Every year, we see dozens of trend predictions that sound revolutionary but never make it into production. After spending over a decade designing products, I’ve learned to spot the difference between hype and genuine shifts in how we work.
This year is different. With help from AI, I’ve analyzed research from Nielsen Norman Group, reviewed findings from WebAIM’s study of 1 million websites, and connected with insights from designers at companies like Google, Figma, and Shopify. Here are 5 trends that are already gaining serious momentum.
1. AI becomes your design co-pilot (finally)
Here’s the thing about AI in design. It’s not replacing us. However, it is changing how we work.
92% of UX professionals have used at least one generative AI tool. That’s not a future prediction. Instead, that’s happening right now.
What this actually looks like in practice
Tools like Figma AI and Adobe Firefly aren’t just party tricks anymore. In fact, Adobe Firefly has generated 15 billion images. Meanwhile, Figma’s auto-rename layers feature? People actually use it because it solves a real pain point.
The pattern that’s working: narrow-scope AI tools. Specifically, things that do one thing really well.
- Automatic layer organization that actually makes sense
- Background removal in one click
- Smart content generation for mockups
- Translation across 50+ languages instantly
In contrast, broad AI tools that try to generate entire designs from scratch still produce generic results that need heavy refinement.
The productivity numbers are real
Teams using AI design tools are seeing 20-50% faster completion times. Importantly, not in some lab experiment. In production work.
Nevertheless, here’s what Nielsen Norman Group found: AI works best when it handles repetitive tasks while designers focus on strategy, empathy, and creative direction. David Kossnick from Figma nailed it when he said humans bring “judgment, empathy, and taste” while AI handles speed.
What you should do about it
First, start with the easy wins. Use AI for content generation, layer organization, and image editing. Then, build up from there. Don’t try to automate your entire workflow on day one.
And please, for the love of good design, always refine AI outputs. After all, they’re starting points, not finished work.
2. Accessibility stops being optional
94.8% of websites fail basic accessibility tests. That’s from WebAIM’s 2025 analysis of one million sites.
However, here’s what’s changing: accessibility is becoming both a legal requirement and a competitive advantage worth $13 trillion in annual disposable income.
WCAG 3.0 changes the game
The new W3C Accessibility Guidelines (https://www.w3.org/WAI/standards-guidelines/wcag/wcag3-intro/) shift the entire conversation. Rather than asking “does this pass the test?” the question becomes “can a person with a disability actually complete their task?”
Essentially, that’s a fundamental mindset shift. As a result, it’s forcing teams to think differently.
Cognitive accessibility is the new frontier
We’ve gotten decent at color contrast and screen reader support. Now, the focus is expanding to neurodiversity.
Notably, 15-40% of people have neurodivergent traits like ADHD, autism, or dyslexia. That’s not a niche audience. Therefore, designing for cognitive inclusion means:
- Optional minimalist modes that reduce visual noise
- Motion sensitivity toggles for animations
- Clear information structure that reduces mental load
- Notification systems that respect focus
As one designer put it: “Accessibility isn’t about checking boxes anymore. Rather, it’s about how information is structured, how notifications work, and how we reduce cognitive burden.”
The business case is undeniable
Companies investing in accessibility see a 28% higher revenue growth rate. Additionally, Forrester Research found a $100 return for every $1 invested. Meanwhile, 4,605 ADA lawsuits were filed in 2024.
Furthermore, with the European Accessibility Act effective June 2025 and US ADA Title II requirements coming June 2026, this isn’t a nice-to-have anymore.
Start with shift-left thinking
First and foremost, build accessibility into your design process from day one, not as a retrofit. Initially, use automated testing to catch 60% of issues. Then, involve people with disabilities in real user testing for the rest.
To get started, check out resources from the WebAIM project (https://webaim.org/) and integrate tools like axe DevTools into your workflow.
3. Design systems get incredibly smart
Design systems are evolving from static component libraries into intelligent, automated systems that adapt and scale.
Design tokens become the foundation
The W3C Design Tokens Specification hit version 1.0 in October 2025. That’s a big deal. Specifically, it means true cross-platform consistency without reinventing the wheel.
For example, companies like Booking.com are running 150+ product teams across 4 platforms with 200+ designers. Ultimately, the only way that works is with sophisticated token architecture.
Design tokens let you define colors, spacing, and typography once. Subsequently, they translate automatically to iOS, Android, web, and Flutter. Change one value, update everywhere.
AI powers the next generation
AI is starting to handle design system maintenance. According to GitHub’s Diana Mounter, AI “significantly accelerates building and developing design systems, making it easier to generate new layouts and ensure consistency.”
Practical applications happening now include:
- Automated component quality checks
- Real-time accessibility validation
- Smart suggestions when designers use components incorrectly
- Design-to-code sync that actually works
Notably, Shopify just deprecated their React-based Polaris system in favor of Web Components. Why? Smaller file sizes, faster performance, framework independence. That’s the kind of evolution happening industry-wide.
The ROI numbers are compelling
Forrester Research found design systems deliver 671% ROI. Moreover, teams using design systems see 38% productivity gains for designers and 31% for developers.
Similarly, a Sparkbox study comparing developers building with IBM’s Carbon Design System versus from scratch found 47% faster development time. Specifically, median time dropped from 4.2 hours to 2 hours.
Start small, then scale
You don’t need a team of 10 to build a design system. Initially, start with a Figma file of core components. Next, work with frontend developers to translate those into code. Document as you go.
Ultimately, the key is treating it as a product with real users (your team), not just a nice-to-have side project. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out examples from Google Material Design 3 (https://m3.material.io/) and see how they balance consistency with expressiveness.
For more insights on building effective design systems, visit https://articles.edwardguillen.com/ where we dive deeper into design operations and systematic approaches.
4. Spatial computing goes from novelty to necessity
Apple Vision Pro isn’t just an expensive toy. Instead, it’s the beginning of a massive platform shift.
The Extended Reality market is projected to hit $100 billion in 2026, growing at 33% annually through 2030. More importantly, 75% of Fortune 500 companies have already integrated XR technologies for training and education.
Enterprise applications are driving adoption
This isn’t about gaming. Rather, it’s about real business value. For instance, Porsche uses Vision Pro for race engineers to visualize car data in 3D. Similarly, KLM trains aircraft mechanics with spatial overlays. Meanwhile, NVIDIA streams engineering datasets for design reviews.
Additionally, VR training shows 52% cost reductions compared to traditional methods. Looking ahead, enterprise applications will drive 60% of total VR revenue by 2030.
Design principles for spatial interfaces
Designing for spatial computing is fundamentally different. Specifically, you’re not constrained by screen edges. Apps exist at any scale in real 3D space.
Key principles emerging from early adopters include:
- Design for infinite canvas beyond screen boundaries
- Use natural inputs like eyes, hands, and voice as primary interaction methods
- Blend digital content seamlessly with physical environments
- Leverage depth for information hierarchy
- Plan for room-scale experiences, not just viewports
Notably, visionOS 2.6 introduced widgets that become spatial, AI-powered 3D scenes, and shared experiences for multiple users. These aren’t experimental features anymore. Instead, they’re production-ready capabilities.
Start learning 3D UI design now
You don’t need a Vision Pro to start. First, learn SwiftUI and RealityKit basics. Then, experiment with 3D elements in regular interfaces. Study how depth and layering affect information hierarchy.
Moreover, tools like Spline make 3D design accessible without a steep learning curve. The Apple visionOS documentation (https://developer.apple.com/visionos/) provides excellent resources for getting started with spatial design patterns.
5. Hyper-personalization meets privacy-first design
Users want contradictory things. Specifically, 71% expect personalized experiences. However, 92% are concerned about privacy.
Somehow, we need to deliver both.
The personalization expectations are sky-high
70% of Gen Z expects apps to be hyper-intuitive and frictionless. Essentially, they want interfaces that adapt based on time of day, device, and behavior. Simplified UI when they’re tired. Smart defaults that anticipate needs.
Notably, companies excelling at personalization generate 40% more revenue than peers. That’s a McKinsey finding, not a marketing claim.
But privacy concerns are real
76% of Americans don’t trust social media companies with their data. Furthermore, 48% have stopped purchasing from a company over privacy concerns. Additionally, 28% of consumers have exercised their data subject rights, with that number jumping to 42% for people aged 18-24.
Users want control. They want transparency. Ultimately, they want to know exactly what data you’re collecting and why.
AI enables context-aware personalization
The opportunity is using AI to create personalized experiences based on behavior patterns rather than invasive tracking. Context-aware interfaces that adapt to:
- User skill level (simplified for novices, advanced for power users)
- Cognitive state (streamlined when multitasking)
- Environmental context (outdoor mode with higher contrast)
- Task urgency (focused mode hiding distractions)
Importantly, the key is making these preferences explicit and controllable. Users should choose their level of personalization, not have it forced on them.
Build trust through transparency
83% of consumers are more likely to shop on websites that openly discuss privacy practices. Therefore, make your data collection clear. Provide granular controls. Allow users to opt out without losing core functionality.
For example, look at how DuckDuckGo and Signal handle this. They prove you can build great experiences without surveillance capitalism.
With attention spans down to 8.25 seconds and users checking phones 96 times per day, personalization that respects privacy isn’t just ethical. In fact, it’s the only sustainable path forward.
What this means for you
These trends aren’t predictions. Instead, they’re already happening at leading companies.
Start small. Specifically, pick one trend that aligns with your biggest pain point. If you’re drowning in repetitive tasks, explore AI tools. Alternatively, if accessibility lawsuits worry your legal team, start building WCAG 3.0 thinking into your process.
The tools exist. The business cases are proven. Ultimately, the question is whether you’ll adopt these approaches before your competitors do.
Because in 2026, the difference between good design and great design won’t be visual polish. Rather, it’ll be AI-augmented workflows, accessible-by-default systems, intelligent design systems, spatial thinking, and privacy-respecting personalization.
That’s where the industry is heading. Whether you’re ready or not.
