Zero User Interfaces

A future without screens? Imagine a time when we no longer operate devices via screens, but control them with our voice, gestures or by our mere presence. This is exactly where the “Zero UI” trend comes in. The term does not stand for the complete disappearance of interfaces, but for a new way of thinking about user interfaces: away from the screen and towards more intuitive, more natural forms of interaction.

The outline of a person surrounded by sound waves and icons that are intended to suggest sounds and noise images. The colour design of the image is in shades of red.

Technologies for more natural interactions

Zero UI describes a long-term development that uses technologies such as voice control, haptic feedback, gesture recognition and context-sensitive sensor technology to make the operation of devices simpler, more human and more direct. Voice assistants such as Alexa or Siri are already demonstrating how interfaces work without visible surfaces. Instead of adapting to the logic of devices, in future they should understand our language and behavior patterns - a real paradigm shift.

Design beyond the screen

For designers, this means a change of perspective: design is no longer limited to two-dimensional screens. In future, multimodal thinking will be required that also integrates psychological, biological and technological aspects. Zero UI opens up new scope - far removed from the usual touchscreens. And even if screens do not disappear completely: Their place as the sole interface is no longer set.

Two independently floating and frameless display surfaces whose display extends beyond the screen. The colour design is in shades of red.

Zero UI is not hype, but a real future trend. It challenges us to rethink interactions and at the same time offers enormous potential for innovative product design.

This article is a summary. You can find the full article and other trend topics in our UXMA Trend Report 2025.

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