10 newest and most promising UI design trends

New neomorphism ? pastel colors, geometry, helpful tips and more!

I recently analyzed the directions in which UI design is moving. I stumbled upon some very creative, promising and inspiring trends that, in my opinion, will shape user interface design in the near future.

Here are 10 trends based on my observations:

1. New neomorphism

You read that right! Neomorphism develops and I think it will stay (whether you like it or not). In its original form, it did not last long, but it is gradually changing towards a more sophisticated and accessible one. It is similar to skeuomorphism but has a fresh, modern and aesthetic vibe.

2. Soft gradients

Gradients won t go anywhere! I often see them as background and interface elements such as buttons, cards, and graphics.

More than two colors can be mixed to create a colorful blurred background!

3. Geometric elements

They are used as a main background, theme or detail to make designs more interesting – geometric elements are getting more and more attention. They are often mixed to create mosaics. – and the result looks really cool!

4. Pastel backgrounds

I must say that I love this trend. ? I ve seen many striking, light, aesthetic designs in very delicate, pastel colors.

They make the design very modern, unobtrusive, fresh and delightful.… In such a design, content plays the main role, and everything else is just an unobtrusive background.

5. Illustrations and 3D

The illustrations are still at the top. Different styles and colors, more or less abstract to match the characteristics of the product. Not only flat, but imitating 3D. I think this is a good trend after so many years of using stock photography in all digital projects! Here are some tips on how to create a simple illustration:

How to create an elegant dashboard interface

6. Abstract shapes

They are used for backgrounds and for various interface elements and make the interface more “organic” and playful, which in my opinion is good. Edit basic shapes (square, oval) with the Pen tool, experiment with the border-radius, try different colors / gradients and you can get a very interesting result. Or just save a few minutes and try simple but amazing tool called Blobmaker.

7. Dark theme

The dark theme is a version of the interface with inverted colors to make it more accessible at night… I am a typical owl, so I often use dark themes to make it easier to use my favorite apps before bed. When creating a dark theme, remember to maintain the correct contrast between the various elements and typography.

8. Elements at an angle

This trend is used not only for Dribbble shots, but also as a non-standard way of presenting various content on websites. This makes the content more interesting and eye-catching. How to quickly achieve this effect? First, make a collage of elements at a 0 ° angle. Make them one group. Then change the angle of the group (from 30 ° to 50 °) and voila! Thus, you do not have to manually change the angle of inclination of each element.

9. Soft shadows

Another my favorite trend. Soft shadows make the interface deeper (three-dimensional). This effect is often subtle, but aesthetically pleasing. Shadows tend to make certain interface elements more “clickable” and help differentiate the content hierarchy. You can find out how to do this here:

How to achieve a friendly, lightweight and consistent interface design

10. Simple thick typography

I ve never been a fan of thin fonts (ugh, iOS7 era), so I m glad this trend is gone. I see now using thicker, simpler (almost square), readable fonts… They make the interface more modern and sophisticated. If you re looking for fonts like this, try Poppins, Montserrat (free) or Gilroy, Sofia Pro, Proxima Nova (paid).

Do you know any other trends worth mentioning? Let me know in the comments!