It's no secret that mobile devices have become an important part of our daily lives. According to reports, almost 90% of the time spent on mobile devices is spent on mobile or native apps. But with so many different mobile applications available for download on the various app stores, it's becoming increasingly difficult to keep users engaged and interested. Almost 3 out of 10 installed apps are deleted within 30 days of downloading. 

So, how can you make your mobile app stand out and attract more active users? There’s no secret answer or formula for a successful mobile application, but there are several key determinants that create long term use and demand out of a native app:

• It needs to solve a problem or meet a demand (ride share, food to go, social connectivity, customer loyalty, shopping, love/romance, gaming, etc,)
• It needs to be well-designed (supports sustained use, and continually gives the user appropriate stimuli)
• It needs to be performant (quick loading, bug free, etc.)

In the rest of this blog, we explore how using the right mobile UI/UX design services, can enable companies to create an app that will solve a problem,  users will enjoy, and keep coming back to for sustained and recurring use. 

Why Custom Mobile UI/UX Design is Crucial

User interface is the first thing a user sees, and it can make or break your app. A good UI design will make people feel comfortable using your app, while a bad one will leave them confused, frustrated, and unable to complete their desired actions on the application. 

Imagine if an airline’s mobile app made it super easy to book flights and visualize rewards (hint: there is one, download the Delta app here). The importance of creating a custom UI design for your app cannot be understated; it's not just about looking good, it's about making sure that people enjoy using your product as much as possible, and are able to complete the tasks they downloaded it for.

Mobile Design: The Latest Trends to Watch Out For

In today's fast-paced mobile development market, keeping up with the latest industry trends is critical. But with so many technologies and feature trends out there, it can be tough to know which ones to adopt, especially when each business niche has its unique features that impact design trends and the specific user experience you’re trying to achieve. Here are few trends and technologies that are enabling new and improved user experiences across different mobile app use cases and verticals 

AR and VR:

Augmented and virtual reality technologies are rapidly gaining popularity in mobile app design. According recently published data, AR users within mobile apps are expected to grow to 1.73 billion by 2024! AR and VR technologies offer an immersive experience that can enhance user engagement and satisfaction. AR/VR features can be incorporated into various types of apps, including gaming, mobile applications, ed-tech mobile apps, shopping and commerce mobile applications, and more. For example, a furniture store could use AR technology to allow users to visualize how a piece of furniture would look inside their home before making a purchase. As AR/VR technology continues to advance, we can expect to see various use cases for these technologies. 

Password-less Logins:

Password-less logins offer a more convenient and secure login experience for users. Instead of entering a password, users can authenticate their identity through biometric data such as facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, or voice recognition. It not only saves users time but also reduces the risk of password theft or hacking. Password-less logins and Single sign on (SSO) have already been widely adopted within the mobile market, and are a must for newly developed projects. Along with these functionalities that create a seamless sign-up and login experience are integrations into third party sign-on providers like facebook, google, apple, and more. 

Orientation and Swipe Design:

Studies have shown that users prefer to use their phones in a vertical orientation, with one thumb. This means that mobile app designers need to keep in mind the natural position of the user's hand and design accordingly. It's also important to make sure that an app can be used in both orientations, and that the most important features are easily accessible with one hand. 

A vertical liquid swipe design adds a fluid and dynamic element to app navigation, where users can swipe through different sections and see a smooth transition between them. This approach offers a more visually appealing and engaging user experience by removing traditional buttons and instead uses gestures to navigate through the app. First popularized by TikTok, other larger companies such as meta have been quick to adopt the vertical liquid swipe feature that makes for incredibly quick stimuli and sustained use within a mobile app. We expect to see designs like these implemented in a number of future mobile applications selling products that want to gamify their product experience. 

Emojis

Social media and messaging apps have enabled emoticons or emojis to become a common way for users to communicate. Incorporating emojis into app design can help improve the user experience. They can instantly convey the intended mood and meaning of a function or section of an application without relying on bulky text. Users can quickly understand how to navigate an application and access its features, making the overall experience fast and convenient. Emoticons can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of an app by adding a touch of fun and personality - especially when developing an application that specifically targets younger demographics like Gen-z’ers.

Minimum User Input

Typing on a small mobile screen can be challenging. To make it easier, it's important to ensure that action icons and buttons are large enough and spaced adequately. Another crucial factor is keeping forms as short as possible by removing any unnecessary fields. Users should only be asked for essential information. Provide features like input masks, dynamic field value validation, and autocomplete. And don't forget to configure the keyboard based on the type of request to ensure a more natural and faster input process. In addition, new tools such as ChatGPT that have API capabilities will enable apps to auto-complete a number of fields much more effectively, enabling an even smoother user experience when applications require users to input bulky information. 

 

Well-Designed Mobile Apps Generate ROI

When a mobile app design is carefully planned and skillfully executed, it can be an effective tool to drive user retention. Here are some ways a well-designed mobile app interface can benefit your business:

Save Resources and Time

A well-designed mobile app interface can simplify complex processes, reducing the amount of time and resources required to complete them. This can lead to increased productivity, allowing your users to walk away from a transaction, interaction, or inquiry with ease and satisfaction. 

One example of a mobile app that simplifies complex processes is the TurboTax tax preparation app. The app's user-friendly interface guides users through the complicated process of filing taxes, making it easier and faster than traditional methods of tax filing guidance. The app also features a chatbot assistant that answers user questions and provides guidance, saving users time and resources that would have been spent searching for answers elsewhere. As a result, people can complete their taxes with ease and satisfaction, without the stress and frustration that often come with the process.

Boosts Loyalty and ROI

A well designed mobile application can make a significant difference in customer loyalty. When customers have a positive experience using an app, they’re more likely to use it again and recommend it to others. According to research, first impressions are 94% design-related and a whopping 88% of consumers are unlikely to use an app after a negative first experience. When customers are more engaged with your app, they’re more likely to purchase products or services and provide positive reviews, ultimately leading to increased revenue and sustained use. A Forrester Research study has found that an excellently crafted, smooth UX design can increase conversion and purchase rates by up to 400%. 

Improves Brand Image 

By offering an enjoyable mobile experience, you can create a positive association with your brand, making it easier for customers to identify with and remember your company. This can also help set your business apart in a crowded marketplace.A well-designed mobile app interface helps a company communicate their brand identity and values. By incorporating design elements in a mobile app such as colors, logos, and messaging, you can create a cohesive experience that resonates with your customers and reinforces your brand identity.

A TopTal survey found that 9 out of 10 people who described a mobile brand experience as helpful said that they would be more likely to purchase from that brand again. This shows that by investing in a well-designed mobile app, you can ultimately improve your bottom line through increased customer loyalty and repeat purchases.

Improves Distribution

With more and more people relying on their smartphones for day-to-day tasks, having a well-developed mobile app can be a game-changer for the distribution of products and services. Depending on the given use case, developing a well-designed mobile app can be an excellent strategy for businesses to capture and distribute products and services. According to Statista, the number of smartphone users worldwide is projected to reach 7.49 billion by 2027. This indicates the increasing reliance on smartphones for various tasks and the potential impact a well-developed mobile app can have on distribution.

Starbucks is an excellent example of a mobile app that has improved distribution. The Starbucks app allows customers to order and pay for their drinks in advance, skipping the line and saving time. This convenience has resulted in a significant increase in mobile orders, which now make up a large portion of Starbucks' revenue. The Starbucks mobile app also allows Starbucks to gather customer data, generate rewards, among other ancillary benefits which they use to personalize the user experience and target promotions, further increasing customer engagement and loyalty. 

 

Examples of Great Mobile App Designs

Headspace - personal services

Headspace is a popular meditation app with a simple and calming UI design that aligns with the app's mission of providing mental health services through technology. Headspace is designed using a neutral white and blue color scheme with animations that make each user experience engaging and enjoyable. The Headspace app also enjoys easy navigation and personalized experiences that enhance user engagement, such as customized meditations based on user preferences, reminders, and progress tracking to help users achieve their meditation goals.

Unix Banking design - financial services

The Unix banking app design is an excellent example of a well-designed app that combines functionality and elegance that facilitates consumer banking operations. The app's minimalistic design is evident through the clean and straightforward user interface, free of any unnecessary menus or buttons. The app’s navigation system is intuitive, allowing users to effortlessly move between pages from viewing their account balances to transferring funds, to paying bills and more. The app's color scheme is thoughtfully chosen, with a consistent color palette that complements the other design elements and provides a casual and functional banking experience. The Unix banking mobile application is a great example of an app that provides a seamless user experience while also delivering essential features. .

Climber Contest App design - gaming

The Climber Contest app uses gamification to create an engaging user experience. The app design is unique and eye-catching, with a bold and bright color scheme that draws attention while the user engages. It uses animation and sound to create an immersive experience. Climber contest has several intuitive features that keep the user engaged and motivated, namely the progress tracker and the leaderboard. Overall, the app sets the standard for creating immersive user experiences that keep users coming back for more.

 

The benefits of working with a nearshore software company that offers mobile app development and custom API development services 

Oftentimes we see companies looking to make the transition from web to mobile. If you're a business owner or a marketing professional that wants to expand a web application to offer a mobile experience with a native app, investing in a custom API development is often a good starting point. While good app design is essential right from the start, so is functionality. And in order for a company to develop an effective mobile application, you need to have the right architecture and infrastructure to support it. 

Outsourcing mobile app development can be highly effective. A nearshore software company like ours has the resources to analyze, plan, design, and develop mobile applications either from scratch or by utilizing the pre-existing infrastructure of a web application. With the capabilities to offer both mobile UI/UX design and development services, mobile outsourcing can be a wise decision for a business looking to create high-quality mobile applications. 

Moreover, deciding to utilize nearshore mobile app development in Mexico can have significant advantages for businesses. Besides the potential cost savings, Mexico offers a highly skilled talent pool and proximity to the United States. With a two-hour time zone difference for West coast companies and only one hour difference for East-coast companies, communication and collaboration are much more efficient than offshoring mobile development overseas. This allows for smoother project management and faster turnaround times. It can also help avoid language and cultural barriers that may arise with offshore development. 

At Asymm, we pride ourselves on our ability to deliver custom mobile solutions to our clients by leveraging the top talent and expertise available in Mexico's labor market. From software developers, to designers and project managers, we have access to top-tier talent who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our client’s projects. To learn more about our mobile UI/UX services and development capabilities, contact us.