6 common mistakes in mobile app design

[ruso]

A smartphone is the tool that we all use daily to carry out the most diverse activities through different mobile applications. We read news, learn, call and text others, take pictures, make purchases, make payments and transactions, consult social network´s feeds, and even to exercise.

Today, it is completely clear that the vast majority of time spent on smartphones is spent browsing different applications. Therefore, it has become important for each company to create its own application to connect with its customers through the most popular device nowadays.

But, how many downloads soon turn into uninstalls? Many. In fact, perhaps too many taking into consideration everything that it is involved in application development. Approximately 60% of installed applications are removed shortly after download.

A user will not think twice about deleting an application is he is not quickly satisfied. Avoiding the following common mistakes will undoubtedly help you create an application that users will more easily appreciate and, most importantly, that they won´t uninstall.

Mistake 1: Missing the financial aspect

You may have the greatest ideas for your app to be successful, but to start your project you have to take into account the budget. Be completely certain that you have sufficient resources to implement your app. You may have to change your mind and find alternative ideas that best suit your budget.

Mistake 2: An interface without introduction

The first use, known as “onboarding”, is very important for the user because it creates a first idea of ​​how the application works. If your user does not feel comfortable during this first-time use, it is likely that he will uninstall it immediately. To be able to convince the user from the very first use, an application must be intuitive and present the basic characteristics and functionalities in a simple and fast way.

Mistake 3: Not responding to a specific need

There are too many applications in the ‘app store’, whose purpose is not defined at all. Many follow a current trend, not really satisfying a need or solving a user problem. If you want your application to be successful, you must offer a unique service and have a well-defined purpose. It is precisely the final objective that must fully influence your app design and development. If the app purpose is clear, users will have no problem understanding its added value. In clear terms, a useless app will have a very short life.

Mistake 4: Complicated design

Many try to differentiate themselves by inventing an original design. Unfortunately, originality often comes down to design complications that make the app difficult to use. If you want to create a special element, always think about the user experience. An excellent application is intuitive above all.

Mistake 5: Not integrating design with navigation

Thinking about design is definitely crucial as it is one of the most exciting stages in which your product really takes shape. Before creating your app´s design, think about its navigation. Your app structure and breadcrumbs must be carefully designed before you can concentrate on the design. The lack of organization and the fluidity of navigation will make your users inexorably drift away.

Mistake 6: Too many features

Stores are crowded of mobile apps that offer every possible solution, but your app doesn't have to offer as many features to be successful.

Presenting yourself as a Swiss Army knife can confuse users, deteriorating the user experience and making the app more difficult to market. Before launching the application, it would be good to test its functionality and understand what may be superfluous for the user.