Mobile usage among people remain on the increase. Due to it, a multitude of apps have been developed, and the process is an ongoing affair. The importance of User Experience (UX) has never been this high. It is one of the main factors that potential users think about before purchasing any app. Developers must give UX as much priority as they do to factors such as pricing, features, etc. However, before you can work on the UX of your app, you’d need to know what it is.
Simply put, anything that can affect an app user’s interaction and perception about it, comes under UX. In a human-machine interaction, this can refer to what makes an app meaningful and effective. In terms of product ownership, UX determines if an app is practical and valuable or not.
Sounds important, doesn’t it? Realizing its significance, we have created a list of ways that will help you enhance the user experience of your apps:
Place importance on the platform during app designing.
For today’s discussion, we will simplify things by considering that there are only two mobile operating systems, i.e., the iOS and the Android. Whether you’re designing an app for one or the other, you must remember they each have unique conventions and standards.
Like, for instance, the app’s viable size and resolution will differ. Similarly, the UI components, such as on and off switches, data picker, and checkboxes, would be different as well. Android supports devices with a particular back button. Unlike it, the iOS offers tabs, not at the top of the page but the screen.
It seems logical that if there are UI dissimilarities, there may also be UI differences. The latter, in fact, are immense! In short, your would-be app should be happily married to the OS it will be put on. The more in sync the two are, the better it will engage your customers.
Remove anything that isn’t required.
Lean and mean designs are the right way to go when it comes to UI. Why is less more, you ask? Because it will keep your users from becoming overwhelmed. If all they can see are tabs and links cluttering your app’s face when they open it, they won’t be happy!
Opt for designing that’s minimalistic but meaningful and engaging. Don’t pack everything on one screen, or you will create one that’s unevenly organized. Put only those features that are absolutely necessary. Deciding to do that will ensure you choose the best ones. Look at some simple and useful apps for your reference before you begin.
It is evident that all design elements in successful apps serve some purpose. They are included after much research and deliberate thinking. Keep in mind, however, that we say simple but not dumb. Your app must be minimalistic but also intuitive and meaningful. Make sure to make it more user-friendly and seamless like airG scam free apps to have users hooked for hours!
Include UX in every stage of app development.
The dynamic nature of UX design makes its involvement crucial to every stage of development. Since your users will be operating the app, their feedback is necessary for the best possible experience. So, at all stages, ask to understand their likes and dislikes about the app. More importantly, make sure that you use that understanding to iterate those traits with each version’s release.
One way through which developers can receive product validation and test it with target audiences is by making an MVP. A minimum viable product can help determine how your app’s core users will receive it. Once you have the data, you can apply the user behavior research to make your product even better.
Empathy is essential for UX excellence.
As part of a development team, you may lose sight of what matters most to your users. Being able to step out of your role and into that of the user is necessary. It would help you visualize how your app will resonate with its target audience. A user-centric approach should be at the center of your developmental procedure throughout the process. Practice empathy during the entire development lifecycle, so that the app answers your users’ needs – not your own!
Uniformity is key in app design.
Get to finalizing the overall design of your app and then stick to it. Keeping it uniform right till the end will prevent user confusion during navigation. For instance, some developers change the typology or the color scheme for each page on the app. This can divert users and pull them out of the UX when you want it to be immersive. Consistency is important for both the aesthetics and structure of an app.
Bolster the search functions.
All your users won’t approach your app with the same goal. For some, it would be a source of information, while for others, it could be where they make their purchases. To entertain most types of search intents, you’ll want your app to be easily navigable. Any useful links that a user may hunt for should be easily accessible to them via your app. Advanced in-app search features enhance its usability and make it easier for potential users to grab what they need from it.
Minimize onboarding time.
If your users have to go through page after page during onboarding, they could become frustrated! More than half (52%) of the respondents from a survey on the subject say an onboarding process that lasts between 30 seconds to 2 minutes is bearable. Some didn’t even last long enough to complete a 30-60 second-long registration period. Others didn’t like it if that step took between 1 and 2 minutes. To put it simply, if yours will require more time just to register, you will lose them.
Parting thoughts.
Remember that potential users don’t lack for choices when it comes to apps these days. Look at what competitors are doing to up their mobile UX game and implement the best practices. In the end, it is always good customer experience that wins the day for you!
