The Hottest Mobile App Design Trends 2021

The best mobile design solutions 2021, that will stay on top

Rick Mess       |       Aug 14, 2021

Trends change all the time. But the best solutions remain: with a few changes, they can and will be reused in the future. The best solutions are the ones that work for both your business and your users. The first half of 2021 has been quite efficient in filtering out unpopular and sub-par concepts. Let’s take a look at what we have left, what continues to be popular, and which trends will keep in the nearest future.

1. Clarity and minimalism

Clear, simple, and easily understandable designs are always relevant for mobile displays, given their limited size. Over the last few years, it has become even more apparent that users love clear, minimalist designs. An uncluttered design makes the content easy to comprehend and helps the app fulfill its function much better.

Line — Mobile App for ticket booking

2. Dark contrasting design

The dark mode has proved to be one of the best UI practices. It has plenty of fans and they aren’t going anywhere. Dark contrasting design minimizes eye strain. Highlights look particularly good against a dark background, with every detail clearly visible. Dark contrasting design looks classy and elegant. It’s become a classic that never goes out of style.


3. Functional 3D graphics

The 3D graphics trend remains strong, particularly in e-commerce. But 3D is also changing. The wow factor is becoming less relevant. Instead, today’s solutions increasingly emphasize 3D interactivity. It’s no longer about merely showcasing a product from all sides but rather about helping the user customize the settings for working with a 3D image. There seems to be no doubt that 3D graphics will only become more functional.

4. Customization

Customized design makes the user feel like the content was created personally for them. This trend will only grow stronger, with design becoming even more person-centered.

5. Data visualization

Turning dull numbers and facts into easily digestible graphs and diagrams continues to be relevant. This trend works for all kinds of businesses and will certainly keep.

Cryptocurrency Exchange App by Gregory Riaguzov for Cuberto

6. Unique illustrations

Using illustrations, especially unique ones, remains a favorite. Illustrations shape a brand’s image and help it stand out from the competition. Users like them because they make the content comprehensible, good-looking, and human. This trend still persists and is even increasing.

7. Maximum interaction

The modern interface is almost always geared toward personal, almost intimate contact with the user. That’s why these current trends will only intensify:

Videos have become popular and useful in various areas, and the use of video will only increase. It’s a safe bet to assume that most apps will utilize interactive videos in the near future.

Emotional design has always been and will always remain in demand. It makes any app more individualized, encourages user interactions, engages users’ emotions, and stops them from exiting the app.

Animation and gamification make it easier to interact with the app and increase user engagement. So it’s no surprise they are improving and becoming more common.

Gaming Bank App by Purrweb UI

In recent years, visual storytelling has emerged as the best way to engage users and present information. This trend is a definite keeper.

Emoji add color to user experience. They have become indispensable to our communication, which is why they will stay relevant as they improve.

Copywriting trends all point toward making UI interactions easier. Walls of text and complex sentences are increasingly replaced by simple, succinct forms accompanied by visual cues.

What will always be “in”?

High-quality, user-centered design based on audience and marketing research. A design that achieves the app’s goals, actively engages users, and makes them enjoy the interaction will never go out of style.

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