The difference between user experience and user interface
When referring to user experience (UX), it’s important to note that it’s quite different from user interface (UI). Having said that, it’s necessary to know that both UX and UI go together, and you can’t really separate the two.
User experience design helps the customer accomplish specific tasks and functions across platforms. User interface, however, is about ensuring a great look and feel, presentation, and overall interactivity.
In this article, we concentrate on the user experience (UI) and how you can improve the same for your mobile app. Users are on the lookout for value – apps that provide genuine benefit, are easy to use, and help them fulfil their goals seamlessly. With several thousands of competitors similar to yours available out there, how can you ensure that people choose your app? If you can create an impressive user experience, you can be sure that your users will stay loyal to you.
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5 ways you can improve mobile app user experience
There are several things you can do to ensure you produce great user experience. Listed here are five doable and essential steps you can take to improve your mobile app’s UX.
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1. Understand who your users are and the context of your mobile app
The most important lesson to learn is that the ‘context’ of your mobile app is much more important than anything else – more influential than even your design tools. If you understand who your user is, the interaction context, and buyer personas, then you can deliver memorable customer experiences.
The answers to the following questions will help you create a seamless customer journey and ensure that every mobile interaction is meaningful.
- Who are your target users for whom the mobile interaction is being designed?
- Are the users experienced with using mobile devices or are they just beginners?
- What is the need that the user faces that triggers this mobile interaction?
- What information does the user require to complete a particular goal of mobile interaction?
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2. User native component in your app
A native mobile application provides faster performance and a very high degree of reliability.
Consider an app that details out how users must navigate from one screen to the next. Not only is this confusing, but it will complicate the entire process of seamlessly moving around the app. If, on the other hand, you chose native, you can be sure that users who intuitively understand the working of a native UI will know how to use your app easily.
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3. Provide a well-functioning search feature in your mobile application
Your users expect to achieve a particular goal or find and buy your products/services. If they find it hard to navigate around for information and don’t locate what they require quickly, chances are that you will lose them.
The area that you must work with on a mobile app is lesser compared to a desktop screen. The content, however, often remains the same. This makes navigation a problem and can hamper the user’s experience.
Providing a well-functioning in-app search engine can help them uncover the information they need and reach their intent easily. Simple navigation design, advanced search, and information architecture will all go a long way in improving the usability and the user experience of your mobile app.
Ensure the ‘search’ icon is placed in a visible location and can be accessible at all times.
- Account for words that are not spelt right (misspellings) so that users can find what they are looking for.
- Include intelligent auto-fill
- Include suggestions on alternative search queries.
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4. Provide an interactive experience
Interactivity provides the user with a sense of control. People love brands that associate with them and are willing to make adjustments. While this is not really possible with a mobile app, making it interactive can go a long way in helping your users fall in love with your offering. Better interactions will:
- Engage your users
- Capture your users’ attention
- Give you a strong advantage to lead your users to their ultimate goal on your mobile app.
Use the principles of good communication to design your user’s journey. For example, Mail Chimp’s mobile application uses cute images of ‘high fives’ every time a user completes a desirable action to let them know they are on the right track.
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5. Carry out regular testing
Finally, carry out usability testing. This is a trial wherein you evaluate the usability of your product by testing it on real users. This method of evaluation will give you valuable information on how your users handle your mobile app and provide feedback on difficulties related to using the app. This testing is vital to the success of your end product. If testing shows that your mobile app is very confusing to operate, it won’t last long.
Testing carried out the by quality control team can unearth bugs that you were unaware of. This is the time to rectify these bugs that hamper the user experience.
In conclusion, it’s crucial to think about your user’s end goal when designing and creating your mobile app. Test the app as frequently as possible and ensure you give your users what they expect from your app.
