You know the feeling of effortlessly gliding through an app as if it was designed just for you, while others seem to put up roadblocks at every turn? The ability to create a seamless experience for users, where they intuitively navigate and interact with the technology, is possible through leveraging user-centered design principles and developing a mindset that is more minimalist than ‘glitz and glamour.’ User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) are at the heart of how we interact with technology–the critical “why” behind happy customers and productive employees (or unhappy and unproductive). As technology races forward, we are seeing new visual innovations that continue to push the envelope on what is achievable and what is delighting and engaging users.
Did you know that a well-designed and executed user experience can improve your customer retention rates by 42%? Conversely, after a poor experience, 91% of unhappy customers will not willingly do business with your company again1. That’s almost everyone! And when it comes to your internal tools, a strong UX and UI can increase productivity by 25%2.
Navigating this landscape to entice customers and empower your internal teams is key. Here are four UX/UI trends we see having the biggest impact at Valyr, giving our clients the creative edge to delight customers and enhance employee productivity.
Trend #1 Artificial Intelligence (AI)
AI has become a major force in UX/UI as generative technology allows us to create anything (well, almost anything) that we can use to further help people connect with products and seamlessly engage with technology. AI can be used to analyze user behavior, predict preferences, and adjust interfaces in real time to better suit individual needs. For one of our clients, we used AI to streamline the user flow by analyzing interactions and predicting the most efficient pathways. By surfacing an optimized workflow, we reduced extra clicks and simplified the user experience, resulting in a 30% increase in engagement within just a few months.
Trend #2 Accessibility
The ambition to provide an inclusive experience for everyone. Accessibility is now a hallmark of a company that values all its customers, regardless of ability, and is integral to winning the UX/UI battle versus the competition. Today, companies strive to make their UX/UI as personalized as possible, treating each user as if they are the most important person in the moment. The goal is for users to effortlessly navigate a site or system and quickly access what they need. For example, companies like Slack, a leader in collaborative tech, are taking bold steps by adding features such as screen dictation and keyboard shortcuts, bringing users closer to an intuitive, minimalist interface than ever before.
Trend #3: Personalization
As the workplace gets more and more digital, so does the need for systems that make our tasks more streamlined and engaging. A web app with your logo and a few pretty pictures isn’t going to cut it anymore. People expect their tools and systems to fit seamlessly into their routines and to be an immersive part of their user journey. Personalized UX/UI plays a critical role in meeting these expectations by tailoring digital experiences to individual preferences, behaviors, and needs. For instance, personalized dashboards can prioritize the most relevant information based on a user’s role, habits, and past interactions, making it easier for them to access what they need without unnecessary clutter. Similarly, personalized recommendations can guide users through complex systems by suggesting the next steps, helping them complete tasks more efficiently.
Trend #4: Micro-moments and interactions
We all know micro-moments, even if we haven’t heard the term. Google, who else, coined it. These are the brief, intent-driven moments when a user turns to their device to quickly learn something, do something, “like” something, watch something, or buy something. Whether it’s looking up a part number, matching POs to invoices, or getting to the next step in their workflow, micro-moments are all about anticipating these needs and providing immediate, relevant responses that enhance the overall user experience.
These trends are just the tip of the UX/UI iceberg. By staying ahead of them and investing in user-centered design and experiences, you can exceed user expectations and drive higher engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty. Ready to elevate your UX/UI? Let’s design the future together—connect with us at [email protected] to start creating seamless, intuitive experiences today.
About Valyr
Valyr (“valor”), a local family-owned and operated software development company, is certified as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE), and is dedicated to excellence in creating the tools and systems that help Jacksonville businesses run smarter and faster. Visit us at valyr.com.
(904) 649-9339 • valyr.com • 9393 Mill Springs Dr. • Jacksonville, FL 32257
