2018 Will See 6 New Technologies Merge with UI/UX by 2018
The dynamics are changing by the minute. As newer technologies gain prominence, it is only a matter of time until we see them integrated into UI and UX. It’s an exciting time for designers and technologists alike.
UI and UX have undergone some radical changes over the years on account of rapid advancements in computing and the ever increasing demand for great design.
Last year we saw businesses adapting designs and experiences which were mobile-first, user centric, data driven and content focused. Companies also got bolder with their content with its rate of production far exceeding the demand. High quality impact driven experiences became the need of the hour, and the businesses around the world are ready for the next technology revolution.
This need for impact driven experiences coupled with speedy progress in technology will make way for newer trends.
Here are some technologies that will redefine the way we look at UI / UX in 2018 and beyond:
1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Simply put, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an extensive concept of a machine’s potential to mirror intelligent human behaviour. Whereas, Machine Learning (ML) is an application of AI which lets the machine learn human behaviour by itself. Just as Facebook uses AI and ML to personalise our news feed or to recognise our faces, websites in the near future will know precisely what the user is looking for by analysing their past interactions with the company. The use of these technologies will help businesses serve their customers faster and more efficiently.
2. Chatbots
Chatbots are presently used by many organizations to converse with their users. However, with the growth of technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) and Natural Language Processing (NLP), chatbots will prominently affect UI / UX, providing complete conversational experience to the user.
3. Voice User Interfaces (VUIs)
Apple with Siri, Samsung with Bixby, Microsoft with Cortana, Google with OK Google, Amazon with Alexa, have already made VUIs familiar to the world. Going forward, websites will be powered by their own VUIs or will integrate with any of the existing technologies. This will make way for more conversational website content.
4. Internet of Things
In layman terms, 'Internet of Things' (IoT) is nothing but a concept which will enable various devices to connect with the internet. The devices can be simple household appliances like ceiling fan, microwave oven, washing machine, lamp or any other device that can be switched on and off. In the year to come, we can expect IoT interfaces on websites allowing users to interact by using smart devices.
5. Virtual Reality (VR) or Immersive Design
While the world is not accustomed to VR in daily life yet, Google and Mozilla are hard at work to adapt this technology for the web. Most of the websites today, have video introductions but 2018 will mark the use of 360° videos, 360° modelling, video mapping, and interactive videos on websites.
6. Synesthetic Feedbacks
Synesthesia is a rare condition wherein an individual’s senses are cross-wired. For instance, a person with synesthesia may see colours when they hear a sound, resulted by stimulation of hearing causing inappropriate stimulation of seeing. Building 8, a research lab owned by Facebook is already working towards decoding this peculiar condition and using the knowledge to reduce languages to vibrations, readable by user’s skin. Future websites will implement similar technologies and enable richer user experiences.
