Mobile Design Dos and Don’ts Brands Should Follow for Better UX

TL;DR: A fast, simple, and thumb-friendly mobile design is a sure winner. And to get this for your app, you need to work with a reliable mobile app design service, like Penji. Here are the dos and don’ts you need to keep in mind.

Consumers nowadays are getting more and more discriminating with the apps they download and actually use. Studies show that people are turned off by poorly designed apps. Thus, all the more reason for you to focus on creating an app that appeals to your target audience. For this, you’ll need a platform that offers excellent mobile app design services. Here are the dos and don’ts you need to follow:

The DOs:

1. Do Your Homework 

Designing your own mobile app can be so exciting that you’d want to jump in and sketch your first thumbnails. But as with any project, you need to do thorough research to make the workflow as smooth sailing as possible. You have to understand what your end-users will want and need. What seems to be a good idea to you can be meaningless to them. 

When you started your business, you had already researched your buyer persona, and this is an excellent way to start. You may also consider searching for mobile designs that are similar to yours. Check them out and see what the reviews say, so you can tweak yours based on what works and what doesn’t.

2. Do Simplicity in Navigation 

Easy navigation is a must in every mobile design. Your users should know from the get-go what to do and where to go. Don’t leave them confused as to what to do next and where to find what they need. A great user experience should be your top priority, so make sure that you provide a clear path to everything. Also, when working with a custom app design service, it’s crucial to inform them of this.

3. Do Add Large Touch Areas 

One of the most common issues with mobile designs is tap targets that are too small. The interactive elements on your app should have ample space for your users to tap comfortably. At least 7 to 10 mm is a good enough measurement. This also minimizes errors and provides accurate tapping. But don’t sweat this out, a good mobile app design service will know this.

4. Do Reduce Clutter 

Displaying every little detail about your app or your brand is unnecessary. Reduce clutter by including only what’s needed and only the minimum of features. White space in design is always recommended, as this brings clarity and purpose to your app. Your users will get a better understanding of your app and make good use of the offerings you have.

5. Do Be Consistent 

Good brand identity is anchored in consistency. Ensure that your app is consistent, not only with your branding assets but also within the app itself. Provide your users with a consistent experience, such as placing navigation buttons all in one location. Don’t move them to avoid your users from getting lost or confused.

6. Do Introduce Your App 

You may want to create a specific page or tutorial wherein you’ll introduce your app to first-time users. This is especially important when you need to have them sign up or create an account. Give them space to play around or explore your app before doing so. This builds trust and adds an opportunity for you to promote your brand. An interactive tutorial can be an excellent way to achieve this.

7. Do Consider Loading Times 

When designing a mobile app, always think of the users first. Consider the users who have slow internet connections, thus include “entertainment” while waiting for the app to load. You can either show a progress bar or an animation to watch while they wait. This gives them the idea that the app is working hard to load the information they need. To do this, you can design your app offline, cache the vital elements, then trim it down to only the essentials.

8. Do Test Before You Publish 

Any mobile app design service will understand that you almost always never get it right the first time. This is the reason you need to test your app before you publish it. What may look great on your desktop or laptop may not necessarily look as stunning on a mobile device. Additionally, make sure that you test your app with real users who can give you valuable feedback.   

Have them use the app by giving them tasks to check if it’s working the way you want it to. Gather their insights so you can create the best version of your app as you envisioned it to be.

The Don’ts:

1. Don’t Add Too Many Features 

It’s easy to assume that the more features there are in your mobile app design, the better. However, too many unnecessary add-ons may confuse your users and end up disliking your app. Look deeply into your brand’s main goals and objectives to determine what features your app needs. Then add only the essentials.

2. Don’t Make Content Hard to Read  

Typography is a vital part of graphic design, and its use needs careful consideration. Your content should be legible by using the correct type of font. Select font types and sizes that remain readable on every platform. Using a good color contrast can also help make your content easy on the eyes. However, you need not worry about the correct font usage, a competent design-as-a-service platform will know this.

3. Don’t Ask for Too Much Typing 

Whether it’s an eCommerce mobile app or a gaming one, the input of information is prone to mistakes. Make sure that your app design involves less typing. Make forms as short and brief as possible. Preferably, add choices so that they will just check a predefined option rather than having them type details.

4. Don’t Draw Focus Away from the Content 

Organize your information in such a way that it doesn’t look overloaded or crowded. Ensure that your users will take a minimum number of actions by adding only the necessary buttons. This makes them focus on what you have to offer rather than figure out where to go next. So, when speaking to your trusted app designer, it’s important to let them know about this.

5. Don’t Ask for Permissions 

Avoid asking your first-time users for permission to access their locations and such other examples. Most of the time, they are still wary and would see this as invasive, which can turn them off. If you really must, what you can do instead of “Allow App to use your location?” is add a button with “Find a Store.” Being subtle is highly recommended.

6. Don’t Use Jargon 

Make sure that the language you use in your mobile design is not exclusive to you and that the users understand well. Again, making a great user experience for your customers should be a priority. This includes making them know what you’re talking about in a language that they use in their everyday lives—no need to take out the dictionary just to get the drift of your content.

7. Don’t Force Users to Rate Your App 

Ratings and reviews are essential in creating the best mobile design. Don’t make your users rate your app at first use, or you risk annoying them. There’s nothing wrong with asking for a review. However, proper timing should be considered. Give them time to enjoy your app before you ask for that much-needed feedback.

Why Work with Penji? 

Mobile design can be a tricky undertaking, especially for busy business owners. With so many factors to consider, doing it on your own can take up much of your time and energy. This is the reason you need Penji. We can take mobile app design and many other graphic designing tasks off your shoulders. 

Watch our demo video today to learn more about how we can be your business’ graphic design assistant. 

Final Thoughts 

Mobile design is a simple subject that can become complicated when not done right. If you don’t want the hassles of coming up with a fully functional mobile app, work with a reliable design-as-a-service platform, such as Penji, today. We’ll happily take mobile designing off your hands and bring you an app that works to meet your requirements. 

Our unlimited graphic design service allows you to request as many mobile designs as you’d like. You can also get all your graphic design needs at a very affordable price. Our 30-day, money-back guarantee assures you that you’ll get custom app design services that are high-quality and cost-effective. 

Check out our pricing here.

FAQS

• How does mobile app design affect my brand’s perception?

A positive mobile experience conveys professionalism and care. On the other hand, poor design not only makes your brand feel outdated, but it can also impact customer loyalty. This is why a reliable design-as-a-service platform is your best bet.

• How often do I need to review or update my mobile design?

At least once a year, or every time your analytics show a decline in user engagement. Working with a custom app design service that offers subscription-based plans is a cost-effective option for this.

• Aside from custom app design services, what can I request from Penji?

You can send requests for over 120 design types, including infographics, logos, social media graphics, and custom illustrations.