2017 was an eventful year. Google made the headlines by announcing Google Assistant for the iPhone. Both the tech giants have taken steps toward the futuristic technologies. Google has released an AI chip. Whereas, Apple has introduced an ARKit.

So, the stage is set.  We expect AI and AR-driven user experience in the mobile apps. Result? Well, the mobile UX designing domain is ready to embrace the advancements in emerging technologies. And, we can expect exciting trends in this domain for the year 2018 and beyond.

Let us have a glimpse on the emerging mobile app design trends to watch out for in 2018:

1.  Advancement in Material Design

Material design is not a newly coined term. It was 2014 when Google came up with this concept. It guides developers to create visual, motion, and interactive app design. Developers have adopted this approach to improve the appearance of their apps irrespective of platforms and devices. These days, the concept appears to be the most flexible solution for integrating light and dark backgrounds in the app.

Material Design enables the developers to add complex and attractive elements. They can add depth, animation, and transition effects in the flat design with this concept. Advancement in Material Design will bring mobile apps with lifelike experience.

2.  Adaptation of Voice Recognition System

Be it Apple's Siri or Amazon's Alexa, the VUI (Voice User Interface) technology is ready to rule the mobile app kingdom. From getting information to directions, and sending message to making reservations, the voice recognition system has brought revolutionary changes in the way we use smartphones. However, VUI brings unique challenges to the developers.

One of such challenges is to understand the user's expectations with respect to voice-based commands. In the coming years, developers need to think hard to find ways of using VUI to enhance the UX. Also, they must consider the pros and cons of the voice recognition system.

Developers will do more experiments in the segment of voice recognition. This is because the users want enhanced voice interaction. We can certainly expect significant actions on this front. The year 2018 would bring advanced apps that can grasp voice commands easily.

3.   Face and Touch ID

It is time to bid adieu to the traditional unlocking methods like pattern, pin, and password. Either by "Trusted Face" on Android, or "Face ID" on Apple, the face recognition is now becoming a norm. On one hand, it enables us to get rid of remembering the passwords. And on the other hand, it makes our smartphones more secure than ever.

Similarly, ‘Touch ID' technology has enhanced safety of our devices. With enhanced security standards using these sensors, the mobile apps are now more secure. Apps that contain the user's personal data are likely to come up with a Touch ID verification. It will provide enhanced security to the user. Apple Pay and Dropbox have already integrated this feature. Other apps will also follow the trend in 2018.

4.   Experiment with VR and AR Designing

Pokémon Go and Snapchat have received a phenomenal success. But, this is just a beginning of a new era in mobile app development services. In mobile app design arena, both AR and VR concepts are in nascent stage. They are yet to pass through many experiments before coming into the mainstream.

However, at this juncture, AR has got an upper hand over VR as Apple has come up with ARKit. AR can facilitate micro-interactions. Getting directions or playing games, AR offers many possibilities for the futuristic apps.

5.   In-app Gestures

This concept will remain one of the most interesting mobile app design trends in 2018. Developers tend to focus on the realistic user experience. Touch, swipe, flick, pinch, and drag are the basic gestures. Developers may come with new in-app gestures while keeping thumb placement in mind. Today, several gestures break the "one action equals one reaction" pattern to pave the way for multiple gestures. As a result, a complex gesture originates and developers commonly use it in gaming.

6.   Personalization will Prevail

We appreciate the personalized approach in every interaction. Personalization makes any online or offline activity more enjoyable. Now, let us think of mobile apps. Mobile app designers work on personalization to make the app interactive and user-friendly. They build codes based on the user data to offer a personal touch. Now the AI enters. The designers can make the user experience personalized using the Chatbots.

App personalization has two types. One is inside the app and the other is outside the app. Pop-ups, dialogue boxes, and preference-based search recommendations are types of inside personalization. Whereas, sending push notifications is a personalization outside the app. Businesses have started to utilize both the types to promote their products or services to a specific audience. We can expect that the approach will strengthen its position in the corporate apps. It is likely to be one of the biggest mobile app design trends in coming years.

7.   Minimalism will go in the next stage

Minimalism works on "Less is more" rule to remove any unnecessary design elements and make the app user-friendly. Simple color scheme, blur effects, etc. are important aspects of minimalism. Material Design, one of the biggest mobile app design trends, also advocates minimalistic design. Minimalism is likely to evolve in coming years as it can make the user experience much easier. The concept will also remain a key factor to decide the application's speed.

That's not all. The mobile app development services would also incorporate other trends in app design strategy. The design trends related to navigation and overall app performance will remain in focus. Also, the trends necessary for improving the overall user experience will be on the developers' radar. Simple color schemes and blur Hamburger menus are a few such trends.

Wrapping Up

These seven trends will cover a major part of mobile app design strategy in 2018. As newer versions of Android and iOS keep on arriving at regular interval, developers need to keep an eye on the mobile app design trends to stay competent.