Designing the user interface of a mobile app can be a fun experience since you can experiment with all sorts of components and colours. However, the process can be complicated with so many things to take note about the interface. Here are four things you need to consider when designing the user interface for your app.
Performance of the App
Your app has to be in working order; if not then all the fancy aesthetics and content will mean nothing. Users will not be happy with an app that is slow, crashes, freezes or goes through a lot of downtime. You need to ensure that your app and the user interface is glitch free and loads up quickly even on slow connections. If there are problems, you may need to break it down and examine each and every component properly. You may need to enlist the help of a mobile app developer to see what is causing the problems
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Aesthetics
The next thing you would need to consider is the aesthetics because if it does not look and feel good, users would not want to use your app so often. Since the screen on the mobile device is so small, the main issue is to ensure that your interface does not look too cluttered, and it is easy to navigate. This way users know exactly what functions are there in each page and where exactly it is located at. Putting too much information or buttons in the same screen can overwhelm the user and might also slow down your app. Go for a minimalist approach when designing the interface. Less is more!
You could also include other aesthetic improvements like colours changes with a touch of a button or simple animations to make things a bit more interesting. Night modes are increasingly getting popular as it reduces the strain on the eyes and it makes it easier to use the app at night.
Convenience
Being on a mobile device means that everything needs to be convenient for the user. Users are mostly using their phones with one hand, specifically scrolling with their thumb. So, it is important to keep the essential functions on the interface handy and within comfortable reach of the thumb. You may not want to put a lot of functions on the far corners of the interface as it would mean that users would need to stretch their thumb or change their handling position completely. For example, Facebook’s interface is such that one can scroll through the feed, like and share within reach of their thumb. Instagram too works similar, with users able to just double tap on the picture to like it.
What Users would Want
Before diving into developing the user interface of our app, it is important to keep your users in mind. What is the most user-friendly interface can you deliver to them? Do they want certain functions within the app? The aim is to make it as convenient and comfortable for the user to use your app. You may need to do some research to see the latest trends in how people use their phones.
Always be open to seek feedback from your target audience for the prototype UI as ultimately, the app is for the users. They would know what is best.
Let us know your experiences with mobile app user interfaces! Are there some particular apps that are good or bad? Or is there other ways to improve the user experience. Put your comments below.