Everyone has a great idea for an app. However, the difference between a great idea and actually building the thing is a huge leap. Not only do you have to flesh out the idea and how the software will work, but you also how to make it appealing to users – which is where UI and UX come into play.
The logic behind apps
Apps are developed for a reason: to do a job, offer the user useful functions, and make life more easy. The job or function of an app is codified in the logic behind it. This is where traditional mobile developers step in, creating the databases used for the app, secure data transfer over the internet, calculations and integrations to provide the given service.
However it’s not enough to have a useful app if the style and flow are unappealing to the user.
Why UI and UX are important
The style and flow of apps are called User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX), and there are specific designers and programmers that implement both of these elements. The style, or user interface, when done correctly, should be pleasing to the user’s eye and not frustrating or confusing. Similarly, the flow, or user experience, should be smooth, intuitive, and pleasing.
Mindful implementation of both UX and UI is evident from the moment a user downloads the relevant app. And it could be any sort of app: be it work-related apps like emails or chats, to casino apps like the sleek one offered by Vulkan Vegas Casino. With crisp, full HD quality graphics and an overall top-notch interface, players can certainly make the most of an ‘on-the-go’ gambling experience.
Cohesive themes
Theming your app is a huge consideration during the design process. Each screen within the app should look cohesive with the rest of the screens. This means you need to use theming that includes a standard set of colours, standard sizing and typeface for fonts, standardized buttons, etc. Having this full theming set ready to go before you start designing your app is critical so that designers and developers don’t run into trouble down the track. Customizable app theme packs are available for purchase in various online stores. This means all you need to do is place the elements and create the content itself.
Button placement
Button placement and CTAs within apps are critical for users to be able to navigate your app without frustration. While phones typically have standard home and back buttons, you should consider other elements such as a hamburger menu for essential app functions, tiered menu buttons, strong next, continue, and purchase buttons, as well as radio buttons and checkboxes where necessary.
Screen flows
The transitions between one app screen to the next must be fluid so that they don’t disrupt the user experience. This means making choices like having a similar screen as the next screen or choosing to transition to a new screen that is similar to a transition in other popular apps. Users want easy, fluid, and intuitive transitions within apps so that the experience remains positive instead of confusing.
Color choice
The range of colors used for your app should make sense for the theme of the app itself, the industry, and even your own business’s colors if applicable. The colors shouldn’t just be chosen because you think they’re appealing as that is opinion based. Rather, you can take a look at color theory and color psychology, then choose an appropriate palette based on your findings.
Imagery
Ever wondered why there aren’t a lot of pictures or videos in apps? That’s because there is hardly any screen real estate to show them. Unless your app requires images and video, for instance in selling products, or in gaming apps, then it is better to avoid these for the most part. You can choose to use these elements sparingly, for instance, if you need to provide a tutorial that is better in video form.
Conclusion
There’s a lot more to app design than just a great idea. While the logic and backend processes are what drive an app, it’s the UI and UX that captivate users and keep them using the app, whether it’s a business or consumer app. The last thing that you want is an ugly, annoying front for your great functionality.
While hiring mobile developers is necessary to build out functionality, it also pays to get a UI and UX designer and developer on board for your project. Without these roles, you are leaving the UI and UX up to non-experts in the field who are unlikely to make the best decisions for your project and users.