We did it in 2024, and we are doing it again in 2025: Predicting the future!
So let's go and see what we think might happen this year in the world of design and tech!
The rise of single user programs
AI is making it easier than ever for individuals to create custom programs tailored to their specific needs - problems so niche that no existing software really addresses them. This trend will only accelerate this year as AI tools improve, requiring less technical expertise to bring these personalized programs to life. What started with Claude’s Artifacts might blossoming into full-fledged “app builders.”
This presents an interesting design challenge: How do we ensure that whatever AI generates follows best practices and the latest UX standards? Having a flexible design system in place might be a good start, but it’ll be exciting to explore the possibilities in the months ahead.
Decentralization takes center stage
Frustration with big tech remains high, and anger at social networks doesn’t seem to be calming down. More and more people are realizing that to avoid being at the mercy of a central authority - or a single point of failure – they need to embrace decentralization. Whether it’s moving their social media activity to the Fediverse, their money to crypto, or their time to local, offline networks, the shift is happening.
This might lead to more diverse visual expression. Niche communities can create interfaces and visual languages tailored to their specific needs rather than those of a massive corporation.
Tripping in XR
Sure, last year’s VR prediction was a flop. But I’m not giving up on the whole VR/AR/XR space just yet. And the reason is simple: Gen AI has the potential to unlock entirely new experiences.
Imagine this – you put on a headset, look around, and suddenly, the world around you starts growing hair. Or everything turns into tiny bouncing balls. Trippy, right? Experiences like these are already possible with Gen AI, and I think we’re going to see a lot more of them in 2025. People already love filters in TikTok, Snap and Instagram. But what happens when you can "live" inside one?
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Ok. Three predictions for 2025. Let's see how we fare this year!