Read the reflections and predictions by Head of Design, Aliaksandr Soryn.

As designers, we constantly explore and study the market. Already, we can say that the market stagnation of 2023-2024 is coming to an end, and with confidence, we can state that the market is rapidly changing. These changes affect all aspects, including the profession of product designers. In recent years, technological trends and business strategies have been shaping new approaches to the creation of digital products and services. In this brief article, I’d like to share what lies ahead for the industry this year and what UX/UI designers and businesses should focus on in 2025.

Just like in previous years, the trend of designing for users remains strong. Today, companies compete not only in terms of technology or price but also in the quality of user experience. This means that the role of product designers is becoming increasingly significant, as their work is directly linked to creating user-friendly, intuitive, and aesthetically pleasing interfaces.

The Development of AI and Automation

Artificial intelligence is actively being used to analyse user behaviour and personalise interfaces. Designers need to master tools and approaches related to working with data and designing interactive systems where AI becomes an integral part.

The Expanding Role of VR/AR

Virtual and augmented reality are growing in areas like gaming, education, healthcare, and retail. Designers capable of working with 3D interfaces and creating unique interactions are becoming increasingly in demand.

Smart Devices and IoT

Smart homes, wearable devices, and network-connected gadgets require entirely new approaches to design. Minimalist interfaces, ease of control, and compatibility with various platforms are crucial here.

Ethics and Inclusivity

There is a growing number of projects focusing on accessibility and ethical interaction. Companies are looking for designers who can address the needs of diverse user groups, including people with disabilities.

5 Business Domains Where Product Designers Will Be in Demand

1. Financial Technology (FinTech): Banks, startups, and large financial companies are actively investing in creating user-friendly apps for managing finances. The ability to design simple and reliable interfaces for complex systems is a key skill.

2. Healthcare (HealthTech): Remote consultations, health monitoring apps, and clinic management systems all require high-quality UX.

3. E-commerce: The focus is shifting towards personalization, automated purchasing, and creating an omnichannel experience.

4. Education (EdTech): Distance learning and interactive platforms are continuing to evolve, especially considering global changes in education systems.

5. Green Technologies (GreenTech): Applications related to sustainability, energy saving, and environmental protection are becoming increasingly popular.

Key Development Areas for Designers

  • Mastering data analysis: Understanding user data, basic analytics, and applying this knowledge to improve UX is a vital trend.
  • Diving into AI and machine learning: The ability to design interfaces that interact with intelligent algorithms is becoming a competitive advantage.
  • Learning AR/VR: The future of interaction goes beyond 2D screens.
  • Focusing on accessibility systems: Inclusive design is becoming a critical aspect for large companies.
  • Developing soft skills: Communication, teamwork, and the ability to present and defend ideas to clients or stakeholders remain essential skills for designers.

Key Takeaways for Companies and Businesses

Companies must invest in the development of their designers, providing access to new tools and technologies. Service companies, including us, should take advantage of current trends by offering clients interface design services for promising fields—from FinTech to IoT.

Businesses should also confidently invest in hiring designers, as their expertise allows for quick hypothesis and market validation, idea testing, and identifying what real users truly need and are willing to pay for. This, in turn, helps businesses save significant amounts of money on development by reducing the number of development and debugging cycles, ensuring a smoother and more efficient product creation process.