For designers and other visual creatives working in the digital realm, change is constant, and being prepared for what’s coming next is a must. While the tools we use evolve ever more rapidly, so do tastes and the needs of clients. We asked some experts and creatives in a variety of disciplines to think about the coming year and tell us what trends they are planning for, expecting, and excited to see emerge.

A BROADER ROLE FOR UX DESIGNERS
UX has long been a discipline that overlaps with and extends into many others—and in 2018, UX specialist says the role of UX designers is about to expand again: “Being a UX designer in 2018 will be less about ‘doing all of the stuff yourself’ and more about ‘connecting people together.’ This will put the focus on collaboration, fast prototyping, and automation in some steps of the UX process that previously were manual, such as the design handoff.”
ART THAT CREATES NEW REALITIES
Unsettled moments always leave their mark on the art world, and today’s environment will affect tastes and trends in editorial illustration, stock imagery, and beyond, says Brenda Milis, Principal of Creative Services and Visual Trends at Adobe: “We’re living in a time when there’s so much uncertainty, so much is in flux. Many people are becoming politically active, but there’s also a type of creativity that envisions escape.”
There’s a reverence for the natural world, but with an intensity, an almost psychedelic twist. These artists are asking us to consider what is beautiful, and what is alive.”
STAYING POSITIVE—IN A REALITY-BASED WAY
After a difficult year, people will be turning to creative work for positivity and encouragement: “Those themes aren’t going anywhere,” “But in light of everything, empty fluff isn’t going to cut it. Optimism falls flat if it’s broad to the point of complicity. Designers and especially lettering artists who work in quotes and aphorisms need to make sure their words are filled not just with honesty, but also with truth. Also, stop using handwriting fonts. Cheers to 2018!”