As we step into 2026, the world of UX design is witnessing a significant shift. The rise of artificial intelligence has led to a glut of generic, soulless designs that fail to evoke any real emotions. Amidst this backdrop, there’s a growing desire for human touch in UX design. The need for emotional connection, imperfection, and a sense of authenticity is becoming increasingly important for brands. This trend is all about moving away from the cold, calculated approach of AI-driven design and embracing the beauty of human imperfection.
## Human Touch in UX Design: A Gegenhype to KI
The human touch in UX design is all about creating an emotional connection with users. It’s about being authentic, vulnerable, and relatable. By incorporating elements of imperfection, such as hand-drawn illustrations, rough typography, and textures, designers can create a sense of warmth and personality in their designs. This approach is not about going back to the old ways of DIY design or retro aesthetics; it’s about embracing the beauty of imperfection and making it a deliberate design choice.
Mike Zeiler, UX/UI Lead at ARTUS Interactive, believes that the liquid glass design style, popularized by Apple, is a step in the right direction. This style allows for more creativity and experimentation in user interface design, making it possible to create polished and refined designs that also feel human. However, Zeiler warns that accessibility is still a major concern, and designers must find ways to balance aesthetics with usability.
## The Hype is Not KI – It’s Human Connection
David Link, CEO of cyperfection, agrees that the hype surrounding AI is not about technology; it’s about reconnecting with humans on an emotional level. The key to successful marketing in 2026 is to focus on clarity, relevance, and emotional resonance. By stripping away the noise and glitz of KI-driven design, brands can create a sense of authenticity and trust. For Link, the most important vibe in 2026 is ‘clarity creates care,’ which means creating clear, concise, and relevant experiences that resonate with users.
## Experience Design Must Be Redefined
Katja Wenger, founder and CEO of think moto, believes that experience design is at a crossroads. With the rise of AI, traditional experience design is no longer sufficient. Experience design must adapt to real-time, contextual, and unique interactions. Marketers must shift their focus from designing individual touchpoints to creating intelligent systems that adapt and evolve over time. This approach requires a new understanding of experience design, one that prioritizes human connection and emotional resonance over technical proficiency.
## Marken Must Send Signals That People Can Trust
Oliver Bohl, CEO of Triplesense Reply, emphasizes the importance of human-first design in experience design. While AI can handle complex tasks, human designers bring a unique ability to understand and navigate complexities, convey emotions, and bridge cultural gaps. The three key vibes for marketers in 2026 are: focusing on long-term signals rather than short-term impulses, creating experiences that people can trust and rely on, and using technology to enhance human connection rather than replace it.
As we navigate the complexities of UX design in 2026, it’s clear that the human touch is more essential than ever. By embracing imperfection, authenticity, and emotional connection, designers can create experiences that resonate with users on a deeper level. The time for generic, soulless design is over; it’s time to focus on the beauty of human imperfection and create experiences that people can trust and love.
