Congratulations, you have decided to design your own mobile app! Yes, these are the times when an app is not only beneficial to businesses, but a powerful product in itself. However, it certainly does not imply a one-size-fits-all strategy. Here are 5 things to consider when designing your mobile app:
Target audiences:
Have a well-defined target audience. Be specific about your audience’s geographic location, demographics, preferences, trends, and requirements. For example, if you are a women’s clothing company, you should choose highly visual content with a feminine look through colors, patterns, etc.
Market competition:
Every product needs a buyer. Does your product have enough demand to ensure that people download your app? For example, if you are launching a messaging app, your competitors are Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, WeChat, etc. In this case, your app must have a unique and advanced offering to be successful within this category of apps.
Type of application:
If your application intends to have specific features for a mobile user, it is best to opt for a native one, designed for the platform of your choice (Android or iOS). If you already have a website running successfully, you can go for a hybrid, which has the basic functionality of a native but has the internet browser within that application, meaning it relies on the website to run and cannot run offline. Hybrid apps are also lighter on the pocket.
High degree of usability:
Whatever mobile app you design must appeal to the end user. Attractive graphics and images will prove to be shallow if the app is unresponsive. A clean screen, short loading time, and bold navigation elements are a must. Touch features like dragging, pinching, and swiping (think Tinder’s right swipe) are also essential if you really want users to engage with your app.
Application Marketing:
Say oh! You cannot skip this step. If you’re designing an app, make sure you create a marketing strategy at the same time. This can range from in-app marketing to creating a good landing page and promoting the app on social media channels. Even more importantly, you should spend time creating a creative app description for the Apps Store (or Google Play). It’s literally like the resume on the app or your bio on a marriage site!
If you’re an app UI designer or a business looking to build an app, we hope the tips above have encouraged you to go into the app design process with a conscience. If you have a clear vision of the purpose of the app, pay attention to refining the schematics and prototypes, and market the app well, you will surely create an impact.