Assessment of User Experience (UX) Design Trends in Mobile Applications

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to explore the assessment of User Experience (UX) design trends in mobile applications. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the assessment of User Experience (UX) design trends in mobile applications. Preliminary empirical review revealed that that personalization, mobile-first design principles, and emerging technologies like AR and VR significantly impacted user engagement and satisfaction. It highlighted that mobile applications tailored to individual user preferences and contexts saw improved user satisfaction and interaction. The study emphasized that mobile-first design enhanced usability and performance, while immersive technologies offered new ways to engage users. Overall, it provided a comprehensive view of how contemporary UX trends affect mobile applications, stressing the need for continuous adaptation and innovation in response to evolving user expectations and technological advancements. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and The User-Centered Design (UCD) Theory may be used to anchor future studies on User Experience (UX). The study recommended that app developers focus on integrating advanced personalization features and adopting mobile-first design principles to improve user engagement and satisfaction. It advised incorporating emerging technologies such as AR and VR, provided they are implemented in an accessible and user-friendly manner. Developers were encouraged to establish continuous feedback loops to refine app designs based on user input. For policymakers, the study suggested creating guidelines that promote best practices in UX design while ensuring data privacy. Lastly, it recommended further research to explore the long-term effects of UX design trends and their interactions, as well as to address diverse user demographics.