4 Common UX Mistakes App Designers Often Make

“Some of the most common UX mistakes result in poor user experience which ultimately leads to product failure.”

So, you don’t believe me? Okay, Read ahead!

Going back to 2011, Bill Nguyen and Peter Pham in Silicon Valley decided to team together to build a photo-sharing app.

The idea was pretty simple to execute: if you’re nearby to the user who has installed an app named Color Labs, you can share photos with that user.

Though the idea sounds too simple, the application failed. And in October 2012, the app got crashed and shut down.

So, what was the reason behind the app failure?

The reason: Degraded aka Poor user experience. The app was very clumsy and users find it difficult to identify the button operations coupled with the privacy issues. Due to this, users chose to skip this app on the App store.

Understand – A user experience can act as fuel to your app. If your app lacks this fuel, it will be a failure. With an estimated 3.06 million apps on the App Store alone, attracting users to install your app is itself a challenging task.

To make a killer app, you need a great app idea, a marketplace ready for your idea, a kickass monetization strategy to earn dollars, and last but not the least, a flawless and killer User experience design.

So, without further ado, let’s understand what mistakes made by web and app designers should avoid while designing a mobile app.

1. Overstuffing app with unwanted features

There is an interesting saying: The more choice a consumer has for the product, the less happy they end up for the choice they make.

There’s always a saturation point in your app where adding up new features won’t fit in it.

Just think:

• How would you explain those new features to your customers?
• What if those new features create errors and bugs in the existing code?
• How would you deal with the additional resources needed to maintain the bloated app?

So, make sure you audit your app and chalk out all essential app functionalities in the initial stage only and remove the unnecessary rather than adding new ones.

2. Complex user interface

A good user interface leverages correct information without compromising the overall content quality.

Have you ever used Netflix app?

Of course! You might have. Though the app’s user interface is simple and easy to use, many users are nagged when they hover over the thumbnail of a TV show, the app auto-play a looped trailer.

It means you’ll now have to listen to that loud trailer even if you just want to read about the show.

To avoid such complexities, make sure each screen should not have more than three touchpoints. Too much text or a confusing flow will draw users away from the app. Make sure the app is simple and easy to use. If you’re struggling hard to design a simple interface, a good UX design agency can help you out. Make sure you do proper analysis on platforms like Clutch before hiring any agency.

3. Poor onboarding process

So, whether it’s attending an important interview, meeting a soulmate, or using an app, the first few minutes of user experience will decide whether the customer will keep the app installed or press the “Delete” button.

Since the users are unaware of the app’s capabilities, it's your duty as a UX designer to guide them through the app and make sure they make use of all functionalities. Pay attention to how the app will perform the very first time it is opened on the screen.

Proper beta testing is essential to rule out the common errors users might face coupled with real-life users which solve a majority of the starting issues.

4. Considering UX only in the beginning process.

Don’t forget: A good UI and UX design is an ongoing process that cannot be considered only just at the beginning of the app development.

• What do your users like and dislike?
• What features do they expect?
• Is your app intuitive enough?
• Which features are not used by users?

Answering the above few questions will help you solve a lot of UX issues that a UI/UX design company might not immediately find out since it takes time to analyze and understand the capabilities your app lacks.

So, the above are a few of the UI/UX mistakes one can avoid while designing a mobile app. Do you have some more tips that will help UI/UX designers to improve? We’d love to hear. Do share with us in the comments section below.