User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) determine downloads and long-term users. App makers have numerous hurdles to jump over when designing because they must combat a user’s need for instant gratification while making an app that satisfies user intents.
A comprehensive deliverable is a tough ask when it needs to demonstrate its value in such a short period. Still, UI design principles and additional tips can craft an app worthy of five-star reviews and years-long use.
1. UI Determines UX
UX is how users feel when using an app, and interactivity, ease-of-access and aesthetics often contribute to those feelings more than designers realize. Design principles guide users in the right direction when it comes to responding emotionally and mentally to the app.
For example, the UI principle of Structure prioritizes app architecture that appeals to how the brain categorizes like and unlike things. The Feedback principle allows user participation in the design by recording their reactions and opinions to change the app’s state or presentation to adjust their UX.
2. Never Stop Testing
A 2017 survey uncovered that 88% of app users would stop using an app if they encountered too many bugs. Users may not immediately uninstall it – though this is possible – but they would at least close out and consider deletion later.
Frequent testing will prevent daily bugs from creeping into an application. Additionally, transparent patch notes demonstrate attentiveness to detail and responsiveness to feedback for improved UX and UI.
3. Make It Accessible
Not every app user has the same capabilities, so it’s critical to consider UI elements that appeal to as wide an audience as possible. With testing in mind, app makers should consider finding diverse individuals to provide feedback. It could reveal the answers to questions like:
- Does the app have colorblind settings for color changes?
- Is the text adjustable in size?
- Are there audio or visual aids for people with visual or audio concerns?
- Does the app use gender-neutral language?
- Are there diverse representations of bodies, if applicable?
4. Keep It Simple
The Simplicity and Visibility principles of UI explain why a more approachable, less flashy design is to the advantage of app designers. Users want to be able to find all the information and settings they are curious about without seeking an FAQ or customer service representative.
The app text should be free of jargon – unless the target audience demands otherwise – so navigation is straightforward. App users could also leverage images, diagrams and other visual aids instead of walls of text. The fewer requests app makers get from users, the more they know their design prioritizes ease of use.
5. Make It Compatible
Platform availability is crucial – nobody wants to discover a valuable app and find it’s unavailable for their phone model. App wars like the battle between Google and Apple Maps show these contentions firsthand, despite the apps offering nearly similar features. Ideally, app makers will make their app brand agnostic while including functionality and integrations for other devices like wearable tech or seamless car connectivity.
6. Leverage White Space for Readability
App designers are creatives at heart, so it might be an exercise in self-restraint to pull back on elaborate design elements for the sake of simplicity. Negative space between graphics and paragraphs helps scannability. Put them under and beside images and columns to discourage long text blocks or oversized visual elements.
7. Use Breadcrumb Navigation
Breadcrumb navigation uses logical menu mapping that appeals to the audience. Whether it’s attribute- or history-based navigation or anything in between, users shouldn’t have to search for long to find the landing page they need. The key to smart breadcrumbs is to have the right amount – there is no need to be hyperspecific. Determine what users want to find and make links accordingly.
8. Spell Out Data Transparency and Protection
Apps collect data – users may not love it, but they’re willing to agree to terms and conditions that are clear and concise while providing them the convenience they desire from the app. The app should have a dedicated area to explain why and how it collects data and uses it per federal compliance and regulations.
9. Increase Load Speeds
Everyone’s internet speeds and data accessibility is different. Still, app designers have a lot of influence on UX if they can decrease file sizes, simplify source codes and update software to load as quickly as possible without depending on those external influences. UX improves if users don’t experience lag or distrust servers.
10. Hone Brand Consistency
Brand awareness and tone should resonate with the app’s users and the company’s story. Every subsequent style update should only be degrees from the original concept – not a massive divergence. Otherwise, it could confuse users. Are they in a different app? Did someone buy it out? Spend time in the early development and design stages to ensure a solid brand foundation for the app’s longevity.
Ensure Content UX With Quality UI
Following design principles to forge a simple, practical and easy-to-boot application will make users happy. App design is rarely a stagnant process – it’s a series of updates to improve quality, appearance and experience. It’s a rare opportunity to hone a product long after its release, so app makers should want to make it perfect.
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