18 designers predict UI/UX trends for 2018 | Figma Blog (opens in new tab)
The article gathers predictions from 18 designers about UI/UX in 2018, emphasizing that the field should improve users’ experiences rather than prioritize novelty or designer ego. Common themes include accessibility, ethical responsibility, collaboration, and closer integration between design and development. It also warns that efficiency and standardized systems can become harmful when adopted without critical thought. ## Accessibility and Inclusive Design - Designers argue that accessibility should become a central responsibility rather than an afterthought. - Common problems include: - Using ultra-light gray text for essential content - Adding unnecessary animation - Making interfaces harder to understand for visual flair - Inclusive design is described as an important trend that the industry needs, even if it is unlikely to attract attention or headlines. - The article suggests that many teams avoid accessibility work because it requires sustained effort rather than producing immediately visible results. ## Design Collaboration Inspired by Engineering - Design teams may begin working more like engineering teams. - Possible developments include: - Formal design reviews similar to code reviews - Design tools that identify inconsistencies like code linters - Open-source design patterns and shared UX standards - This approach could make collaboration more systematic and help establish common practices for user experience and information design. ## Ethics and Designer Responsibility - Designers are encouraged to recognize the influence their work has on people’s behavior and decisions. - UX choices should be evaluated for their ethical consequences, not only their usability or business value. - The broader prediction is that designers will become more accountable for how products affect users and society. ## Risks of Overreliance on Design Systems - Standardized systems such as Material Design and Microsoft’s Fluent Design may become increasingly dominant. - One concern is that designers will adopt these systems automatically without questioning whether they fit a product’s users or context. - Design systems can improve consistency, but they should not replace independent judgment or thoughtful problem-solving. ## Convergence of Design and Development Tools - Design and development tools are expected to become more integrated and centralized. - Technologies such as CSS Grid, custom variables, Vue, and React could make implementation more efficient and flexible. - Greater efficiency should create more time for designers to focus on responsible design and more inclusive experiences. - The article frames technical progress as valuable only when it supports better outcomes for users. Overall, the predictions recommend treating accessibility, ethics, and inclusion as core design requirements—not optional trends—while using collaboration frameworks, design systems, and new development technologies thoughtfully.