User experience can be the determinant between a great application that gains traction in the stores and one that does not fare too well. Stores are flooded with countless substitutes which makes it pertinent for companies to ensure that the app is comprehensible and easy-to-use and this is where the role of designers comes in. A great design system in an application is a critical part of envisioning the idea into a fully functional app, wherein the UX is working in tandem with the UI to deliver a great experience to users. Here are tried and tested tips and tricks you can consider to craft great designs which result in effective apps:
Create separate experiences for web and mobile
While it is important to keep the visual components and the general layout similar for both web and mobile applications to help with brand identification, this is not always the best practice for curating the perfect experience for users. Mobile screens are considerably smaller than web applications which can contain more information because of which process of designing both differ. Make sure that the designs for mobile apps are as simplified as possible; it does not make sense to integrate more functionalities than necessary if it makes the screen cluttered.Moreover, mobile apps are supposed to be easy, not make your life difficult because of which it is helpful to add in interaction options which make it easier for the user to navigate through the application.
Use tried and tested industry practices
While you may want to make your application as unique as possible, it does not do too well to implement complicated design practices which confuse the user. Familiarity is extremely important when it comes to developing an application and it is likely that you may not attract too many users if the layout is too confusing. Ensure that your application is easy to use and comprehensible for users, as not everyone is tech savvy and might want to put in too much time just to figure out how to navigate through the applications. Refer to tried and tested industry trends which have worked in the past and take tips on implementing design patterns which have historically worked in the past.
Choose an appropriate colour palette
Sure, you may want your app to stand out. However, it is also equally important to ensure that it is aesthetically pleasing to the users. Avoid using bright colours just because you think they pop out, instead use tones which are soothing to the eye and ensure that there is a contrast between the colour of the text and the background and make it as user-friendly and understandable as possible. Much like the previous point that we have discussed, don't change up the colour palette too much as this will cause further confusion and deter the user from using the application.
Avoid getting too fancy with the font
A calligraphic font is always more visually appealing but the aim of an application is to provide digital solutions which make the user’s life simpler. In such scenarios, it is all about legibility and how helpful your app is in delivering these solutions to the user. You may be tempted to use fancy typography for your application, but a simpler font which is more readable does the job of delivering the message far more effectively. Vary your font sizes throughout the application for maximum readability and intersprace your content with visual media to make it as attractive and uncomplicated as possible.
We’ve already gone over the importance of ensuring familiarity to users, but this does not mean you can get creative with your application. UI/UX trends are constantly changing and it's being observed that users' tastes are also evolving with these changes in design patterns. No one really wants to look at the same aesthetics over and over again and this makes it important to change things up and stay relevant with design aspects for a versatile application offering a great user experience. Refer to this article to learn more about some of the UI/UX patterns that are taking the center stage in 2021.
Conclusion
Design is one of the most important elements when it comes to designing an application and it can be that make or break factor which determines how your app is received by users at-large. Providing an engaging experience and having the user feel that he or she is in control goes a long way in ensuring a successful application, and implementing beautiful and unique designs for your application may help you to achieve just this. Curating attractive and appealing designs will not only help you to draw in more users but it will also help you stand out from your competitors.
I hope this article has helped you to understand the importance of ensuring great UI/UX for your app and how to go about it!
