Apps have become an essential part of everyday life. Users turn to app for the smallest of their needs. As a result, it has become extremely essential that the app you design has a clear purpose, is bug-free and does not have performance issues, else the user will scoot over to your nearest competitor. We listed here a set of watch-outs while designing an app. It is recommended that you avoid the below-listed errors in mobile app development so that the customer cherishes the seamless experience your app provides.
1. Forgetting to use Asynchronous design
Apps are often designed assuming that the user has access to high-speed internet. In reality, this is often not the case. So, if your app attempts to make an API call or uses a remote service, it might hang. Most app users do not have the patience to endure these short hangs and are quick to write off your app. To eliminate such short hangs consider using asynchronous cause and threads, which allow the user to interact with the app while performing background actions. This will keep the customer engaged and also will prevent the “Application not Responding” dialog from displaying.
2. Creating Apps which are not optimized for low bandwidth
While mobile internet speeds are improving every day, they still haven’t caught up with the speed of LAN connections. It is essential that you design your app keeping this in mind. Be sure to design and size images specifically for your app. Consider limiting the number of images on one screen. While android does provide heap space to store images and other assets locally, be sure to use it judiciously.
3. Not focusing on Mobile User Experience
User experience is the most important factor deciding your app’s success or failure. Before you finalize your app, consider running user acceptance tests to check how it works on the mobile platform. More often than not, we forget users use their fingers and thumbs to select items on mobile. This entails that UI components are larger than desktop ones. Also limiting the number of selections the user has to do is also a good idea. It is essential to keep in mind that the user does not have a mouse to click and will be using his finger to select things. As a result, the UI elements should be designed specifically for such interactions.
4. Designing apps which drain battery power
Battery power is a scarce resource which all apps compete for. Apps which drain a lot of battery power are often removed by users. Make sure that your app does not run unnecessary background processes which drain battery power. It is recommended that you check your app’s power and memory usage.
5. Inability to utilize standard input elements
Android and iPhone have different input styles and the most common app developers make are to fashion Android app in the likeness of an iOS app. Make sure you adhere to Android’s “Visual Design” as it dictates nearly every aspect of your UI. To avoid confusing the android users, adhere to android’s standard input buttons, dropdown, and textbox components. All users are familiar with the usual app icons and you would not want to unnecessarily complicate things for them.
6. Ambiguous device and OS support
It is wise to not promise something which you can’t deliver. List clearly what versions of iOS and Android support your application. Similarly, it is wise to clearly state what devices support your app. Make sure you use QA tester to test what version of the Android OS and iOS support your app. Don’t let poor testing be the reason for the failure of your app.
7. Lack of Purpose
Your app should target a business need. It should not be just another me too in the market. Once you have identified a clear business need, make sure that your app targets the right customer segment. A unique app which satisfies a clear business need of a clearly defined customer segment goes a long way in developing customer loyalty. Also, make sure the app changes take into account changing customer preferences.
8. Ineffective App Marketing
Having a clearly defined marketing strategy goes a long way in building the customer base so you yearn for. It is recommended that you have a targeted sales plan and an omni-channel marketing strategy to build a wider and stronger customer base.
As the app development market develops and matures by leaps and bounds, we can see some really good examples of exceptionally performing apps amidst a host of ill-performing ones. An ill-conceived and the poorly designed app is a recipe for disaster. It is recommended that you keep the above points in mind while designing your app to avoid such pitfalls.
Author bio:
Jennifer Ruth is an application developer, work for angularjs mobile app development services. She also keeps writing on various mobile app development issues such as a how to select the best framework, testing case design, mobile app marketing and much more. Follow her on Facebook to get more updates.
Leave a Reply