How to Design Mobile Applications Well? – 6 Golden Rules

How to Design Mobile Applications Well? – 6 Golden Rules

In today’s dynamic world, designing mobile applications is an art that requires a combination of technology, psychology, and aesthetics. Mobile applications have become an integral part of our lives, and their quality often determines the success or failure of a business. In this article, we present 6 golden rules that will help you design a mobile application that meets the expectations of even the most demanding users.

Less is More

Designing mobile applications is about balancing functionality and simplicity. The key element is focusing on the main goal of the application and avoiding an excess of features that can harm usability. Every additional element that does not add value can contribute to chaos and discourage users. Instead of adding unnecessary extras, prioritize the key functions that are essential for achieving user goals.

An example of this approach is a mobile application that focuses on a single task, such as a notepad. Users appreciate simplicity and intuitiveness, so a less complex interface is often more effective. It is also worth remembering that a simpler mobile application is easier to maintain and develop.

In conclusion, less is more. Focusing on the essence of the application and eliminating unnecessary elements makes the application clearer and more user-friendly. This is the key to success in mobile application design.

Big is Beautiful

In the context of mobile application design, the size and distance of interface elements are crucial for usability. Buttons should be no smaller than 46 px, and interface elements should be spaced at least 12 px apart. This design ensures comfortable use of the application, even in challenging conditions, such as on the move.

Large and clear interface elements are especially important on mobile devices, where touch precision is lower than on computers. Users often use applications on the go, so they need to be able to navigate the interface easily and quickly. Usability is more important than aesthetics here, so it is worth designing mobile applications with practical use in mind.

Ensuring appropriate sizes and distances of interface elements is the key to creating applications that are easy and convenient to use. This makes users more likely to use your application, which translates into its success.

Divide and Conquer

Dividing pages and forms into logical, small parts is another rule that significantly affects the usability of mobile applications. Key elements, such as “add to cart” buttons, should be visible without scrolling. This makes it easier for users to quickly and intuitively use the application.

Using the power of autofill in forms is another step towards improving the user experience (UX). This allows users to fill out forms more quickly and easily, which translates into higher conversion and satisfaction with the application. Dividing content into smaller, manageable sections ensures that users do not feel overwhelmed by the amount of information.

Applying the “divide and conquer” rule in mobile application design allows for better management of content and functionality, which directly impacts positive user experiences. It is therefore worth ensuring that the application’s interface is clear and intuitive.

Don’t Reinvent the Wheel (Unless Necessary)

Using ready-made libraries and patterns, such as Material Design or Microsoft UWP Design, is invaluable in the process of designing mobile applications. These proven solutions ensure consistency and ease of use, which is crucial for positive user experiences. Adapting to a wide audience by using proven solutions is much more effective than creating everything from scratch.

If a mobile application is aimed at specific user groups, it is worth conducting in-depth interviews and analyses to fully understand their needs and expectations. This allows you to tailor the interface and functionalities to their unique requirements, increasing the chances of the application’s success. Using ready-made solutions does not mean a lack of innovation, but rather a wise use of available resources.

In summary, it is not always worth reinventing the wheel. Using existing libraries and patterns saves time and resources while ensuring high quality and usability of mobile applications. This approach benefits both users and developers.

Consistency – Cross Platform

In today’s world, users use various devices and operating systems, so consistency in mobile application design is extremely important. Maintaining consistency with existing solutions that users already know builds trust and increases comfort in using the application. Using existing habits and patterns in new applications allows for smooth and intuitive experiences.

Consistency in mobile application design includes both appearance and functionality. Interface elements should work similarly on different platforms, such as Android and iOS, so that users do not have to learn new navigation or interactions when switching between devices. This also means avoiding revolutionary changes that can confuse users.

Maintaining consistency in mobile applications not only improves user experience but also strengthens the brand. Users appreciate uniform and predictable interfaces, which translates into their satisfaction and loyalty to the application.

Read Minds – Research

Understanding the user before starting the design process is key to the success of any mobile application. Gathering data through interviews and analyses allows for a deeper understanding of users’ needs and expectations. Engaging end users in the design process is another step that helps create applications that are truly useful and intuitive.

Testing solutions at an early stage, for example on clickable prototypes, allows for early detection of problems and their quick resolution. This helps avoid costly mistakes at later stages of designing and implementing the application. Regular user testing also helps in continuously improving the application and adapting it to changing needs.

User research is an integral part of the mobile application design process. It allows us to better understand our audience and create applications that truly meet their expectations. This is the key to creating valuable and useful products.

Key Takeaway

A well-designed mobile application should be functional, intuitive, and tailored to the specific needs of users while maintaining consistency with other solutions and avoiding unnecessary features. Following the above 6 rules allows for creating applications that not only attract users but also encourage them to use them regularly.

Designing mobile applications is a process that requires consideration of many aspects, from usability, through aesthetics, to technical details. The key to success is continuous improvement and adaptation to users’ needs, which can be achieved through regular research and testing.

In conclusion, designing mobile applications is an art that combines technology and humanities. By following the above principles, you can create applications that are not only modern and aesthetic but above all functional and user-friendly.