Today nearly 7 billion people worldwide use smartphones. Tapping into this established trust, your business can reach out to new prospects, promote your business efficiently, educate consumers about your products or services, and more! And with a mobile application, you can streamline the way your customers can engage with your brand.
Technology is evolving fast! What we used to consider impossible once has now become a possibility. This evolution is also widely visible in mobile app development. It would be beneficial for your business to tap into the changing mobile app trends and concepts to stay ahead and get ahead in the digital landscape.
According to experts, technologies like AR, 3D, ML, AI, etc. and certain trends such as personalization, minimalism, Neumorphism, sustainability, inclusivity, voice search, etc. will be driving the realm of mobile app in 2024 to ease our everyday lives further.
Top 9 Trends to Reign Supreme in Mobile App Development
In this blog, let’s shed light on some of the most anticipated mobile app design trends 2024 India. Read along –
- Dark Mode Dominance
Among multiple mobile app design trends 2024 India claiming fame, dark mode is expected to dominate the next decades. According to recent surveys, almost every US adult spends more than 3-4 hours daily on their smartphones. The harmful rays streaming into the eyes can take a serious toll on eyesight, brain, and sleep patterns. Dark mode (Cluster topic – The popularity of Dark Modes in Mobile App UI) could be a saviour in this situation! Dark theme or dark mode can reduce eye strain, making the device display comfortable to see in low-light conditions.
Dark mode (Cluster topic – Embracing Dark Mode: The Dominant Trend in UI/UX Design) can extend the battery life of your mobile device with AMOLED or OLED displays. Such displays use very little power for displaying darker hues than the lighter colours. This saves a lot of energy and protects the eye health.
Popular apps such as Instagram, Google Maps, etc. use Dark mode. Instagram’s dark mode is mainly used to save energy and boost readability. Updating your app and OS to iOS 13 or Android 10, you can enable this feature.
2. Neumorphism Revival
Neumorphism, being one of the most hyped mobile app design trends 2024 India is expected to take the field of development by storm. Widely popular as Soft UI, Neumorphism (Cluster topic – The New Trend in UI Design: An Overview of Neumorphism) has emerged as a refinement of flat and skeuomorphic design styles. It’s aimed at creating UI, which mimics real-world objects employing realistic and subtle 3D effects.
Let’s shed light on the prime characteristics of Neumorphism – one of the fastest growing mobile UI/UX trends in India. Soft shadow, one of its main characteristics, features diffuse and subtle shadows that create an impression of different elements being slightly recessed or raised from the background. This creates a sense of tenacity and depth.
Minimalistic colour palette – another popular characteristic of Neumorphism – creates a monochromatic look to boost the illusions of simplicity and depth. To create a very understated and subtle aesthetic, Neumorphism (Cluster topic –Is Neumorphism The Next Big Thing In UI Design?) uses low-contrast colour schemes so elements like input fields, buttons, icons, etc. can seamlessly blend with the background.
In spite of using realistic 3D effects, the Neumorphic designs emphasizes clarity and simplicity (i.e. clear typography, minimalistic layouts, straightforward visual hierarchy, etc.) to create easy to navigate and intuitive interfaces. Another important characteristic of Neumorphism are subtle gradients and highlights to further boost the illusions of dimensionality and depth in UI designs.
Neumorphic interface first made inroads in the design world in 2020. But it’s expected to resurge as one of the most emerging mobile app design trends in India in 2024 mainly due to enhanced user engagement, tech advancements, updated design trends, customization capabilities, and continued user interests.
Some popular apps such as Sleep Cycle App by Devanta Ebison, Nike Shoes E-Commerce by Zaini Achmad, Hello Dribbble <3 by Marina Tericheva, Spotify Redesigned by Vardnan, etc. have beautifully embraced Neumorphic interfaces.
3. Integration of 3D and AR
AR integration will continue to gain traction as one of the popular mobile app design trends 2024 India! Augmented Reality aka AR helps in overlaying digital content onto the real world via the camera of a mobile device. This offers interactive and immersive user experiences.
The rapid advancements in Augmented Reality are pushing for new frontiers in integrating AR and 3D (Cluster topic – AR and VR Impact on Mobile App Development) elements in mobile app development. Leveraging 3D elements, the developers are enhancing the visual aesthetic and user engagement of mobile apps.
Let’s find out how 3D and AR can be instrumental in boosting user engagement and interaction. 3D graphics can add realism and depth to the overall app experience – from interactive storytelling to product visualization. Users can smoothly interact with different virtual objects in real-time, thus improving user retention and establishing stronger connections.
Users can interact with AR overlays and 3D objects in real time, which creates a sense of involvement and agency. Using AR, users can easily visualize different E-commerce products in the real environment and make more informed purchase decisions.
Augmented Reality can overlay customized information as per user location or preferences to provide a more personalized experience. Users can share and capture AR experiences with social media connections, driving user acquisition and virality via word-of-mouth.
Also, the robust features of AR can streamline interactive experiences by enabling users to compete, collaborate or share content/information with each other, creating a sense of strong community within an app.
What kind of apps can leverage AR and 3D integration to deliver immersive experiences? Gaming apps can foster engagement with virtual environments, objects and characters in such a manner that feels natural. Using AR simulations and 3D models, education and training apps can visually explain complicated concepts and offer effective learning experiences.
AR apps in travel and tourism applications offer augmented tour guides, through which, users can find out historical facts, access travel information, and navigate city streets in real-time.
4. Voice User Interface (VUI)
In the upcoming years, the trend of Voice User Interface (Cluster topic – Voice User Interface (VUI) Design: Creating Intuitive Voice Interactions in Mobile Apps) in mobile app development will be looming large, thanks to the increasing demands of convenient and hands-free and user experiences.
But what makes voice-driven mobile interactions a hype? In the past, mobile apps used to count on just touch-based interactions. However, with speech recognition technology touching the crest of advancement, experts have started integrating VUI into their apps.
In recent years, natural language processing (NLP) and speech recognition algorithms have made it possible for mobile devices to process and interpret spoken commands with accuracy. With users becoming more comfortable interacting with virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, etc., the trend of integrating VUI in apps has become popular. Another reason why voice user interface will emerge one of the prominent mobile app design trends 2024 India is due to the ease and accessibility it brings to those with disabilities or users uncomfortable with touch-based interfaces. Enabling users to interact with apps via speech, developers are creating more inclusive experiences.
So, what are the advantages you can reap from VUI?
Firstly, voice-driven interactions streamline user experience by allowing hands-free operation, especially in situations like driving, cooking, exercising, etc. where users don’t want to use their hands. The hands-free operation boosts convenience and safety.
Backed by VUIs, users can carry out different tasks on through their mobile devices or gadgets while doing other activities like walking, working, etc. It enables multitasking and boosts efficiency. Integrating accessibility features like voice commands or feedback for navigation, VUI helps users with disabilities.
Interacting with a voice user interface via speech can mimic natural human interactions, bringing intuition and ease in the interaction process. Additionally, voice-centric interactions can significantly minimize the overall cognitive load on users by curbing the need for navigating complex menus or processing information visually.
5. Micro Interactions Matter
Another trend that could top the mobile app design trends 2024 India is micro interaction, owing to the user-engagement brought to mobile app users. Micro interactions provide users with instant feedback, ensuring that their actions have been identified by the application.
The impact of micro interactions?
A well-built micro interaction can largely boost user experience! Micro interaction creates moments of delight and surprise, making the mobile apps more convenient to use. It can serve as a form of assistance for users, enabling them to navigate through the applications with ease.
Backed by customized micro interactions, users can personalize their overall experience and customize their apps as per their needs. With consistent visual elements of micro interactions like icons, animations, colours, etc., the developers can enhance brand recognition and deliver a cohesive user experience.
With certain playful elements i.e. bouncing arrow, spinning wheel, etc., micro interactions can boost user experience, making the interactions enjoyable and engaging. Animated transitions between pages or screens like fading, zooming, sliding, etc. foster a smooth user experience and enhance responsiveness or speed of the app.
With micro interaction, users can find out and fix errors as they enter any incorrect information or stumble upon any error on a mobile app. This keeps frustration at bay and boosts the app’s usability.
How can developers inculcate micro interactions effectively?
They should understand user behaviours, micro interaction goals, create visual or interaction designs, and conduct usability testing to incorporate micro interactions effectively. Also, they should use a consistent motion principle, interaction pattern, and visual style to establish a cohesive user experience.
6. Sustainable Design Practice
Sustainable (Cluster topic – Building a Greener Future: Sustainable Mobile App Development) materials and renewable energy sources are garnering popularity as one of the best mobile app design trends 2024 India. Just like any other tech field, mobile app development is also contributing to minimizing the environmental footprints through sustainable apps.
But how are they implementing sustainability?
App developers have started optimizing applications through energy-saving design principles, optimizing code, minimized background processes, etc. to bring down energy consumption on mobile devices.
Some organizations are hosting their apps on servers backed by renewable energy such as wind power, solar power, etc. to minimize carbon emissions. Apps are also being designed in a way that minimum data is required to minimize carbon footprints in transmitting data and boosting accessibility in places with limited net connection.
Developers are coming up with recyclable and reusable apps using sustainable materials or modular components to reduce electronic waste.
What strategies are the experts relying on to turn sustainability commitments into achievable milestones?
Most of the developers are taking carbon off-setting initiatives for balancing out the environmental effects of their apps. They are expected to conduct ethical data practices that include collecting, storing, and using data responsibly to protect user privacy and bring down environmental impacts of data processing.
Additionally, the developers should implement low-power models and dark-mode within their apps to limit energy consumption. Besides, they must embrace minimalism in designing their app to control environmental footprints. App features to educate users on sustainability (Cluster topic – Sustainable Development Practices for Mobile App Developers) and environmentally friendly behaviours will be a “thing” in 2024.
7. Minimalism with Maximum Impacts
No matter how many trends come and go, minimalism will continue to dominate as one of the top-trusted mobile app design trends 2024 India!
Reason? There are aplenty!
First and foremost, due to the simplicity and clarity, the minimalistic app interfaces become less cluttered and easier to understand or navigate. App interfaces with minimalistic designs can load faster, which is crucial for improving performance and user-experiences.
With minimalist designs, it becomes easier for apps to adapt across platforms like web, iOS, Android, etc. which further boosts user satisfaction. Also, minimalism aligns with sleek and trendy aesthetics, prioritizing ample whitespace, clean lines, elegant typography, etc.
Minimalist interfaces can optimize spaces and ensure that every piece of content is readable and accessible on smaller screens. This apart, minimalism can also direct users’ attention to the core functionality or content of an app, eliminating unnecessary embellishments or distractions.
Reduced cognitive load, clear navigation, enhanced focus on content, responsiveness, and consistency across platforms are some of the major USPs of minimalistic designs, that are poised to gain more limelight in the upcoming years.
8. Personalization at Scale
Another trend that are expected to rule the roost as one of the best mobile app design trends 2024 India is personalization. The pre-eminence of personalization (Cluster topic – Mobile App Personalization: The Future of User Experience) could be attributed to multiple factors.
Every user prefers customized experience. The custom-tailored apps can provide users with the content, interactions, and recommendations according to their specific needs and preferences. Customized apps can generate large amounts of data, thus creating personalized experiences based on users’ past behaviour, locations, demographics, etc.
Technologies like AI, big data, ML, etc. can have made it easier to analyze and process extremely large amounts of data in the real-time. This allows apps to adapt their features or contents to every user’s choice. Personalized app experiences (Cluster topic – Personalization at Scale: How to Hook Your Customers & Boost Customer Lifetime Value) can lead to better user retention and engagement. It can also generate revenue growth for developers. Delivering intended recommendations, content, promotions, etc., mobile apps can boost conversion and generate more sales through advertising, subscriptions, in-app purchases, etc.
How can developers glean data-centric insights from personalized apps?
They can collect data from different sources i.e. demographic information, user profiles, external data sources, etc. By processing and analysing the gathered data, they can extract useful insights.
Dividing users in different segments like demographics, purchase history, preferences, engagement level, etc., you can target more customized and targeted content delivery. Users can dynamically adjust different features or content based on user interactions and real-time data through a personalized app.
By continuously tracking user interactions, feedback, etc., users can refine and boost the personalization algorithms. Gathering feedback through ratings, surveys, reviews, etc., you can understand the specific needs of your users and create app experience accordingly.
9. Accessibility-First Approach
This discussion around the top mobile app design trends 2024 India will remain incomplete without highlighting the importance of accessibility. Accessibility in mobile apps is not just an advantage, it’s essential! Developing applications that can be accessed by people with disabilities, you can grow your business, earn customer loyalty, and turn your sales around.
Let’s take a look at some of the most effective practices to ensure accessibility and inclusivity in mobile applications –
You should adhere to the basic accessibility standards like Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Apple Human Interface Guidelines (for iOS), Material Design guidelines (for Android), etc. to make your apps more accessible to users with disabilities.
To make sure that the screen readers or other assistive technologies can properly interpret or navigate your app’s content, consider using semantic HTML attributes and elements. The developers shouldn’t forget to incorporate descriptive alt text for every image to enable the visually impaired users to understand the content through screen readers.
Another important practice to follow is ensuring proper colour contrast between background elements and texts to make every piece of content readable for each user with colour blindness or low vision. Also, the users should be enabled to adjust the text size within their apps to accommodate different visual preferences or impairments.
Also, it’s important to provide proper transcripts and captions for video and audio content to help users access the information despite having hearing impairments. They should be allowed to customize their apps’ accessibility settings including colour schemes, text size, input preferences, etc.
Every organization must educate their developers on the importance of accessibility so they can understand why it’s important to prioritize inclusivity while developing a mobile app.
There are a number of apps that have been immensely appreciated for their inclusive-first designs. Below are mentioned some robust apps that have turned the inclusivity visions into fruition –
a. Microsoft Soundscape – an iOS app – built to enable users with visual impairments to navigate their surroundings via 3D audio cue.
b. Be My Eyes can connect visually impaired or users with low vision through sighted volunteers via live video calls.
c. TalkBack and VoiceOver are in-built screen reader features on Android and iOS devices. They allow visually impaired users to navigate their devices efficiently.
d. Wheelmap, a reliable crowdsourced mapping app, offers information about location accessibility for wheelchair users.
e. Google Maps has incorporated different accessibility features to help differently able navigate their surroundings with ease.
The aforementioned app design trends and examples are truly shaping the future of mobile app development.
The Bottom Line
To get better ideas on how you can customize your mobile apps, run a glance at abovementioned mobile app design trends 2024 India. Reach out to us to discuss your needs, budget, business goals, intended audiences, and the likes.
Weighing your expectations vis-à-vis the trends that are going to rule the roost, we will weave well-suited mobile app development strategies for your business. Get ready to future-proof your business, revolutionizing your mobile experience!
FAQ
1. What are Mobile App Design Trends?
App design trends indicate the prevailing techniques, styles, and principles, which shape the functional and visuals aspects of mobile apps. These aspects sometimes emerge in response to the evolving technological advancements, changing user demands, and design innovations.
2. Why are Mobile Design Trends So Crucial?
Mobile app design and development trends are important to ensure that mobile apps remain engaging, relevant, and user-friendly. Incorporating the latest design trends, experts can boost user experience, get an edge over competitors, and fulfil the changing needs of their intended audience.
3. How Do Trends in App Development Change Over Time?
App development trends fluctuate as a result of a number of variables, including technological advancements, modifications in user behavior, and changes in aesthetic tastes. Trends from one year may disappear and be replaced by new ones when new technology and design approaches develop.
4. What are Some of the Most Anticipated Mobile App Development Trends 2024 India?
Augmented Reality (AR) Integration, Dark Mode Adoption, Voice User Interface (VUI) Design, Minimalistic Interfaces, Personalized User Experiences, Sustainability, 3D Graphics, Cross-Platform Compatibility, etc. are some of the most hyped and anticipated mobile App Development Trends 2024 India.
5. How Can Developers Keep up with the Evolving Mobile App Trends?
By routinely going through blogs, attending conferences or workshops, partaking in online forums and communities, and following the renowned developers on social media platforms, the new-age developers can stay acquainted with the latest trends in app development. Professionals can also stay ahead of the curve by experimenting with new design techniques, monitoring industry trends, and doing in-depth user research.
Hook Line – The landscape of mobile app development is evolving constantly! This pushes us to re-imagine what could be achieved in the field of mobile app development. If you are looking to know what’s going on in the landscape of mobile app development, this blog post is just for you! Delve into this post to get acquainted with all the innovative mobile app trends, that will continue to hold the popularity ground in 2024 and beyond!
Meta tag – Mobile App Development Trends to Gain Popularity in 2024 Meta des – Each year brings forth new trends to revolutionize mobile experiences. Read to know more about the mobile app development trends that will gain momentum in 2024.