UX/UI Design Trends for 2019 - Creating Exceptional Digital Experiences

As we enter 2019, the field of UX/UI design continues to evolve at a rapid pace. New technologies, changing user expectations, and emerging design philosophies are reshaping how we create digital experiences. For designers and product teams, staying ahead of these trends isn't just about aesthetics—it's about creating more intuitive, accessible, and engaging products that deliver real value to users.

This comprehensive guide explores the most significant UX/UI design trends for 2019, examining not just what's changing, but why these shifts matter and how you can implement them in your work.

The Evolving Design Landscape

Before diving into specific trends, it's worth understanding the broader forces shaping design in 2019:

• Maturing Digital Experiences: Users have become more sophisticated, with higher expectations for digital products
• Technology Enablement: New capabilities in browsers, devices, and platforms are enabling richer experiences
• Design System Adoption: Organizations are increasingly standardizing design through comprehensive systems
• Accessibility Awareness: Greater focus on creating inclusive experiences for users of all abilities
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Closer integration between design, development, and business teams

These forces are driving the specific trends we'll explore below.

Top UX/UI Design Trends for 2019

1. Voice User Interfaces (VUI)

As voice technology matures, its integration into digital products is accelerating:

The Rise of Voice Interactions

• Mainstream Adoption: Voice assistants becoming a standard part of daily life
• Multi-Modal Experiences: Combining voice with visual and touch interfaces
• Voice-First Design: Products designed with voice as a primary interaction method
• Conversational Patterns: Evolving conventions for voice-based interactions
• Accessibility Benefits: Voice enabling more inclusive digital experiences

Implementation Considerations:

• Design for conversation rather than commands
• Consider context and environment in voice interactions
• Provide clear feedback and confirmation mechanisms
• Plan for errors and misunderstandings
• Test extensively with diverse users and accents

Example: Evernote has implemented voice search and note creation that works alongside traditional interfaces, enhancing productivity while maintaining usability.

2. Immersive Experiences (AR/VR/MR)

Augmented, virtual, and mixed reality moving beyond novelty to practical applications:

Practical Applications Emerging

• AR in Retail: Virtual try-on and product visualization
• VR for Training: Immersive learning and simulation experiences
• MR in Enterprise: Collaborative workspaces and data visualization
• Mobile AR: Mainstream applications through smartphone cameras
• Spatial Design: Creating experiences that blend digital and physical worlds

Implementation Considerations:

• Focus on solving real user problems, not just showcasing technology
• Design for physical comfort and safety
• Consider spatial awareness and environmental factors
• Create intuitive gestural interactions
• Provide clear orientation and navigation cues

Example: IKEA Place app uses AR to help customers visualize furniture in their homes before purchasing, solving a real pain point in the furniture buying process.

3. Micro-Interactions and Animation

Small, purposeful animations that enhance usability and delight:

Beyond Decoration to Function

• Functional Animation: Using motion to communicate status and relationships
• Transition Design: Creating meaningful connections between states
• Feedback Mechanisms: Confirming user actions through subtle animation
• Brand Expression: Using motion as part of brand identity
• Performance Optimization: Creating smooth animations that don't impact speed

Implementation Considerations:

• Start with purpose—what does the animation communicate?
• Keep animations subtle and appropriate to context
• Ensure animations respect user preferences (reduced motion settings)
• Test performance across devices
• Create a motion language as part of your design system

Example: Stripe's checkout process uses micro-interactions to guide users through payment steps, confirming actions and reducing anxiety during a critical process.

4. Design Systems Evolution

Design systems maturing from style guides to comprehensive product foundations:

From Components to Ecosystems

• Living Design Systems: Dynamic, evolving systems rather than static documentation
• Cross-Platform Coherence: Systems that work across web, mobile, and emerging platforms
• Automated Implementation: Closer integration between design assets and code
• Governance Models: Mature processes for maintaining and evolving systems
• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the business value of design systems

Implementation Considerations:

• Balance consistency with flexibility for different product needs
• Involve developers early in system creation
• Create clear contribution and governance processes
• Document not just components but patterns and principles
• Plan for system evolution and versioning

Example: Airbnb's Design System team has created a comprehensive system that includes not just UI components but design principles, accessibility guidelines, and content standards that evolve with their products.

5. Personalized User Experiences

Moving beyond one-size-fits-all to tailored experiences:

Contextual Adaptation

• Content Personalization: Tailoring information based on user behavior and preferences
• Adaptive Interfaces: UIs that adjust to user patterns and needs
• Contextual Awareness: Experiences that respond to time, location, and device
• Predictive Design: Anticipating user needs before they're expressed
• Ethical Considerations: Balancing personalization with privacy and transparency

Implementation Considerations:

• Start with user consent and transparency
• Use progressive personalization that improves over time
• Test personalization algorithms for bias
• Provide user control over personalization settings
• Measure impact on key metrics, not just engagement

Example: Spotify's Discover Weekly feature personalizes music recommendations based on listening history, creating a unique experience for each user while maintaining transparency about how recommendations are generated.

6. Accessibility-First Design

Shifting from compliance to inclusive design as a fundamental approach:

Mainstreaming Accessibility

• Inclusive Design Thinking: Considering diverse needs from the beginning
• WCAG 2.1 Adoption: Implementing updated accessibility guidelines
• Accessible Components: Building accessibility into design systems
• Automated Testing: Integrating accessibility checks into workflows
• Beyond Compliance: Moving from minimum requirements to truly inclusive experiences

Implementation Considerations:

• Include people with disabilities in research and testing
• Build accessibility knowledge across the entire product team
• Create accessible defaults in your design system
• Test with assistive technologies throughout the process
• Document accessibility features and considerations

Example: Microsoft's Inclusive Design toolkit has helped their teams create more accessible products while demonstrating that designing for edge cases often improves usability for everyone.

7. Minimalism and Whitespace

Strategic simplification creating more focused experiences:

Purposeful Reduction

• Content Prioritization: Ruthlessly focusing on what matters most
• Progressive Disclosure: Revealing complexity only when needed
• Whitespace as Design Element: Using negative space to create hierarchy and focus
• Reduced Cognitive Load: Simplifying interfaces to improve comprehension
• Performance Benefits: Lighter designs leading to faster experiences

Implementation Considerations:

• Conduct content audits to identify what can be removed
• Use progressive disclosure for complex functionality
• Test simplified designs with actual users
• Balance minimalism with sufficient information
• Consider cultural differences in whitespace perception

Example: Google's Material Design 2.0 update embraced more whitespace and simplified elements, creating cleaner interfaces that help users focus on content and tasks.

8. Dark Mode and Color Trends

Shifting color paradigms for both aesthetic and functional reasons:

Beyond Aesthetics

• Dark Mode Standardization: System-level support driving wider adoption
• Battery and Eye Strain Benefits: Functional advantages of darker interfaces
• Vibrant Color with Purpose: Strategic use of color for wayfinding and hierarchy
• Gradient Resurgence: Subtle gradients creating depth and dimension
• Accessible Color Systems: Ensuring sufficient contrast in all color schemes

Implementation Considerations:

• Design for both light and dark modes from the start
• Test color contrast in both modes
• Use color purposefully for communication, not just decoration
• Consider color meaning across different cultures
• Create systematic color palettes with accessibility built in

Example: Apple's implementation of Dark Mode across iOS and macOS has set standards for how applications should adapt to different color schemes while maintaining usability and brand identity.

9. Conversational Interfaces and Chatbots

Maturing from novelty to valuable interaction channels:

Beyond Basic Bots

• Specialized Assistants: Focused bots that excel at specific tasks
• Emotional Intelligence: More nuanced understanding of user sentiment
• Hybrid Human-AI Systems: Seamless handoff between automated and human support
• Transparent Limitations: Clearly communicating what bots can and cannot do
• Conversation Design: Dedicated focus on crafting conversational experiences

Implementation Considerations:

• Start with a clear scope and purpose
• Design for conversation flows, not just individual responses
• Plan for errors and misunderstandings
• Create a consistent personality and tone
• Provide easy paths to human assistance

Example: Intercom's chatbot platform allows businesses to create specialized assistants that handle routine inquiries while seamlessly transitioning to human agents for complex issues, with clear communication about who's responding.

10. Data Visualization and Dashboard Evolution

Making complex information more accessible and actionable:

From Data to Decisions

• Narrative Visualization: Telling stories with data rather than just displaying it
• Real-Time Insights: Dynamic visualizations that update as data changes
• Personalized Dashboards: Customizable views based on user roles and needs
• Simplified Complexity: Making complex data accessible without oversimplification
• Mobile-First Visualization: Designing for smaller screens without losing meaning

Implementation Considerations:

• Start with user goals, not available data
• Design for progressive complexity
• Test visualizations with actual users and real data
• Consider accessibility in chart types and color choices
• Provide context and guidance for interpretation

Example: Tableau's approach to data visualization focuses on making insights accessible to non-technical users through intuitive interfaces and guided analysis features.

Practical Implementation Strategies

How to effectively incorporate these trends into your work:

1. User-Centered Evaluation

Not every trend is right for every product:

• User Research: Validate trends against actual user needs and behaviors
• Problem-Solution Fit: Ensure trends address real user problems
• Competitive Analysis: Understand how trends are being applied in your industry
• Prototype and Test: Validate trend implementations before full commitment
• Metrics Definition: Determine how you'll measure the impact of trend adoption

Best Practice: Create a trend evaluation framework that helps your team assess which trends align with user needs and business goals.

2. Incremental Implementation

Thoughtful integration rather than wholesale redesign:

• Pilot Projects: Test trends in limited contexts before wider application
• Feature Flagging: Gradually roll out trend-based features to users
• A/B Testing: Compare traditional and trend-based approaches
• Feedback Loops: Gather user input throughout implementation
• Iterative Refinement: Continuously improve based on real-world usage

Best Practice: Create a roadmap for trend implementation that aligns with your product development cycle and allows for course correction.

3. Cross-Functional Collaboration

Breaking silos to implement trends effectively:

• Design-Development Partnerships: Close collaboration on technical feasibility
• Business Alignment: Connecting trends to business objectives and metrics
• Content Strategy Integration: Ensuring content supports new interaction models
• Research Involvement: Keeping researchers involved throughout implementation
• Executive Education: Helping leadership understand the value of trend adoption

Best Practice: Form cross-functional working groups focused on specific trends to ensure all perspectives are considered during implementation.

4. Skills Development

Preparing teams for new design approaches:

• Training Programs: Developing team capabilities in emerging areas
• External Expertise: Bringing in specialists for knowledge transfer
• Community Engagement: Participating in design communities focused on trends
• Experimental Time: Allocating time for exploration and learning
• Documentation and Sharing: Capturing learnings for the broader organization

Best Practice: Create a skills development roadmap that identifies capabilities needed for trend implementation and plans for building those skills.

Industry-Specific Applications

How these trends are manifesting in different sectors:

1. E-commerce and Retail

• AR Product Visualization: Virtual try-on and product placement
• Voice Shopping: Conversational interfaces for product discovery and purchase
• Personalized Shopping Experiences: Tailored recommendations and interfaces
• Streamlined Checkout: Minimalist approaches to conversion optimization
• Emotional Design: Creating engaging brand experiences through micro-interactions

Example: Sephora's Virtual Artist uses AR to let customers try makeup products virtually, combining trend adoption with practical problem-solving.

2. Financial Services

• Simplified Complexity: Making financial information more accessible
• Data Visualization: Helping users understand their financial situation
• Conversational Banking: Chatbots and voice interfaces for routine transactions
• Personalized Insights: Tailored financial guidance and recommendations
• Progressive Disclosure: Revealing complexity as users become more engaged

Example: Mint's financial dashboard uses data visualization and personalization to make financial management more accessible and actionable for users.

3. Healthcare

• Accessible Telehealth: Inclusive design for remote healthcare services
• Medical Data Visualization: Making complex health information understandable
• Voice-Enabled Assistance: Hands-free interaction for clinical settings
• Personalized Patient Portals: Tailored health information and guidance
• AR/VR for Patient Education: Immersive experiences explaining medical concepts

Example: Oscar Health has redesigned the patient experience with a focus on simplicity and personalization, making healthcare information more accessible through thoughtful UX/UI design.

4. Enterprise Software

• Consumer-Grade Enterprise UX: Bringing B2C design quality to B2B products
• Adaptive Dashboards: Personalized views based on role and usage patterns
• Design Systems at Scale: Comprehensive systems for complex product suites
• Collaborative Interfaces: Supporting remote and distributed work
• Accessibility Compliance: Meeting organizational and regulatory requirements

Example: Slack has transformed enterprise communication by bringing consumer-level design quality to workplace tools, with attention to micro-interactions, accessibility, and personalization.

Measuring Design Impact

Approaches to quantifying the value of trend implementation:

1. User-Centered Metrics

• Task Success Rates: Measuring completion of key user journeys
• Time on Task: Efficiency improvements from design changes
• Error Rates: Reduction in user mistakes and confusion
• User Satisfaction: Subjective measures of experience quality
• Accessibility Compliance: Conformance to standards and guidelines

Best Practice: Establish baseline metrics before implementing trends, then measure changes to demonstrate impact.

2. Business Impact Metrics

• Conversion Rates: Impact on key business conversions
• Engagement Metrics: Changes in user interaction and retention
• Support Costs: Reduction in help requests and issues
• Development Efficiency: Improvements from design systems and standards
• Market Differentiation: Competitive advantage from design innovation

Best Practice: Partner with business stakeholders to identify metrics that matter to the organization and track how design trends influence these outcomes.

Conclusion: Designing for 2019 and Beyond

As we implement these trends in 2019, several principles should guide our approach:

1. Put users first: Trends should serve user needs, not just demonstrate technical prowess or follow fashion.

2. Focus on outcomes: Measure the impact of trend implementation on user and business goals.

3. Design inclusively: Ensure new approaches work for all users, regardless of ability or context.

4. Balance innovation and usability: New isn't always better—evaluate trends against established patterns.

5. Think systematically: Consider how trends fit into your overall design system and product ecosystem.

The most successful implementations of 2019's design trends won't be those that adopt every trend, but those that thoughtfully select and adapt trends to create meaningful improvements in user experience.

By focusing on the intersection of user needs, business goals, and technological possibilities, designers can create exceptional digital experiences that not only look current but deliver genuine value to users.

This article was written by Nguyen Tuan Si, a UX/UI design strategist with experience helping organizations create exceptional digital experiences across various platforms and industries.