This app is so boring, it doesn’t have anything interesting in it, let me find another option in the app marketplace!
These are some of the most common thoughts that reel in our minds when we download any app. And if we fail to connect to the app, we take no time to switch to the competition app in no time.
We all agree with the ubiquitous fact that Mobile apps are everywhere!
You think of a service and there is an app for it- in simple words, the app marketplace is flooded with too many options giving users a fair opportunity to select the best as per their requirements.
But have you ever thought that despite having a huge number of apps in the market, there are still very few that gain attention in every genre and stay as top favourite among users?
This is caused by multiple factors such as app offerings, legacy technology, boring features and cluttered design.
Among all, User Experience (UX) in Mobile App Development is extremely important when it comes to deciding upon the success of a mobile app.
Do you wonder why???
This blog post is written to help you understand the importance and best practices for mobile app user experience.
Let’s navigate through the right message together!
Why is User Experience Important in Mobile App Development?
Hmm, a lot many out there have a question in mind why user experience is even significant in mobile app development?
So the answer to this question can be stated in a simple line that it directly impacts the success and performance of your mobile app.
Not convinced still???
Fret not, just keep scrolling to find out compelling reasons to consider UX for your next app.
- User satisfaction is enhanced to another level enabling users to relish apps where they no longer face the clutter of app freeze/bugs. Consequently, businesses experience increased user retention and returning customers to their services.
- Competition is ever burgeoning and no business is an exception to it. In this run, it is highly demanding for the users to get the services on their pocket assistant which they can access anytime and anywhere. A mobile app gives a digital interface to your business and helps it to stand tall amid the competition chaos.
- The performance of a mobile app is not to be an overlooked aspect and must be paid attention to. A well-designed mobile app always results in a fast, responsive, and highly-functioned app solution that not just grabs user’s attention but helps businesses to get more users.
- Slashed support and maintenance cost is another reason that encourages businesses to invest in mobile user experience design practices.
- By embracing effective user experience businesses can ensure to minimise user confusion which results in a lesser number of support demands with substantially slashed cost.
Best practices for mobile app user experience design
When it comes to building a mobile app that gains the attention of users extensively, there is a need to implement several factors within an app.
However, businesses sail on a confused boat to select the right methods leading to successful mobile apps.
Here are some best practices that, if practised can determine app success
Understand your audience
Well, it would be wrong to say that app design has nothing to do with users. Eventually, these are the most treasured aspects of the app’s success plan.
Much before you indulge in the user experience full-fledged plan with a
ui ux design company, the first big thing you need to take a dip in is understanding your audience. Check:
- What do they want?
- How does this app design help them?
- How are they interacting with simpler apps?
- What are their device limitations, user behaviour & preferences?
- Which feature do they find useful and which they do not find good enough?
You must not forget app localization is equally important as the user’s preference, taste and behaviour around the app changes largely depending upon the dynamics.
Once you gain insights into the above-mentioned aspects there is very little that is left of your app going closer to the success peak.
App Responsive Design
A mobile app is not restricted to any particular age, gender or creed, rather it can be accessed by anyone and at any point in time.
Do you know what that means?
It means a mobile app if not falling into the expected parameters of its users, then nothing can save it from being uninstalled.
Ouch, that hurts!
Yeah, but it is a harsh fact, and to embrace it you need to get a closer look at responsive and intuitive design.
To start with you must pay attention to the screen adaptability within the responsive design which means the app must adapt to different screen sizes and orientations.
It gives a free hand to the users to use the app on any device of their choice without being limited.
The second in this row is creating a clear and intuitive design.
At times it has been observed that designers get carried away in the world of creativity and build elements that are hard to understand by any user.
You need to understand users are coming to your app to find a solution and if the solution comes packed with a riddle then they would prefer abandoning it.
Therefore, it is highly recommended to implement logical and user-friendly navigation elements.
On the other hand, there must be visual consistency across all the sections/pages of the app.
For instance, if your app is showing a Calibri font on the main page but on another page it is Georgia or any other that brings a sense of unreliability across the app.
To improve app usability the app must deliver consistent color, typography and iconography across the app.
Performance Optimization
There is a glut of mobile apps already existing in the market for every single service you can dream of.
But does that stop you from building an app for your business?
Of course not!
A mobile app for other businesses offering similar services might be pre-existing in the market but that must not stop you from building a new solution for your business needs.
The only thing you need to take care of is to add something unique that helps your app to stand tall.
The best way to adapt this is by optimizing the app performance and loading time better than your competitors.
As we all know, today’s users have a lot many options in the market, therefore the designers and developers must brainstorm around the right method.
This can be started by writing clean code that not only helps reduce the app size but also results in loading apps faster.
Developers must ensure to reduce the number of API calls and network requests and combine multiple requests as and when required.
This helps in reducing the loading time extensively.
Furthermore, optimising the image size is another factor that must be taken into consideration without compromising the image quality.
This not only improves the app loading time but also gives users a page visual without scrolling the page due to heavy image size.
Testing is the key
TBH, nothing is more useful than user testing for the mobile app design.
After designing and developing every element based on users’ expectations, the next big thing is how it will be perceived by the users.
And to find this out the best way is to test the app’s functionalities and design.
The app testing helps to understand the bottlenecks and remove them before they reach out to the real audience.
As a result, a responsive experience comes into existence with improved user satisfaction and engagement.
The bottom line
There is no match for user experience when it comes to ruling the hearts of the users.
It has been stated that UI and UX are two major components behind the success of an after many other crucial ones.
However, UI is all about focusing on the visual components of the app, while UX design ensures seamless user interaction.
The fusion of these components only results in the success of an app with an alluring appearance that not only captivates the audience’s attention but operates effortlessly.
Last but not least, UX can be called out as the spine of an app, apart from technical efficiencies leading to improved user retention, satisfaction, and success for your mobile app.