2025 is shaping up to be a crossroads year for UX and app design. It’s a year where the nostalgia of the past meets the skepticism of the future—because apparently, what’s old is new again, and what’s new is still figuring out what we liked 20 years ago. Add fast-evolving technology and a shifting political landscape to the mix, and you’ve got a perfect storm of influences reshaping how we think about design.

1. The Return of Analog

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After years of touchscreen mania, a “rebuttonization” renaissance might just be here. With the growing dissatisfaction with the ubiquitous touchscreen interface, buttons are making a comeback. Even as TV shows cater to second-screen watchers, screen fatigue is hitting harder than ever, fueling the demand for more tactile, intentional interactions. Physical controls now symbolize thoughtful design and exclusivity, countering the overly sleek and impersonal reputation of touchscreens. Because sometimes, nothing beats the satisfaction of a good old-fashioned "click." 

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Impact on Digital Design: This reflects a deeper focus on proprioception—our innate ability to navigate physical controls without looking—offering safer, more intuitive interactions and relief from the cognitive demands of screen interaction. From adopting tactile and pseudo-tactile experiences, such as haptic feedback for virtual buttons or designs that mimic physical controls, it’s time to take a break from overly sterile, screen-heavy environments. By blending tactile elements with modern technology, designers can create interfaces that feel both familiar and innovative. 

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UX Product Example: The Fujifilm X-Pro3 camera bridges the gap between analog and digital with its physical dials and a hidden screen, encouraging users to focus on the art of photography.

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App Example: The Hipstamatic app recreates the experience of using traditional film cameras by incorporating virtual knobs, dials, and buttons.

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‍Industry Leader: Apple has re-embraced physical controls with its iPhone 16’s new button, blending tactile hardware with dynamic UI interaction.

2. Neomorphism 2.0

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The soft, plastic-like aesthetic of neomorphism from 2020 is making a comeback. This time, it comes with focus on visual contrast and improved accessibility. Contrary to skeuomorphism, this style is not  bound to realistic depiction of physical space and hence achieving its striking almost surreal look. This is an attempt to balance the striking UI of its predecessors – claymorphism and glassmorphism into a functionality that makes it possible for it to live out in the real world, not just Dribbble and Behance.

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Impact on Digital Design: This signals a broader shift in digital product design, emphasizing tactile experiences yet pushes the limits of conventional design with visual depth. Digital experiences that follow these principles feel both grounded, premium and aspirational, reducing visual fatigue and making interactions more satisfying.

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UX Example: Cosmos app, Fintech - Lunar, Revolut, Monzo

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Industry Leader: Microsoft has embraced neomorphic principles in its product illustrations and UI elements, moving away from flat, vector-based designs toward vibrant, 3D-inspired visuals. This shift enhances the user experience by making interfaces more engaging and relatable while maintaining accessibility.

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3. Slow UX

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Endless scrolling, second screen watching and fragmented attention spans have made screen fatigue a defining issue for today’s digital users. It’s no longer just about tired eyes—it’s about overstimulation, mental exhaustion, and the growing inability to focus in an overwhelming digital landscape. As a response, Slow UX is emerging to prioritize calm, deliberate, and mindful experiences over speed and quantity.

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The way we consume content is shifting: while national reading rates continue to decline, a countertrend is gaining momentum. People are seeking more intentional ways to engage with content, as evidenced by the rise of newsletter platforms, text-to-speech technology, the resurgence of book clubs, and tools like stress-free time management apps. These platforms and tools reflect a desire for interfaces that encourage focus, minimize distractions, and foster deeper engagement.

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Impact on Digital Design: From simplified layouts, sensible contrast and accessible typography to offline reading modes, the aim is to create an environment where users can engage meaningfully without being pulled in a dozen directions.

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UX Product Example: The Remarkable 2 tablet provides a paper-like reading and writing experience, offering a distraction-free environment that reduces eye strain associated with traditional screens. Its minimalist design helps users focus on the task at hand, making it a favorite among those seeking simplicity. 

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App Example: Tiimo is an app that offers a daily planning tool kit for stress-free time management and focus. By reducing cognitive load with intuitive visuals and encouraging mindful time management, Tiimo minimizes distractions and fosters deeper engagement with daily tasks.

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Industry Leader: E Ink Corporation leads advancements in screen fatigue solutions with its e-ink display technology, widely used in devices like the Kindle Paperwhite and Kobo e-readers. These displays mimic the feel of paper, providing a glare-free, low-power, and high-contrast reading experience. 

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4. Ugly?

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An intriguing pivot from polished minimalism, “ugly” design celebrates chaotic, raw, and expressive aesthetics. Think clashing colors, bold shapes, and unexpected layouts—this is design unafraid to stand out. It breaks the traditional rules of balance and harmony, embracing imperfection to create designs that feel alive, authentic, and unapologetically unique. Who would have thought that chaotic color palettes and clashing layouts would be the new cool? Maybe our middle school PowerPoint slides were ahead of their time!

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Impact on Digital Design: Leveraging what’s bold and disruptive catches attention and appeals to younger audiences. Authenticity isn’t always pretty and that gives space to humor. This messy space then allows for connections through relatability and a sense of rebellion against conventional design norms. This movement also challenges the notion that "clean" equals "good," giving designers the freedom to experiment and connect with users on a more emotional and relatable level.

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The rise of unpolished design coincides with cultural shifts toward authenticity and imperfection in social media, branding, and advertising. It signals a growing rejection of overly curated, sterile digital environments in favor of spaces that feel real, raw, and dynamic. Designers can also integrate accessibility into this style, ensuring contrast and usability remain intact despite the "messy" aesthetic.

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UX Product Example: The BeReal app encourages users to post unfiltered photos once a day, embracing authenticity over curated aesthetics.

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App Example: Yubo utilizes a deliberately simplistic and raw design, focusing on user interaction rather than polished visuals. Its playful and experimental interface makes it stand out among apps targeting younger audiences.

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Industry Leader: Instagram has introduced features like “Notes,” allowing users to share short, unpolished thoughts, reflecting a shift towards more genuine content.

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5. Maximalism in Expression, Minimalism in Form

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While some trends embrace the bold and the chaotic, others take a step back to focus on simplicity with purpose. This approach doesn’t equate to a lack of expression; instead, it emphasizes balance. Pops of color are strategically placed to draw attention or create moments of delight, while the overall design remains minimal in structure and interaction complexity. The result is a visually rich experience that feels inviting, accessible, and emotionally grounded. With warm neutrals and organic shapes, these designs whisper, ‘Relax—you’ve had enough chaos in your inbox today.

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Impact on Digital Design: Digital interfaces will shift to rounded elements, fluid animations and containers (Bento and others) creating spaces that feel intuitive and inviting, encouraging users to linger without overwhelming them.

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UX Product Example: The Nest Thermostat’s interface combines minimalist design with large font and soft gradients. The circular screen and intuitive controls reflect organic, natural shapes, while the UI focuses on simplicity, creating a calming experience for managing home environments.

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App Example: Pinterest’s app design uses a clean, grid-based layout with soft, rounded corners and muted background tones. The interface highlights user content; each pin is a burst of creativity, through minimal distractions, creating a space where users can explore inspiration in a calm, inviting environment.

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Industry Leader: Dropbox and their new style guide is a great example of expressive yet not overwhelming. Instead of dense PDF guidelines, Dropbox has reimagined the traditional brand style guide as a dynamic, interactive website. Instead of rigid, text-heavy documentation, Dropbox’s approach is a structured yet flexible system that whispers–relax, you’ve had enough chaos in your inbox today.

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6. Inclusive Design: Creating for Everyone

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Inclusive design, once primarily rooted in UX/UI, is expanding its influence into broader domains like graphic design, packaging, and social media. As society grows more aware of the diverse challenges individuals face, designers are embracing inclusivity not only to address accessibility needs but also to consider social, cultural, and environmental impacts. This shift prioritizes creating experiences and materials that are not only usable but also meaningful for everyone, fostering empathy and equity across all touchpoints.

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Impact on Digital Design: Inclusive design is reshaping how interfaces and materials are created, ensuring they cater to diverse needs and contexts. Features like adaptable text sizes, high-contrast visuals, screen-reader compatibility, and voice user interfaces (VUIs) are becoming essential for creating accessible, hands-free interactions. These principles are also extending beyond digital spaces to influence areas like packaging and branding, where tactile elements, culturally resonant visuals, and sustainability are gaining prominence. By embedding empathy and collaboration into the design process, teams can create solutions that feel relevant, thoughtful, and equitable.

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UX Product Example: Microsoft’s Adaptive Accessories empower users with physical disabilities by providing customizable tools tailored to their needs, demonstrating how technology can adapt to individual requirements.

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App Example: The Be My Eyes app connects visually impaired users with volunteers via video calls, offering real-time assistance with everyday tasks while fostering a sense of community and empowerment. 

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App Example: Oko is a navigation app that makes city streets more accessible for visually impaired users. Oko transforms complex urban environments into clear, digestible information through real-time haptic and audio feedback. An app that doesn’t just guide—it reassures, making movement through the city effortless, empowering, and beautifully simple.

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Industry Leader: Apple leads the way in inclusive design with features like VoiceOver, Live Captions, and customizable accessibility settings in iOS. By embedding these tools into their ecosystem, Apple ensures its products are accessible to a broad audience and sets a benchmark for the industry.

Inclusive design has become a fundamental principle across digital and graphic design, emphasizing usability, accessibility, and empathy. Whether through VUIs, adaptive tools, or culturally inclusive visuals, this approach fosters meaningful, welcoming experiences for all users while shaping a more equitable future for design.

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7. Sustainability and Ethical Design

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Environmental consciousness is no longer optional. This demand for sustainable practices extends beyond physical products to digital experiences, where the focus is shifting toward reducing energy consumption, promoting mindful usage, and integrating environmentally friendly principles into the design process. Ethical design this year should go beyond combating dark UX patterns, focusing on transparency, user autonomy, and the responsible use of AI—ensuring that personalization enhances experiences without manipulating or misleading users.

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Impact on Digital Design: Designers are challenged to think about the full lifecycle of their products, including the energy required to use and maintain digital services. From data storage optimization to promoting digital minimalism, ethical design encompasses everything from user behavior to infrastructure choices. 

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UX Product Example: The Fairphone exemplifies sustainable tech design with ethically sourced materials, such as conflict-free minerals and recycled plastics. Its modular design allows users to replace or upgrade components like batteries or cameras, extending the device’s lifespan and reducing electronic waste. Additionally, Fairphone emphasizes fair labor practices and improved working conditions in its supply chain, making it a pioneer in ethical technology.

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App Example: Olio app isn’t just about food sharing—it’s a blueprint for how digital experiences can drive real-world sustainability. By connecting neighbors and businesses to redistribute surplus food, the app tackles waste at scale, reducing the environmental impact of discarded goods. Its intuitive, low-friction interface encourages mindful usage, making sustainability an effortless habit rather than an afterthought.

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Industry Leader: Patagonia’s digital platforms reflect its commitment to sustainability, offering transparency on product sourcing and environmental impact. Through initiatives like the Worn Wear program, which promotes repairing and reusing gear, Patagonia encourages responsible consumption. Its platforms also feature environmental campaigns, empowering customers to make more sustainable choices and align with the brand’s mission.

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8. Personalization at the Forefront

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From curated content to adaptive interfaces, the future is about tailoring every aspect of the digital experience to individual preferences. AI is transforming user interfaces through the analysis of user interactions, dynamically tailoring content, layouts, and functionalities to boost engagement and satisfaction. Personalization is getting so good, soon your apps will know you better than your closest friends—and won’t judge you (so hard) for your 2 a.m. cat videos binge.

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Impact on Digital Design: Designers will face the challenge of balancing seamless customization with transparency and privacy, ensuring users feel in control of their data. As personalization becomes more sophisticated, there will also be a growing demand for clear consent mechanisms, ethical AI use, and options for users to adjust or disable automated features to maintain trust and inclusivity in the digital experience.

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UX Product Example: The Rabbit R1 device allows users to customize its entire interface using AI-generated designs, providing a highly personalized user experience.

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App Example: Spotify’s AI-driven recommendations curate playlists tailored to individual listening habits, enhancing user engagement.

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Industry Leader: Netflix employs algorithms to personalize content suggestions, ensuring users discover shows and movies aligned with their preferences.

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9. Blurring Realities with AR

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Augmented Reality (AR) has moved beyond niche applications and is now finding its commercial applications across industries. AR seamlessly bridges the gap between the digital and physical worlds by offering experiences that feel both interactive and immersive. 

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Impact on Digital Design: AR-ready designs will create opportunities for highly interactive apps, especially in e-commerce, gaming, and education. Physical context should be the paramount when it comes to transition between virtual and real experiences.

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UX Product Example: Vyu Try-on Mirror, an AI-powered augmented reality (AR) mirror designed to revolutionize the shopping experience. These mirrors are planned for installation in public venues like subways and bus stops, allowing users to virtually try on clothes without physically wearing them. By scanning a QR code with their phone, users can control the mirror and select 3D clothing, which is digitally fitted to their body using real-time skeletal tracking.

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App Example: BlackBox is a puzzle game for iOS Vision Pro that challenges users to engage all their senses. Through real-time object recognition, spatial awareness, and haptic-audio feedback, the app seamlessly blends digital and physical realities, proving that AR isn’t just about immersion—it’s about enhancing perception, awareness, and independence in everyday life.

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Industry Leader: The BMW Panoramic iDrive system features a heads-up display that spans the entire windshield, integrating augmented reality to project driving information directly into the driver’s line of sight.

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10. The Rise of Cozy Gaming

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Gaming spaces are shifting toward cozy, low-stress experiences, catering to players who seek relaxation over competition. This trend mirrors a broader societal push for mental well-being and slower-paced digital interactions, appealing to a growing audience looking for meaningful yet calming engagement. Cozy gaming emphasizes creativity, exploration, and connection, offering a welcome escape from the fast-paced, competitive nature of traditional games. In a world of intense gaming battles, cozy games remind us that sometimes, all you need is a virtual farm and a pixelated cow to find your zen.

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Impact on Digital Design: Gaming apps and even non-gaming interfaces may adopt softer aesthetics, pastel color palettes, and narrative-driven interactions to align with this trend. Designers may also focus on user comfort by incorporating intuitive controls, simple mechanics, and features that encourage mindfulness and self-expression. The rise of cozy gaming also opens opportunities for gamifying non-gaming apps, like productivity or wellness tools, to create relaxing and rewarding user experiences.

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UX Product Example: The Nintendo Switch  is at the forefront of this trend, with a growing library of cozy games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons. This game highlights relaxation and creativity through activities like fishing, gardening, and designing, creating a serene and enjoyable environment for players.

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App Example: Stardew Valley offers a popular mobile experience centered on farming, community-building, and exploration. Its gentle pace, nostalgic pixel art, and focus on personal choice provide players with a soothing escape from daily stress while fostering a sense of accomplishment and connection.

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Industry Leader: Sony has recognized the growing demand for low-stress gaming options and invested in indie developers to expand its portfolio of casual and cozy games. With titles like Journey and Abzu, Sony demonstrates a commitment to crafting immersive, relaxing experiences that emphasize artful storytelling and emotional resonance, further solidifying its leadership in this space.

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Conclusion

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2025 is set to be a year of contrasts—where analog nostalgia meets digital innovation, and how bold aesthetics coexists with a minimal style. Designers are having to balance these trends with user needs, societal shifts, and technological advancements, crafting experiences that feel both cutting-edge and deeply human.

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Are we embracing buttons again because they genuinely improve usability, or are they simply a reaction to touchscreen fatigue? 

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The rise of chaotic (ugly?) design challenges the idea that clean aesthetics equal good UX, yet it also begs the question: If interfaces are harder to navigate in the name of embracing imperfection, are we prioritizing style over function?

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TLDR: No drastic shifts, no shocking new trends—just an evolution of the conversations we’ve already been having. The fatigue is real, but the fix? It’s still a work in progress. Maybe 2025 won’t be the year of reinvention—but refinement.

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