22
SEP 2015
So you have already studied and read all that you can about mobile apps and how best to design them. You have a brilliant idea in your head which you would like to see formed. Before you start thinking about developing your app or hiring someone to help you develop it, you should at least know some of the most common pitfalls which people face so that your app can be as close to perfect as it can be.
Don’t start wireframes without a flowmap
A flowmap is a well thought-out user flow and it is something which must be accomplished before even designs and wireframes begin. A flowmap will help ensure that there is reason and logic to the navigation of the structure.
It is a must to pay attention to the key functional screens. By doing so a convoluted flow will be avoided.
Disregarding the developmental budget
In order to bring your designs to life, you need the help of a mobile app developer, if you are not one. Designs can take a few hours to create or a few days, depending on how complicated it is. Functionality should always dictate the design and not the other way around. Focus on what is needed to make the mobile app user friendly as this will help keep costs to a minimum.
Avoid using intro animations gratuitously
Animated intros can be fun to look at but if it is not important for the mobile app, do away with it. Not only will these animations be costly, they might also prevent the user from accessing the intro immediately. If you don’t have any choice but to use intro animations, they must be quick and appealing enough so that the user does not get upset that they are being made to wait.
Leaving users hanging
One of the most common mistakes which mobile app designers and developers commit is leaving their users hanging. Leaving the user out of the loop leads to poor experience and if the user has poor experience, he or she is less likely to pay to get the premium version of your app. Avoid blank screens while the app is still loading content. You should have indications or animations to give the user a heads up that the app is working but is still loading.
Assuming everyone will use the app the same way you do
Testing is a must before you roll our your app to the general public. It is best to organize a closed beta to a small group of people so that you can get their feedback and make the necessary changes before you launch the app. Get your test group from the same audience who you will be selling or releasing the app to.
Blindly copying from other operating systems
Conversions from one mobile platform to another, which is not properly done can lead to confusion and frustration. Every mobile’s operating system has its own style so you have to make sure that your app looks like it belongs to the platform. Moreover, you should start your app by focusing only on one OS.
