If you’re into web development, check Anil Dash’s predictions for Web Development in 2006. I’m not playing with the sharp end of the programming stick, so I don’t have the skills required to jump in here. The list is compelling (even if I’d quibble about some of it, in my uninformed way) since I agree completely with the importance of UI.
Some of the overall areas of focus are integration (as always) and front-end technologies that have highly visible impacts on end user experience.
To me, Web 2.0 means technologies serving the experience, rather than vice versa. If that becomes the norm, everyone benefits.