2026 design ins and outs are here

By Figma

Categories: Design, Product

Summary

Audio and video are in, while smooth scrolling and unopinionated UI are out in 2026 design. Surprisingly, Y2K nostalgia and digital scrapbooking are the new design trends, while AI-generated art is a red flag.

Key Takeaways

1. Every feature and functionality should have its own dedicated icon to improve user experience.
2. Avoid using audio on landing pages as it can be a waste of user's CPU resources.
3. Incorporate more audio, video, and motion design elements to engage users.
4. Minimize the need for users to create accounts to access your product.
5. Embrace hand-drawn text and illustrations, but avoid smooth scrolling as it can be energy-intensive for users.
6. Leverage Y2K nostalgia and digital scrapbooking aesthetics, but avoid using AI to mimic specific artists' styles as it may be perceived as unethical.

Topics

• Iconography
• User Experience
• Multimedia Design
• User Friction
• Aesthetic Trends

Transcript Excerpt

Hey, Nile, what are your design ins and outs for 2026? In is iconography. Every feature, everything needs its own icon. Out: audio on landing pages. Every time I go to a landing page that has audio, it's a waste of my CPU. Don't do it. Hey, Anthony, what are your design ins and outs for 2026? Design ins are more audio, more video, more motion. And design outs are probably forcing me to make an account for everything. Hey Galaxia. What are your design ins and outs for 2026? In is hand-drawn text...