesses will offer their services within the messaging space. But before you get inundated with notifications, it’s not all bad news. Expect to see message aggregates pushing all of your message types into one location.
Machine-learning
Rise of the machine-learning! Through machine-learning we will be better able to redesign content to fit the individual. We will be able to study individual’s online usage patterns and become better able to predict someone’s needs and anticipate their (future) actions.
Example: https://youtu.be/dcZvhP-IqY4
Humanising the Digital Experience
We’re going to see more and more thought and attention put in to interaction, on boarding and empty states. The use of everyday language will become widely adopted to encourage users to take action. Expect to see thoughtful suggestions and personalised notifications from within your apps. The “Got It” button and the how to screen will become the norm.