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When you are involved with user experience, reading UX articles helps keep you in the loop in regard to product and design trends. These articles also make sure you are staying up to date on everything in user experience design.

You'll notice that a lot of these UX articles talk about the importance of keeping up with changes and being able to pivot as you learn more about your users.

With markets constantly changing, it is important to keep your knowledge current and forward-looking so when the product trends change, you are ready to adapt.

Moses Kim knows what he is talking about when it comes to design trends in 2020. This article not only gives you a thorough look at 20 important trends but also does it in a way that is easy to read with good explanations of the whys and hows. You’ll learn more than just what the trend is. You also learn how to apply it.

Key Takeaway:   

A summary of trends and how to learn as you go. “Creativity is the discipline you use when you don’t know the answers when you’re traveling to parts unknown. On this type of journey, missteps are actually steps. Every mistake brings you closer to the solution.”

Emerson writes a great article looking at how design practices permeate all areas of business along with cross-functionality, inclusivity along with specialization. The article looks as trends for 2020 but also gives key takeaways for each trend along with links to other articles, products, and support.

Key Takeaway:

Emerson says that 2020 will be about new knowledge and skill along with cooperation and collaboration. Do what “we already do best: research, ideate, and iterate.”

I think the top takeaway from this article is the growing focus on inclusive design--simply because of the sheer impact this shift will have across every aspect of business and product development. Inclusive design is both a generator and a byproduct of an inclusive company culture, and that's a pretty revolutionary thing!

Emerson Schroeter
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The authors of this UX article point out how UX design has gone from simply a catchphrase to one of the most important digital products. Users spending hours on apps and UX design has upped the challenge to address user issues. UX design has changed the way people live, how they schedule and do work, and even how they invest their cash. Knowing UX best practices as these things change and adapt is laid out in this article.

Key Takeaway:

It's all about change and moving forward. The authors say, “organizations that view user experience design as a team activity will go on to build more wholesome, well-thought-out products and yield a greater ROI in the process”. UX design is changing and you need to stay ahead of the curve.

When asked what are the key takeaways of this article, Aditya responded:

"We as designers have a lot to change in terms of how we have been thinking about solving problems. It is a lot of work ahead for each of the product thinkers & designers. To solve for volatility, growing needs & demands, solving for truth validation, designing for social viewing, speculative approaches and more. It’s a challenge to do all of this by following ethical design practices and still keep the business profits curving up.

Follow the article to deep dive into the UX trends of what I feel 2020 will be requesting."

The author points out that the race to 5G has begun. It is something many others haven’t got around to talking about yet but understanding 5G is important as it will cross over into UX web design, mobile apps, and more. The trends will be based on the changes that 5G will introduce to the world.

Key Takeaway:

All that needs to be said in this takeaway is the 5G race has officially begun.

This is a great article summarizing where many experts think the field is trending in 2020. Rather than having to read all the articles, he is giving you the main takeaway from each one. Offering a link to each author is helpful, too, so you can look for further writings and insight if you find a quote that relates particularly to your question or work.

Key Takeaway:

An article that uses “a discerning group of expert friends who will give us a bit more than the standard ‘watch out for voice UIs’ or ‘break down data silos’.”

Of the UX articles on the list, this is the only one that specifically looks into next year. The authors have created an article that highlights not only the trends for 2020 but those that will last into 2021. The bonus is that they also look at who is using them and how. You get a look into what is going to be a trend and how best to work with it. They are looking at things that are more than buzz words that will actually move UX design forward. While their language is a little stilted, the content is good.

Key Takeaway: 

While the authors offer lots of good trends, they are correct in saying do not try to do so much you complicate usability. Less is sometimes more. 

A very thorough, well-written article that looks both to the past and future of UX design trends, this one offers great explanations for UX designers on what to look at and why these trends are important. While they may not all come into play for your situation, they are helpful in guiding your planning for 2020 work.

Key Takeaway:

Highlighting that you can “Strategically form a digital world around your product or service that will undoubtedly delight your end-users to fulfill their requirements”.

This article discusses trends and links to other research and notes that let you further research what you may find particularly helpful for your work. It is just one of these site’s UX design blogs that makes sure you are on the right track and helps you assess the trends that support your work.

Key Takeaway:

Focus on critical engagement with the user and making sure their experience is positive through using the UX trends.

What UX Articles Should I Add To This List?

Whether you are looking for a UX blog, UX articles, or a podcast, there are lots of resources out there to help you monitor the trends of 2020. Sign up for The CX Lead newsletter for further CX insight and ideas. There is a lot to learn and think about as you work.

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By Ben Aston

Ben Aston is an online media entrepreneur and founder of Black & White Zebra, an indie media company on a mission to help people and organizations succeed.

Ben applies his expertise in design and strategy to enable businesses to deliver innovative products and services that delight customers. Ben is passionate about understanding customer needs through design research, identifying opportunities based on those insights, and empowering designers and technologists to create solutions. He is driven to develop and uncover new opportunities for clients, establishing strong connections with their customers through product solutions that create lasting value.