To say that mobile apps have become all the rage would be a huge understatement. Apps have transformed the way in which users interact with their phone, whilst also transforming the way in which businesses communicate with their consumers. It’s a win-win.
At the same time, this has become a hugely complicated field. Apps are by no means simple, and huge resources are ploughed into each one that is released into the market. This is one of the reasons online builders, such as this one on the Yappi website, are proving so popular. The hard work is taken away, and typical mistakes are eradicated from the equation.
If you’re starting from scratch, some of these classic design mistakes can creep up on you though. Here, we’ll take a look at the most common to ensure they don’t affect your business.
Mistake #1 – There’s no one-fits-all approach
App design isn’t like any other form of design. Design usually follows standard rules, but in the case of apps such rules go out of the window. What works for your favorite app certainly might not do the same for your business.
For example, apps like Twitter have their “own way” of doing things. They show the famous bird to their users, which effectively tells them that the feed screen is loading. If this was attempted with a start-up, where there was little brand awareness, we’d assume that most users would be left scratching their heads.
Sure, pick up some plus points from apps, but don’t assume that they are gospel. If everyone is doing it you might be fine to copy, but in some cases this certainly isn’t the best approach.
Mistake #2 – The same rules should be applied as responsive design
We all know about responsive design, it’s been the core of mobile web development over the last decade. However, in similar vein to the first point we made, don’t assume this means that you should implement its functionality into apps.
This can be explained through the “back button” example. If you were to open an IOS app, you’d find that this is crucial to allow you to navigate between pages. In a responsive site, it goes without saying that this isn’t required.
Of course, this is a hugely basic example, but hopefully it highlights the point that responsive design is much different to app design.
Mistake #3 – A tutorial isn’t needed
It’s bordering on the incredible how many apps are providing tutorials to their users. We’re not just talking about a simple tutorial in a help section either; it’s generally something that’s mandatory to see that occurs immediately after you download the app.
Well, most of the time, they’re just not needed. Most users would rather learn by trial-and-error and failing that, just turn to a basic help section. The vast majority will be irritated with this tutorial series being shoved into their eyesight and will swipe by in record speeds. Don’t waste their time, and don’t waste yours in developing it.