Understanding User Interface (UI) design

Mobile and web-based applications in the 2000s

In the 2000s, there has been an almost volcanic eruption of mobile and web-based applications with the increasing dependence on mobile devices. UI is poised to become even more intuitive and attuned to the now taken for granted easy, responsive designs. Once again, Apple led the revolution and re-invented the UI landscape with their heavy accent on touch-based features. iPhone and iPad Users were now required to engage with their digital content with multipoint touch features. And these interactions have been modified and improved over the past few years.

Voice User Interface (VUI) in the 2010s

The last decade of the 2010s saw users adapt touch-based interactions in every walk of life. It has become a part of our day to day activities- from kiosks, banking, home appliances as well as smartphones, etc. This is also the time when voice interactions started to build momentum. Apple’s Siri (2011) and Amazon’s Alexa (2014) have given users the option to navigate their technology with hands-free applications. These voice assistants also have the capabilities to interact with other applications like Siri interacting with Apple Maps for directions or Amazon Echo and Google Home can play your favorite music and even read audiobooks on demand. A whole new generation of immersive technology has helped blend in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (VR) devices into the UI scene.

These devices are poised to change the way users work with new interactive platforms such as gaming apps, fitness training, real estate, and social networking, etc.

Future trends

Currently, designs are more geared towards ensuring that design and user experience work in sweet harmony to give the user the best interaction. On websites, it has become common practice to have a single image that spans the entire webpage. This use of the ‘hero’ image allows designers to introduce emotions and get the user involved in the experience. Large, full-screen imagery looks like a trend that will develop more and take us further into the immersive experience.

Another feature that is on everyone’s mind is security. The past 2 years have highlighted how vulnerable our data is and the extent to which our confidential information is available online for grabs. Security precautions such as the Face Id from Apple as well as reinforced security badges and other icons that will demonstrate the ability to safeguard this data will see more usage in new apps and interfaces.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to take design strategies to the next level. With an increase in the demand for personalization of experiences, we can look forward to intelligent application interfaces that will work on real-time interaction.

Suffice to say, with the increasing use of IoT (Internet of Things), Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in our technology, the future is poised to bring in a new wave of user interface design and experience.