You launched your app. People downloaded it. But… they didn’t stick around.
That’s the silent killer in mobile and web dev today: “Bad UX and UI that destroy retention before your users even give you a chance.”
In this post, I’ll walk you through:
10 of the most common (and deadly) UX/UI mistakes
Real-world examples from both web development and iOS app development
Quick, actionable fixes you can apply today
Why top teams and agencies like Shakuro prioritize retention-first design across platforms
Let’s get into it.
1. Overwhelming Onboarding
Here’s the deal: you’ve got 10 seconds to hook a new user.
So if your app forces people through:
6 screens of tutorials
Mandatory sign-ups before trying anything
Or confusing permission requests…
You’re burning your retention before it starts.
Fix it:
✅ Make onboarding optional
✅ Use tooltips or progressive disclosure
✅ Let users try before they commit
Pro tip: For iOS solutions, leverage Apple’s “Sign in with Apple” to reduce friction fast.
2. Cluttered UI
Just because your app can show everything at once, doesn’t mean it should. Too many buttons. Confusing icons. Inconsistent spacing. This all leads to user anxiety and drop-offs.
Fix it:
✅ Prioritize visual hierarchy
✅ Follow Apple Human Interface Guidelines or Material Design
✅ Adopt minimalist layouts – less really is more
Clean, thoughtful UI is retention gold – and a non-negotiable in both iOS app development and web.
3. Poor Navigation Structure
If users can’t find what they need in 3 taps or less, they’re gone.
This is especially common in hybrid or rushed web dev builds where navigation wasn’t designed, just “added.”
Fix it:
✅ Stick to familiar navigation patterns
✅ Always show the “back” option
✅ Use bottom tabs or sticky nav menus on mobile
Agencies like Shakuro build navigation frameworks that scale with content – so users never get lost.
4. Lack of Feedback and Microinteractions
Taps with no response. Delays with no loaders. Dead buttons. All these micro-frustrations lead to macro churn.
Fix it:
✅ Add subtle animations for actions
✅ Always show loaders or success indicators
✅ Celebrate user wins (like completing a profile)
Small touches = massive impact.
5. Inconsistent Design Across Platforms
Your app feels slick on iOS… and like a bad clone on web. This disconnect tells users: “We didn’t think this through.”
Fix it:
✅ Design with cross-platform tools in mind
✅ Reuse patterns, not exact layouts
✅ Test UX with real users on each platform
Great web development and iOS app development teams always consider multi-platform consistency early.
6. Annoying Push Notifications
Notifications should re-engage, not repel.
But if you:
Blast users daily
Send irrelevant alerts
Or don’t explain why you need notifications…
You’re training users to disable or uninstall.
Fix it:
✅ Ask permission contextually
✅ Personalize notification settings
✅ Provide real value with every ping
Retention lives or dies by relevance.
7. Unresponsive or Buggy Touch Targets
Buttons that don’t register. Fields that won’t focus. Tiny icons that miss 3 out of 5 taps.
This happens a lot in poorly optimized iOS solutions and cross-platform builds.
Fix it:
✅ Use Apple’s and Google’s recommended tap sizes
✅ Test with real thumbs (not just dev environments)
✅ Avoid custom gestures unless essential
Smoothness = satisfaction = retention.
8. Slow Load Times
Every extra second = fewer retained users. This goes for web apps, hybrid apps, and native builds alike.
Fix it:
✅ Optimize images and assets
✅ Use skeleton screens to reduce perceived wait
✅ Implement lazy loading for heavy content
Studies show a 1-second delay can lead to a 20% drop in user retention. Speed is design.
9. Hidden or Poorly Timed CTAs
Great UI leads users to take action. Bad UI hides that action.
Whether it’s starting a free trial, saving a favorite, or finishing signup – if the CTA is buried or confusing, users bounce.
Fix it:
✅ Use clear, action-oriented button text
✅ Limit to 1–2 CTAs per screen
✅ Use color contrast and spacing to highlight the main action
Don’t make users guess. Guide them.
10. No Data-Driven Iteration
This one’s big. You can’t fix retention if you’re not measuring it.
Too many teams design once and assume it works – especially in early-stage web dev or app MVPs.
Fix it:
✅ Use heatmaps, session recordings, and funnel tracking
✅ Interview churned users
✅ A/B test UI elements
Retention is not a mystery. It’s a metric.
Summary
UX/UI isn’t just “design”. It’s the difference between a user who stays… and one who deletes.
And in 2025’s competitive landscape – whether you’re in web development, building full-stack iOS solutions, or managing a cross-platform product – retention is the game.
Here’s your recap:
Cut onboarding friction
Simplify your UI
Build an intuitive nav
Make it responsive, fast, and delightful
Test, measure, and iterate constantly
Want a product that users love – and keep coming back to? Work with teams like Shakuro who build design systems and UX flows that don’t just look good… they retain.
Because great UX isn’t optional anymore, it’s your retention strategy.
