Mobile App Design Trends for 2024

Changes in mobile application trends are occurring at a high rate, driven by the large number of smartphone and tablet users. As a result, the mobile software industry is actively developing, thriving. Statistics show that there are more than 6.3 billion mobile device users worldwide and 1.15 billion people using tablets. The average American uses the phone 260 times a day, which equals checking the device every 5.5 minutes.

The modern person is accustomed to use such technology at work or at home, on the go, under other circumstances. They are the first to pick them up in the morning and the last to put them away before going to bed. 88% of mobile time is spent in apps, so design in 2024 should be carefully thought out and user-friendly.

The latest mobile app stats

In this article, let's try to figure out the best mobile trends for 2024 that are design related. Studying the information will help to compose a good app, satisfying the demands of today's users. Some design ideas for 2024 are already well known, do not lose demand and relevance, others are just beginning to enjoy popularity.

Different areas of business, companies, have certain limitations to work with the design or trend. However, using different approaches will help everyone to find the perfect combination to implement the software and close the issues of the business necessities.

3 reasons to control mobile app design trends

Any app made from scratch or using templates can be successful and recognizable to people. In order to do this, you need to think through the design and use an innovative approach. There are several factors as a result of which it is important to keep an eye on the changes of this market segment. They will influence app design ideas in 2024:

• Customer engagement is a key reason that user acceptance depends on. The design will help to attract people, they will want to reopen the app or just delete it from their phone after the first use. An unclear interface and negative first impression, display issues can indicate an outdated design.


• Leading industry. The target audience of any business will pick up an app that has an intuitive interface, responsive design. These parameters help to bypass competitors and win new users. It is recommended to make software with a distinctive style and advanced achievements in design.


• App features. The design should talk about the usability within the app and the user experience. People will abandon feature-rich software in favor of beautiful design.

The user interface is the touch point between people and digital products. It is the first thing that will be noticed after opening the software and abandonment will follow immediately if the app is difficult to use or very cumbersome.

Investments for any business should start with a good design of the application interface. It must be maintained throughout the development phase and after the launch of the software. Human orientation will allow you to attract more of your target audience, gaining the loyalty and trust of your customers, holding their attention for a long time.

What is user interface design?

User interface design is the part of software and computerized gadgets that are needed to create interfaces with their own style and aesthetics. There are several basic elements of user interface design:

• Input controls - Elements help a person enter information. Buttons, text zones and various menus are examples of such components.


• Navigation - makes it easy to move around the interface to reach the tasks you want. Navigation elements often include fields in the form of search, various sliders, etc.


• Data elements - separate windows or notifications, indications, other means of communication to convey the desired data to customers.


• Containers - help to separate content into different categories. Based on the diagonal of the user's screen, the container will reasonably limit the width, providing the necessary components. For example, an accordion menu, which has a vertical list of headings, when you call one will show or hide information.

App design focuses on interface details, how they work, and their overall appeal. As a result, the app should include:

• Interactivity - the response of the interface, its elements.


• Visual part - appearance (fonts, colors, pictures, etc.).


• Information architecture - the structuring of content for users within the application.

Positive user experience is achieved precisely due to a well-thought-out design. After defining the described basics, it is important to understand that developers need to create UX as well.

Benefits of quality design

Quality design and a well-designed user interface helps an app to:

• satisfy customers;


• increase conversion rate;


• increase business revenue;


• retain users.

Creating your own design with latest trends in mind will save money for future scaling. UI/UX needs to pay attention to what's most important in order to achieve the right design completion without rework. This saves time and money, and the remaining resources can be allocated to increasing efficiency and improving the user experience.

Customer loyalty improves, as the personalized app design will be reliable and engage people, holding their attention. It has an impact on conversions, as a consequence revenue growth. In fact, better the software, higher the conversion rate.

With design, you can create a corporate identity. With its help it is more convenient to promote the application itself, the products in it and to attract the target audience. A memorable design and user experience is the standard of business in 2024.

In addition, there is the advantage over competitors, because the right software will always help stay one step ahead, standing out from the crowd.

Top 20 mobile app design trends for 2024

Current mobile app design trends are influenced directly by many variables. Among them are people's demand and technological advances. The key to success is controlling and implementing global design trends. Given the options below for 2024, it's possible to create not only stylish, but also user-friendly, functional software that users will love.

Face ID

Face ID has dramatically changed the way you interact with your device and apps. There is no more need to enter passwords and there are no more errors and other problems associated with it. All you have to do is glance at the screen to unlock it.



The technology was first used in 2017, and today it's in all Apple smartphones. Designers can use this capability to improve the apps themselves, giving users more security. Face ID is a trend that should definitely be worked on in 2024 and its scope will become much broader than Apple's devices.

Video and animation

Practice shows that 90% of people prefer to watch videos to familiarize themselves with a product, service or other product. This kind of content begins to actively develop, users spend a lot of time on Youtube, Vimeo and other platforms. Soon all brands will be represented on these platforms.

There is no need to ignore animation and video when working on app design. Especially when it comes to marketing strategy. Switching to such content will immediately show the difference, and the business will get more possible customers, and the video itself will automatically convert users, increasing brand loyalty.

Minimalism

A design that emphasizes simplicity. Highly effective with clear and straightforward products. In frontend development the style is applied to any software, but it is the applications for smartphones that deserve special attention.

Anyone in a day uses applications on a smartphone. At work, for business, shopping or entertainment. Creating even better software is possible. Codebase and design can be easily integrated with next-generation user interface tools to enhance the experience.

In 2024, the focus will continue to be on developing designs that give a good adaptation process. Users will begin to get used to the software faster than in 2022-2023. Even newcomers using a minimalist app will be able to figure out the menus in 30 seconds, with no videos, instructions, etc.

The Merehead team loves this design style. We use the approach that the simpler the design, the easier it is for the end user to work with it, and the developers' task is to transform a complex design into simple and accessible solutions.

Flat design

A very popular design trend that is based on simplicity, clarity and functionality. It combines the style of minimalism with the usage of bright colors and bold typography, clear lines for dynamics. There are no shadows or gradients in this design. Flat design provides instant app loading.



The main benefit of this approach is prioritizing content over visuls. A minimum of text and simple flat shapes help to achieve a smooth and fast loading of the software. This is especially beneficial for people with slow internet speeds. The end user will get an optimized and enhanced interface that works on any platform and device.

Neomorphism

A new trend in design with a mixture of physical and digital worlds. Developers are applying real world tools to digital products. The main concept is to work with a simple flat design, which helps applications look minimalistic, but with real-world details (buttons, graphics, etc.).

Monochrome and light shadows are great for neomorphism apps. This trend should be used in 2024 to attract a new audience.

Abstract Geometry

Despite the fact that minimalism remains one of the leaders in design, but in 2024 there may be a transition to a new level of simplicity. New elements of visual interface effects are used for this purpose. They are used to create a corporate style of the software. Abstract geometry will be a key visual element with a move beyond conventional shapes.

3D graphics

3D is actively penetrating all areas of brand identity and design areas of 2024. This trend could replace and completely displace flat design, which has been so popular in recent years.

3D graphics help to develop great effects, animations that users love. When they open the app, they will see depth on the screen. Additionally, the animation makes it easier to navigate the menus. The design element is easily displayed on modern devices and the technology should definitely be added to the software to provide a better user experience.

Experimental typography and non-standard text alignment

Experimental typography is an effective technique to highlight your own app design. You can play around with typography to determine the impact of changes on users.

The most popular options are:

• Font in a unique brand style.


• An unusual typeface that is not found in other apps (based on handwriting or others).

It's not unreasonable to add non-traditional text alignment to this trend. This addition will be very effective, allowing you to improve the readability and add uniqueness to the interface itself.

Asymmetry

Direction allows you to get a balance of symmetry and asymmetry in the design. Developers can use the structure to make layouts rich and visually beautiful by applying sizes, colors, fonts and shapes. The approach gives a unique look that makes an application stand out from a thousand others.



The year 2024 uses a new formula in working with asymmetric design. It does not use rigid lines.

Dark Mode

A popular design pattern for 2024 that doesn't lose relevance. It allows the application to stand out among other trends. Unique features can be placed on a dark background, giving more beauty and convenience to the end user.

A lot of software has already used the trend, even smartphone operating systems use dark themes.

Gradients and shadows

Gradients remain in the top for more than a year, but in 2024, backgrounds like these are hitting the apps. They're good for developing depth, motion and drawing more attention to specific elements.

Backgrounds using gradients give sophistication, elegance and a powerful focus by adding bold colors, etc., to a simple interface, highlighting the main content. Designers can additionally apply transparency effects, patterns, enhancing the user experience.

Shadows will add depth to the interface, volume. Suitable design component to form the feeling of objects in the smartphone, as in real life (buttons, cards, etc.). Shadows are advantageous to use when working with 3D-effects, giving depth to text.

Full-screen immersive graphics

The essence of the trend is to make every corner and area of the phone display attractive. In this way, the user will want to navigate to a new page of the app. Full-screen effects give you the opportunity to stand out from the crowd, drawing attention to yourself.

Glassmorphism

The best trend for 2024 for apps. The design is characterized by a slightly blurred frame and translucent backgrounds. The trend is already being used by major corporations, including Apple and Microsoft.

Augmented reality

Being one step ahead of the competition in 2024 can be achieved by incorporating augmented reality into the user interface.

The idea will help go beyond classic designs, and in 2024 there will be 1.73 billion users of smartphones with augmented reality according to statistics.

Google and Apple have separate resources to develop augmented reality, combining the real and digital worlds. Relevant augmentation will become for apps that sell furniture, architectural products, clothing, etc. The technology helps you "try on" a product without going to stores or making physical contact.

The dominance of chatbots

Chatbot integration has more potential for 2024. With technology, customer and app user experience is much improved and business operations are accelerated without loss of profitability.

With algorithms, bots easily understand customer needs, providing them with the relevant and accurate data they're looking for. With chatbots, major areas of business can be effectively covered. They are easy to use and can be added to any software.

Logging in without a password

Logging into apps and other software without using passwords is a trend for 2024 and beyond. This design solution will help to eliminate the necessity of remembering passwords, resetting them, etc. As a result, logging in is faster, easier without losing security. Such an approach reduces the possibility of cyberattacks. Passwordless login reduces hassle and helps to retain customers.



The password-free login information is unique to each user, and the convenient authentication system will improve each year as a result of advances in technology.

Split-screen design    

The trend is not new, but the relevance has increased, as have the methods of implementation. Designers can develop an app with a user-friendly design while sharing the screen. The main reason for the demand for the trend is the high performance of the software.

A great example is Uber and most driving software. On 1 screen you can see the trip data, and on the second screen you can see the map in real time, etc.

Voice User Interfaces (VUI)

In design, it is important to use not only the visual component, but also the ability to communicate. Voice interaction is suitable for this purpose. VUI will allow you to create an interactive application with voice control. It will simplify the process for users to work, because it will not be necessary to use the keyboard input.



The main advantage of the technology is a much clearer and more natural way to work with different applications. Voice commands eliminate printing or searching for buttons, menus, individual sections. Functionality is especially important for those who are visually impaired or have other limitations. Such apps improve the personalized experience, making business services much more convenient.

User-generated content (UGC)

A valuable resource for businesses. UGC increases the effectiveness of promoting products and services compared to other trends. The content can be in video, photo or comment format and will be shared by users with other people. By adding UGC to the application, designers create an opportunity to improve the personal experience, there is an effect of participation in the life of the software. User-generated content will help understand the desires and behavior of customers.

Bottom navigation

Many modern apps have this feature, moreover, it's easy to implement. The bottom navigation bar gives enhanced interaction with the app, providing easy access to basic functionality with a single thumb.



This trend is suitable for displaying 4-5 sections. Functionality can be marked in text form or with appropriate icons.

Design for people with disabilities

When using mobile app design templates in 2024, it is important to keep users with disabilities in mind. They are also part of the target audience. A vital design trend in 2024 is inclusivity.

Among the top recommendations are:

• Using ALT text for pictures, which will help people with low vision.


• Developing image maps.


• Coding data with relative size texts.


• Disabling the sound should not affect the UX of the application.


• Software components should not require precise clicking.

Futuristic color schemes and augmented reality elements may not be used, but the interface should definitely work for people with various disabilities.

Smartphone apps are quickly bypassing the Internet and are the most popular method for the end user to access content or goods. More than 80% of the population shops via phone and the number is growing every year.

You don't want to pass up an opportunity to attract new customers to your business. Be sure to monitor and implement the latest app design trends in 2024 to guarantee a better experience.

Tips for creating a quality user interface

Here are a few tips to help you create a quality mobile app design in 2024:

• Eliminate any clutter. Minimize content and menu elements as much as possible. The complexity of any icon or button is constantly increasing and a lot of data can confuse users, overwhelming the screen. The addition of options can be placed by using the gradual disclosure feature.


• Interactive components should be familiar and understandable. In design, predictability for the end user is important so that they understand that everything will go according to plan. People may be confused by a visual component that looks like a button, but without a push function. Animation effects will emphasize the design itself, increasing conversions and sales.


• Task unloading. This includes data entry, decision making, etc. Developers need to think of alternatives so that customers don't have to re-enter data, which will eliminate the complexity of the work for the software consumer. Large tasks are better divided into several smaller tasks if there are many steps involved. Fragmentation can help link 2 different types of actions. For example, in a store - browsing and buying.


• Reducing user input. Printing on the phone is not always convenient, so the characters and buttons in the application are better to make large, remove unnecessary fields. You can offer input masks, dynamic checking, add intelligent functions like automatic filling of fields.


• Visual weighting. It is necessary to define the data which is really important for the target audience and prioritize it. You can improve this indicator through color, size, font. For example, a tiny button in the center of an empty screen may cause more attention than its large counterpart.


• Uniformity of design. The application should have a functional, visual and external coherence. To make interactive elements work everywhere the same, there was a single font, labels, buttons. The design itself should be created the same for many elements.


• Proper operation of the "Back" button. Such a simple button can cause a lot of difficulties for people. It is better to give up the function in the middle of the process with several steps.


• Vertical orientation. Most users hold the phone vertically and control it with 1 finger when working on the phone. The design needs to be worked out based on such a feature.


• Filtering of the functions of the application. The broader the functionality, the worse the user experience. A lot of components confuse users, distract them, as a result the software will be removed from the phone.


• Content accessibility. The design should be thought out so that it is suitable for people with impaired vision, hearing, etc. Finished product people with disabilities can use, the main thing is to apply an inclusive design for the main screen of the application.


• Video content optimization. 94% of people use the phone when watching videos in portrait mode. That's why it's important to optimize the app for video content.


• Reducing notifications. Statistically, the app is deleted more often because of constant notifications. They are annoying and distracting, so there is no need to flood the software with push messages, and it is better to analyze the threshold that works best. Refuse messages that have no value to the person.

These tips and mobile app design trends for 2024 will help to create quality and competitive products that meet business, end-user needs.

Application design tools

A concept alone is not enough in design development. It's important to apply the right tools to meet the developer's and the end user's needs.

Adobe Photoshop

A universal platform primarily for working with photos. However, the range of features and tools is much wider, which helps to make layouts, application design templates and frameworks. The main advantages are:

• Versatility and ease of work.


• Large community.


• Adobe ecosystem.

Product from Adobe, which means the customer gets additional software.

Sketch

Design software that is easy to learn. It will take a little effort and time to fully work and improve.

Advantages:

• High functionality.


• Suitable for UI/UX design.


• Large library.


• Easy to use, but difficult to fully master.

With the platform, designers can create, modify and distribute a source for a specific design element using the Sketch library.

Adobe Illustrator

A good tool for vector pictures. Convenient to use if you need to transform a design. It's hard to learn, but the results are great.

Main features:

• Vector Graphics.


• Multi-platform.


• Any number of workplaces.


• Modern typography.

Designers use as a full-fledged constructor when working with interfaces.

Axure RP

Axure RP is a powerful and versatile prototyping and wireframing tool widely used by professionals in user experience design and mobile app development.



Due to its wide range of features, Axure RP provides designers with capabilities such as:

• creating high-fidelity interactive prototypes


• Designing complex user interfaces


• team collaboration

The prototypes created in Axure RP mimic the real user experience. This allows stakeholders to visualize and understand the functionality of the product.

Using Axure RP's extensive library of user interface elements and widgets, designers can efficiently create electronic diagrams representing different screen layouts and information hierarchies.

Collaboration functionality allows designers, developers and other stakeholders to realize actions such as:

• receiving feedback


• adding changes


• version control

As a result, the design and development process becomes more flexible, speeding up project timelines.

Marvel        

Marvel Prototyping, often referred to simply as Marvel, is a web-based prototyping and collaboration tool for design teams to create interactive and clickable prototypes for websites and mobile apps.



It allows designers to convert static designs such as Sketch, Figma or Adobe XD files into interactive prototypes without having to write code. In addition, other benefits of Marvel include: