Most Important DOs & DON'Ts of Mobile UI/UX Design

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Smartphones are no longer just phones; they are portals to a large universe of applications. With 2.87 million on Google Play and 1.96 million on the iOS App Store, users have an incredible choice of alternatives at their disposal. This is not just a trend; it is a revolution. Businesses across industries are realising the potential of mobile apps to connect and engage with their audiences in entirely new ways.

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Crafting a winning , India's thriving IT industry, is no minor effort, and it actually relies on an amazing UI/UX design. 

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In today's mobile-first world, a well-designed app is essential for business success. As a leading Mobile App UI/UX Design Services provider in Bangalore, Mellow helps businesses craft intuitive and engaging user experiences.  

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The path to accomplishing this goal is paved with understanding the fundamentals and avoiding potential hurdles. Here, we'll uncover some of these challenges.

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Conduct thorough UX research

You've got a million dollar vision for your mobile app – the design, the functionality and everything is crystal clear in your mind and you’ve got an irresistible temptation to bypass UX research and jump straight into mockups. But here's the thing: stellar design is built on a strong foundation of user understanding. That's where UX research comes in.

How do you design an app that meets the needs of its users?

Consider UX research-your secret weapon for creating an app that people will enjoy. It consists of two main parts:

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Understand your competition

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1. Explore the world of similar apps.
2. Examine their merits, drawbacks, and user reviews. 

This competitive research allows you to avoid recreating the wheel and uncover potential for differentiation.

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Understand your users

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1. Who are you creating this app for? 
2. What are their problems and goals? 

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Conduct user research through interviews, surveys, or usability testing to learn about your target audience's wants, preferences, and problem points. Understanding their issues with existing apps allows you to design a solution that truly resonates.

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Focus on functionality

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It’s often considered that  cramming in every feature imaginable equates to excellent UX. Although the idea seems nice this is an absolute mistake to make.

It's about giving people the tools they need to accomplish their goals within your software.

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Many designers fall into the trap of "feature bloat," believing that more options equals a more valuable app. However, the reality is the contrary. Too many features clutter the interface, overwhelm users, and cause the dilemma of choice. This psychological phenomena highlights how an abundance of choices can immobilise consumers, resulting in irritation and inaction.

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Instead of overloading your customers, focus on features that directly address your app's primary functionalities. This results in a clear, straightforward experience that keeps users interested and returning for more.

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Design for accessibility 

Make your software accessible to everyone. To accommodate users of varied abilities, provide features such as scalable text, high colour contrast, and screen reader compatibility.

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Neglecting accessibility is a missed opportunity for impact and growth. Accessibility features are not only the ethical thing to do; they can also attract a large number of new users.  Excluding people with disabilities reduces the reach and potential effect of your app. Consider the following.

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Vision impairments: Include features like screen reader compatibility, zoom capabilities, and high colour contrast to guarantee that users with visual impairments can navigate and access your app's content.

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Motor impairments: Make your app accessible to those with restricted motor abilities by including features such as voice commands, larger touch targets, and alternate input methods.

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Cognitive impairments: Create a clear and predictable user interface that is simple to understand and navigate for those with cognitive limitations.

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Streamline navigation

Organise your app rationally. Prioritise key features and content using a clear information hierarchy. Use intuitive movements such as swipes and touches to navigate smoothly while minimising unneeded clutter.

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Maintain consistent branding

Create a strong visual identity with a consistent design language. Consistent colours, fonts, and UI elements help users recognize and trust your brand.

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Microinteractions matter 

Microinteractions can mean the difference between a good and a great user experience.  Thoughtfully designed animations and feedback mechanisms can significantly increase usability and make user experiences more delightful.

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The impatience factor: Don’t make the users wait 

Slow loading times lower user engagement.  Optimise your app's speed to keep users happy and prevent them from leaving in frustration.

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Don’t give a frustrating first experience to your users  

A confusing onboarding process can leave new users feeling overwhelmed and unsatisfied. Guide users through the app's features with easy tutorials and interactive aspects.  The onboarding process should be useful.

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Embrace mobile-friendly typography

Readability reigns supreme. Mobile screens are real estate. It is vital to select clear, legible typefaces that have been specifically intended for small screens. Don't forget about line spacing; well-spaced text helps to create a clear interface and keeps customers from feeling overwhelmed by thick content.For further guidance on crafting exceptional mobile apps, work with a UI/UX agency in Bangalore like ours to unlock the full potential of your mobile app. Our team of experienced UI/UX consulting experts at Mellow are here to help.