People often stress on the UI (user interface) design of a mobile app; considering it as the important factor in determining the success of a mobile application. Though a visually stunning mobile app allures the users to download the app, it’s the navigation of the application that keeps them hooked. In other words, a good UX (user experience) app design helps to remain in the mind of the users and enjoy app popularity.
Before we turn towards the benefits of UX app design, let’s have a quick recap of what UX is.
UX, in simpler terms, refers to the way different elements of a mobile app coordinates with each other. It defines how a user navigates with an app – how many taps does it require to perform a particular functionality or how much time does it take to switch from one step to another.
“UX, when done right, can make an app the top-rating. Whereas, it can increase the risk of app uninstallation if not done correctly.”
The user experience (UX) holds a paramount importance in the app success, especially when it comes to reducing the chunk rate of your application. The right UX approach improves the app’s performance, encourages customer loyalty, reduces support costs, and add value to the business. It makes your application outshine the competition and earn higher ROI.
“52% of users are less likely to engage with an application providing the poor user experience.”
Nowadays, companies are giving a strong emphasis on the usability and functioning of the app, which ultimately is related to the UX of the mobile application. Some of the popular names who have revamped their applications to attract more users and keep them engaged are:
1. Foursquare
Foursquare revamped its UX making the app more personal, context-aware and intelligent. It now offers four different sign-up options (Sign up with Facebook, Sign up with Email, Login or Skip the Sign up), with proper spacing making it easier for the users to pick the option they want.
The ‘Skip the Sign up’ option is included to let the users directly get into the app, giving them an escape from the sign-up process and understand the products’ values.
“Forced Signups is one of the pitfalls of UX design to be avoided in the mobile application development.”
Besides this, a pulsating ring that fills and expands as you pull down, jumping back to its original place when released is introduced into the design and a sweet welcome message is added which appears on the screen while you are waiting – making that time period comfortable. And interestingly, if you are an existing user, the message would be ‘Welcome back’ which can overwhelm any user. Again, while Yelp takes you to Google Maps to type the restaurant’s name and find the directions, the Foursquare shows the directions within the app. This way, it reduces the hassle, making it user’s first choice.
Last but not the least, when you click on ‘Filters’ category and start picking different available options, like ‘Rating’ and ‘Distance’, the app begins to load the content at the back, even before you tap on ‘Done’ option. This way, it ensures that you need not wait for the content to load; you enjoy a smooth and seamless experience.
2. Path
The user onboarding flow of Path application is made easy and smooth, without any redundant message spoiling your experience. The steps to get into the app are reduced while showing each and every single detail to the users helping them in understanding what would be the next step. Same storyboard mechanism is applied in the sharing post functionality as well.
3. Evernote
Evernote has facilitated the users with the option to scan images for words. That means, you can upload a picture of a whiteboard or notebook full of handwritten notes, and find it later via text search.
X design is an everlasting process, which means you cannot sit back investing in the app’s UX design once. You have to keep an eye on the changing UX trends and update your app accordingly so that users remain clanged to your app – they find no time to even think of switching to a better application.
Every year, various changes and updates happen in the UX trends. If talking about UX trends for 2018, you will find:
– Voice user interfaces will be adopted along with the graphical user interfaces so that the users could interact with the app through voice commands.
– Different types of animations will be employed in the mobile app to make the user experience delightful.
– Just like Face ID, various newer authentication means will be taken into consideration to provide a secure experience to the users.
Irrespective of the core values of a mobile application, the main aim of a brand is to reach a wide range of users and keep them engaged with the brand, which is possible with the right UX approach. So, in case you are planning to build a mobile app or are wondering why there’s fall in your active users, take a look at the UX of your application. Make it user-centric and enjoy a better connection with your target audience.
