We just launched our yearly State of UX report as part of the UX Collective initiatives for the year. The report is in its 9th edition, and it is a critical look at our industry based on more than a thousand articles published and shared with our readers in 2022. You can check the real version of the report (written by humans) here:
But…
Just for fun, we wanted to test what the ChatGPT artificial intelligence would have to say about what’s trending in UX in the new year and see which predictions align and which ones don’t. You can judge the results for yourself, but we’re already looking forward to being replaced by AI in the coming years.
Me: The year 2023 brings the culmination of various changes in the realms of technology, behavior, and society that have been underway since before COVID. Can you talk a little more about trends in UX design that are happening now?
ChatGPT: There are many trends currently happening in the field of user experience (UX) design. One of the biggest trends is the increased focus on creating seamless and intuitive user experiences. This means designing interfaces that are easy to use and navigate, and that provide users with the information and tools they need in a clear and concise manner. Another trend is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to improve the user experience. This can include using AI to personalize user experiences, or to automate certain tasks, such as customer service or data analysis. There is a growing trend towards designing for accessibility, which involves creating user experiences that are accessible to users with disabilities. This includes designing interfaces that are easy to navigate using assistive technology, and providing options for users to customize the appearance and functionality of the interface to meet their specific needs.
Skills
Me: As a UX designer, what’s the most important skill I should be developing right now to stay competitive in the design industry?
ChatGPT: As a UX designer, there are many different skills that can be valuable in helping you to stay competitive in the design industry. Some of the most important skills to develop include:
- Empathy: the ability to understand and relate to the needs and goals of users, and to design products and services that meet those needs.
- User research: the ability to conduct research to understand the context in which the product will be used, and to use that information to inform design decisions.
- Collaboration: the ability to work effectively with others, including designers, developers, researchers, and other professionals, to create comprehensive and effective solutions to design challenges.
- Prototyping: the ability to create prototypes of designs in order to test and iterate on the design, and to gather feedback from users.
- Adaptability: the ability to adapt to new technologies and design trends, and to continually learn and improve your skills as a designer.
Community
Me: That’s great. How about the design community itself? What are some trends in how designers organize themselves and learn from one another?
ChatGPT: One trend in the design community is the increased use of online platforms and resources for designers to share their work, collaborate with others, and learn from one another. This includes the use of social media and online forums, as well as online learning platforms that offer courses and tutorials on design topics.
Additionally, there is a trend towards increased collaboration and cross-disciplinary work within the design community. This can include designers working with researchers, developers, and other professionals to create more comprehensive and effective solutions to design challenges. Finally, there is a trend towards designers taking a more active role in advocating for the value of design, and promoting the importance of user-centered design practices within organizations.
Layoffs
Me: Now let’s talk about a more serious topic. Should UX designers be concerned about layoffs in the tech industry?
ChatGPT: It is difficult for me to provide specific information about the potential for layoffs in the tech industry, as I am a large language model trained by OpenAI and do not have access to real-time information about current events or employment trends. In general, the tech industry is known for its rapid pace of change and innovation, which can sometimes lead to shifts in employment trends.
As a UX designer, it is always important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your field and to continually improve your skills and knowledge. This can help you to stay competitive in the job market and to adapt to changes in the industry.
Visual trends
Me: How about visual trends? What are some styles and aesthetic choices that are popular amongst designers and that are trending right now?
ChatGPT: There are many different styles and aesthetic choices that are popular among designers at any given time, and these can vary depending on the specific context and goals of a design project.
In general, there is a trend towards clean, minimalistic design that prioritizes simplicity and usability over excessive decoration or visual complexity.
This can include the use of flat, solid colors and clean, geometric shapes, as well as the use of typography that is easy to read and navigate. Additionally, there is a trend towards using bold, vibrant colors and dynamic, asymmetrical layouts to create visually striking designs that grab the user’s attention and convey a sense of energy and movement.
As with any design trend, it is important to use these elements in a way that is appropriate for the specific project and audience, and to avoid following trends simply for the sake of being trendy.
Artificial Intelligence
Me: Is Artificial Intelligence going to steal the job of UX designers out there? How much should designers be worried about automation?
ChatGPT: It is unlikely that AI will completely replace the need for UX designers in the near future. While AI and machine learning can be used to automate certain tasks, such as data analysis or customer service, the design of user experiences still requires human creativity and empathy.
UX designers play a critical role in understanding the needs and goals of users, and in creating intuitive, user-friendly interfaces that are tailored to their specific needs and context. AI and machine learning can be used to augment the work of UX designers, by providing them with tools and insights that can help to improve the user experience.
However, the ability of AI to replicate the human elements of design, such as empathy and creativity, is still limited. Therefore, it is unlikely that AI will completely replace the need for UX designers in the foreseeable future.
Tools
Me: Which prototyping tool should UX designers be learning to use in the new year?
ChatGPT: There are many different prototyping tools that are popular among UX designers, and the best choice will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the designer. Some of the most commonly used prototyping tools among UX designers include:
- InVision Studio: a design and prototyping tool that is part of the InVision platform, and is known for its advanced animation and prototyping features.
- Principle: a tool specifically designed for creating interactive prototypes, and is known for its easy-to-use animation features.
- Figma: a cloud-based design tool that offers both vector-based design and prototyping capabilities, and is known for its real-time collaboration features.
- Adobe XD: a vector-based design tool that is part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of tools, and includes a built-in prototyping feature.
- Marvel: a cloud-based prototyping tool that offers a range of features for creating interactive prototypes, including the ability to add animations and gestures.
Ultimately, the best prototyping tool for a UX designer will depend on the specific needs and goals of their design project, as well as their personal preferences and skills. It is often helpful for designers to try out multiple tools and see which one works best for their specific needs and preferences.
Overall
Me: What’s your best advice for digital product designers right now? What are some things they should keep in mind as we start the new year?
ChatGPT: There are a few general principles that can apply to any design project.
First, it is important to have a clear understanding of the goals and needs of the user, and to design with those goals and needs in mind. This means conducting research to understand the context in which the product will be used, and using that information to inform the design decisions.
Additionally, it is important to continually test and iterate on the design, and to seek feedback from users to ensure that the design meets their needs and is easy to use.
Finally, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field, and to continually learn and improve your skills as a designer.
Growth
Me: Is the UX discipline going to continue to grow?
ChatGPT: The field of user experience (UX) design is a rapidly growing and evolving discipline. As more and more companies recognize the value of designing products and services that are intuitive and user-friendly, the demand for UX designers is likely to continue to grow. Additionally, the increasing use of technology in a wide range of industries is creating new opportunities for UX designers to apply their skills and expertise. As such, it is likely that the discipline of UX design will continue to grow and evolve in the coming years.
The most important question
Me: Should designers code?
ChatGPT: Whether or not designers should learn to code is a matter of personal preference and professional goals.
Some designers find that learning to code can be useful in helping them to understand the technical constraints and possibilities of their designs, and to communicate more effectively with developers.
Additionally, having coding skills can enable designers to create their own prototypes and test their designs more effectively. However, not all designers find it necessary or beneficial to learn to code, and there are many successful designers who do not have coding skills. Ultimately, the decision to learn to code should be based on the specific needs and goals of the designer, and on the requirements of the design projects they are working on.
Me: Thank you for the insights! I’m sure a lot of designers will benefit from your tips.
ChatGPT: You’re welcome! I’m glad I could help. As a large language model trained by OpenAI, I am not able to browse the internet or access current information, so my knowledge is limited to what I have been trained on. However, I do my best to provide accurate and helpful information based on the inputs I receive. I am always here to help, so feel free to ask any other questions you may have.
A weekly resourceful newsletter that helps designers stay in the know, be productive, and think more critically about their work. Take a look.