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Forrester Research has shown that a well-thought-out and clear user interface design can increase conversion rates by up to 400%. Every dollar invested in UI/UX design brings up to $100 of income. That's why more and more companies pay special attention to the design stage in mobile app development.
In this article, Perfsol experts will tell in detail what UI/UX design is, why it is important in mobile app development, and how it affects the success of business development.
UI/UX design: concepts, differences, characteristics
A mobile program with a simple, attractive design with clear functionality is positively perceived by users and increases their retention. UI/UX are two parts of the same process – user interface development. They are responsible for the app's appearance and how customers will use it. Let's break down the UI/UX design concepts in more detail.
UI (User Interface) is the graphical layout responsible for web design. It includes icons, buttons, images, fonts, colors, backgrounds, etc. UI designers work on the overall style of the app. Their main task at this stage is to make it easy for users to read text, look at pictures, press buttons, and switch from the main screen to additional screens and vice versa.
UX (User Experience) provides the user with a good experience with the app. UX is responsible for the program structure, navigation, number of screens, placement of functions, speed, and correct execution of tasks specified by the client.
The simpler and easier for a person to do something in a mobile app, the greater the chance they will become a regular user.
Main differences
UI and UX design are inseparable parts of the work on a program and seem very similar at first glance. They have a common goal – to attract users and provide them with a better experience with the app. This is crucial for business because a satisfied customer will likely become a regular customer.
Despite the inextricable link in the design process for mobile apps, the user interface and user experience have fundamental differences:
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Purpose. The user interface is responsible for the app's appearance and interactive elements. At the same time, the UX is responsible for the paths in the program that the user takes to achieve their goals.
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Goal of creation. The UI aims for simple task execution and the ability to easily scale the program. In contrast, the user experience aims for the proper execution of app functions and quick user satisfaction.
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Workflows. UX designers work on the functional part that users interact with, while UI specialists work only on the visual representation of the product.
Why is UI/UX design important for successful development?
According to the CleverTap survey, almost 40% of users uninstall an app because of a poor user experience. For another 11%, the main reason for abandoning a mobile app is errors and slow loading. Therefore, UI/UX design is key in attracting and retaining the target audience (TA).
For mobile app development and its successful launch, you need a well-thought-out and well-designed user scenario wrapped in an aesthetically pleasing design. Such a solution will help a business owner to:
- increase company profitability;
- boost the recognition of the product;
- expand the coverage of the target audience;
- increase customer loyalty.
You can get a development meeting all user requirements from a professional UI/UX design agency. By providing the best experience and correct operation of the digital solution, business owners attract more customers and popularize their products or services.
How is UI/UX design developed?
For a product to be as useful as possible for consumers, it must be clear about its main functions and creation goals. Before approaching the design process for mobile apps, you have to study users' problems, needs, and motives. Thus, interface planning and implementation will be based on meeting consumer expectations.
UX design
The process of UX consists of the following steps:
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Develop a user path map. It clearly explains how easily users can get what they want from the app. The map demonstrates the sequence of the client's interaction with the individual functions of the app. The developer generates all scenarios and path stages through graphs or tables.
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Create a UX layout. It contains a schematic representation of buttons, images, text blocks, and search fields on different screens of the future product. UX mockup allows you to better understand how a digital solution should look.
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Prototype a mobile product. UI/UX design agencies usually offer two ways:
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Creating an MVP – the development of a product, which includes the app's main functions, demonstrates the options of interaction with the user and can be used as a basis for further development of a fully-fledged app.
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Prototyping – an interactive mockup that is designed to test and validate ideas. It shows the key functions of a web design or app and how they respond to different user actions.
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App interface testing. This stage includes several types of testing: functional, load, usability, unit, security testing, etc. Verifying that the product works correctly is the key to a successful release. An app that does not cause problems for the consumer is more likely to be used regularly.
UI design
Nearly 4,000 new apps are added to the Google Play Store daily. So for a successful mobile app launch, business owners need to stand out from competitors. One of the best ways to do this is to develop a unique and attractive look according to design trends.
UI specialists:
- create the visual concept;
- select colors and fonts;
- think through the placement of blocks of text or images;
- select the size and format of the buttons.
To develop a concise and beautiful design that will make the app popular, you must follow the following principles:
- Hierarchy. The app details should be arranged in order of importance, with the main interface elements at the forefront.
- Clarity. A user must immediately see where to click to get what they want.
- Ease of use. Buttons, icons, and input fields should be placed to be always accessible for one finger.
- Typing. Interface components should be where users are used to seeing them. Typical placement of elements simplifies the work with the app, which positively affects the attitude towards the product.
A person only needs a few seconds to form a first impression, so visual design is what will get customers interested right away.
Design trends for mobile apps you should pay attention to
The success of a project lies not only in a concise appearance and useful functionality but also in meeting consumer expectations. This is why it is important to consider design trends that will make a mobile product even more appealing.
Dark main background
This solution has several advantages for the user:
- facilitates the readability of text, provided that fonts in light colors are used;
- saves battery power on devices with OLED or AMOLED screens;
- reduces the load on the eyes when using the app in the nighttime.
Animated details
Moving objects attract more attention than static images. Animation elements are design trends for apps that allow you to stand out from the competition and ensure:
- Improving the user's experience with the program.
- Increase the smoothness of transitions between screens.
- Increase brand value among the target audience.
- Increase user engagement.
Introducing micro-interactions
Micro-interactions are small moments of interaction between the user and the app. For example, the "add to favorites" function, indicated by a "heart," gives an instant response from the system. With micro-interactions, you can create a more intuitive interface. Microinteractions include:
- Gesture control.
- Non-contact triggering of functions.
- Swiping, scrolling, etc.
Mobile app design, like web design, directly affects how users feel about the product. A digital solution can be handy, but because of flashy colors or irrelevant details, people won't be able to consider its benefits.
UI/UX design is one of the key activities of Perfsol, a UI/UX design company. Our experts will create a clear and simple interface for your app and implement and test all the necessary features. Also, we will make the app in your company's corporate style to increase its recognition among your regular customers.
Do you want to provide your users with an attractive and useful mobile app that fully meets all their needs? Contact us for a detailed consultation on the process and cost of services.
AUTHOR
CEO
I follow a proactive approach in life to solve simple to complex problems systematically. I fully understand the nexus of people, process, technology, and culture to get the best out of everyone at Perfsol to grow the businesses and deliver a societal impact at the national and global levels.
FAQ
What is UI/UX design?
UI design is the design process for a mobile app's appearance, which includes the development of the visual concept, color scheme, fonts, buttons, icons, and other elements the user sees. UX design is developing and aligning an app's functionality with convenience and ease of use. It provides users with a better user experience and thereby helps promote the business.Why are UX and UI critical for a mobile app?
User interface and user experience play a key role in attracting and retaining users. The intuitive and concise design enhances the experience of the app, provides quick access to the features you need, and gives you a positive user experience. Thus, uninstalling the program from the phone is reduced to a minimum. In addition, the successful visual solution can interest the user in the first few seconds, which increases the number of downloads.What should you pay attention to when developing the UX and UI?
Users' needs and expectations from the app. Therefore, UI/UX design companies always consider the following: - the convenience of the location of buttons, images, text blocks, and other elements; - attractiveness and brevity of the chosen colors, fonts, and backgrounds. - maintaining a common style for each screen in the app. The program, which quickly and safely performs the necessary functions, has a chance to become an indispensable assistant for the user.