Given the increased number of mobile users in India, it is no surprise that the average number of hours spent by a typical Indian is five hours. Indians spend time browsing through websites and applications, which makes them aware of which ones are correctly built and those that are not well built. Therefore, the end-user, who could potentially be customers, fans, or clients, needs to experience an easy time and enjoy the mobile app. 

What is Mobile App Design?

Mobile app design mainly refers to 2 categories of your mobile application, namely, User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX). The UI concentrates on the physical outlook and style of the mobile application. The goal here is to create an eye-catching interface and highly convenient for the users. The UX concreted more on how the user interacts with the app. The goal here is to provide ease in use and efficiency, and clarity when performing various tasks to the user. Here are some guidelines for building a mobile app design. 

A six-step design process to create a mobile app design. 

1. Be clear on your value proposition

After downloading the app, users will automatically expect that the app will solve a problem they are experiencing immediately. At this point, you will need to inform the users what exactly the app will do for them and how it will make their lives much more accessible. Focus more on the app’s core value and not the fancy features it has. 

2. Load swiftly

It is typical for users to lack patience when using an app and, most times, tend to leave the app when it is taking forever to load. This can be anything more than five seconds, and immediately the user has logged off or switched to another app that offers the same product or service. Users prefer quicker results, which is facilitated by the high internet speeds. You need to adopt measures that monitor the loading times constantly to avoid long loading times. 

3. Make registration simple and frictionless

Most apps need the user to get registered for a customized experience when interacting with the app and to grow conversions. This is a step that requires one to trend in carefully. The moment your app forces one to provide personal information, it may result in a lot of resistance from the users due to discomfort. They fear that sharing this information may expose them to many emails and texts from the marketing team on upcoming events and promotions. 

A prudent way to go about this is to allow the user to first engage with the app, which is meant to solve a particular problem, then remind them gently to sign up for the service or the product. Be keen not to ask for too many details that may cause discomfort. Also, have an easy password authentication process to allow the user to join on-board successfully. 

Of course, an app needs to get the user registered to provide a customized experience and increase conversions. However, it is a step that requires a rather careful approach.

Keep Font Clear and Legible

Users love apps that use easy-to-read fonts. Ensure that your font size is 11 upwards since anything below that will cause the users to squint their eyes, making them strain. Consistency in line spacing and paragraph breaks makes the information easy to skim through and appear organized. There should also be a contrast in readability. This means that users can see what is on the app when indoors and when outside. 

Color gives an excellent visual appeal hence a vital element when designing an app. The proper use of color can help you when marketing your brand, making it stand out. When deciding on your app’s color palette, it is crucial that you consider your target audience and, at the same time, the type of service or product you as a company offer. Your app’s color must be consistent with your branding. 

Design trends for apps and UI are constantly evolving, and designers must keep pace with the changing user preferences. Material Design, introduced by Google in 2014, has remained a popular choice among users and designers alike throughout 2016, and the trend is likely to continue across 2017.

Designs are constantly evolving, and designers need to keep up with trends regarding users’ preferences. Google introduced the material design, which has been significantly famous since 2014 till date. The material design has been a success because of its principles of flat design that do away with visual clutter. 

The adaptive layout has taken the most precedence when designing the interface because it accommodates all devices in various sizes. This ensures that the user experience for those with more than one device is seamless. 

Please take note that it is essential to have a prototype. This is the first sample or release of a product created to test a concept. Most times, the prototype is designed to measure the accuracy and consistency of the product to the users. This step is essential as it formalizes the idea as more factors to improve arise, making the designers go back to the drawing board.

Conclusion

An excellent visual appeal and great functionality form a brilliantly designed mobile application. If you are a sports freak in India and are looking for a well-structured app that is easy for you as the user, then look no further than Parimatch. The app is downloadable on your phone, and within minutes you can deposit and withdraw your wins from your ipl rate in your next cricket game. Don’t be left out. 

About the Author

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Mirko Humbert

Mirko Humbert is the editor-in-chief and main author of Designer Daily and Typography Daily. He is also a graphic designer and the founder of WP Expert.