There are many common mobile app user experience (UX) design mistakes that developers make when they focus on maximizing revenue from an impersonal, logical standpoint. An app should feel intuitive for users, helping to connect them with your brand on a more human level.
A strong UX can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty rates, so it’s important to carefully consider how to craft the perfect experience for your users. Here are four of the top mobile app UX design tips you should keep in mind.
#1: Consider Your Target Audience
First, research your industry and determine the exact audience you’re aiming for. What do your users need or want and how can your app cater to those interests?
A good practice is to create a user persona. A persona is usually a one or two-page document that includes goals, skills, education, behavior patterns, attitudes towards the industry and biographical information for your typical user. By putting yourself in the shoes of your users, you can be sure your design will meet their needs.
You can even create charts that measure how adept your target users are at various skills such as social media, mobile apps, search engines and more. Personality charts are helpful as well, as you can measure factors such as how extroverted they are or what sorts of colors or patterns might capture their interest.
#2: Focus on the Core Features and Functionalities
Because mobile screens are smaller than desktops, mobile apps should have a more simplified, optimized design. So, lay out everything very clearly, showing your users the basic functionalities they can access.
The navigation process should be simple, containing as few words and images as possible to lead your user from one page to another. Adding too many features to your app for the sake of showing your technical prowess can actually negatively impact the UX, especially if users are overwhelmed with content and commands when they first open the app.
Instead, be sure your app is focused on the core features and functionalities that your users will want. If you find yourself getting lost in the weeds, it’s helpful to remind yourself of the main goal for the app.
A call-to-action (CTA) is an important design element as well, as this button activates the core functionality of an app. For example, the CTA of a retail app would be a button that allows you to complete a purchase. The CTA should clearly define the desired action to avoid any confusion. In retail, a poorly designed CTA could lead to chargebacks. The CTA button should also be as visible and approachable as possible so that users won’t get frustrated hunting for it.
#3: Simplify the Navigation Process
The navigation process is an integral part of the UX, and keeping it simple is essential. Even if your features are nearly perfect, poor navigation can be the death knell to the most promising of applications.
Your app should be unique in the sense that it mirrors your specific brand in a way that no other company can replicate. However, the UX still should feel familiar to your users, which means understanding the app design trends in your particular industry. Having navigation patterns that make sense to your users will help ensure they get to enjoy the full functionalities of your app.
Transitions and other visual elements should not detract from the content; rather, they should be simple and sophisticated. Don’t get too flashy with your navigation features, as this can make things confusing for users. Ultimately, the simpler it is for your users to move from point A to point B in your app, the stronger the UX will be.
#4: Make Text Legible and Accessible
Your app should be accessible for everyone, not just users with 20/20 vision and nimble thumbs. As such, be sure any text is large enough for most individuals to easily read. The text size should be at least 11 points, as this will ensure that most users will be able to read the text without zooming in.
Font matters too, so choose a typeface that is legible in multiple sizes and weights. In addition, the color contrast between the text and the background is important; grey text on a pale blue background may leave readers squinting to make out the words. Be sure the colors you choose allow the text and other important elements to stand out.
Also, keep in mind that some users have large thumbs. There are few things more frustrating than clicking on a screen repeatedly without any response. When designing your app, check that the touch points are large enough for any user to access easily, regardless of what type of device they’re using. Plus, there should be a decent amount of space between touch points, as users may become frustrated if they try to click one button and end up on a different page frequently.
Leveraging Mobile App UX Design Tips
A successful mobile app UX design begins with putting yourself in the shoes of your target users and determining what would help them reap the most benefits from your application. Keep things simple in terms of content, features and navigation. Removing clutter and creating a straight path to the core functionality of your app will bolster the UX greatly, allowing users to truly make the most of your app.
Remember, a strong UX begins with a skilled developer. The team at 7T provides custom mobile app development and is proficient in crafting effective, engaging UX designs. In addition, we are well-versed in many emerging technologies, including augmented reality, virtual reality, Internet of Things, machine learning, artificial intelligence and natural language processing.
While 7T is headquartered in Dallas, we also serve clients in Austin, Houston, and across the U.S. To discuss your project, please contact us today.