Mobile app continues to be a part of our everyday life, we dare say that everyone’s mobile phone must have at least one app installed. Findings from the newest researches indicate that web browsing rate has been lower in the recent years. Meanwhile, the use of mobile app is quickly increasing. Better in terms of accessibility and practicality, more people are now eager to download the mobile app of the business or website they frequent. Many factors can affect their willingness, such as the app size, privacy issues, social login, and push notifications, to name a few. However, on top of them all is the user experience (UX). A top-notch UX will result in people's willingness to use the app again, while mobile app with poor UX will soon have users abandoning and eventually deleting it.
UX design for mobile app shouldn't be treated similarly as for a regular website. An example of the differences between them is in the screen sizes. Here are some tips that can be implemented to create a great mobile app experience:
1. Simple Navigation: The biggest challenge in designing UX for mobile is the limited screen size. Unlike website that can have extensive menu bar, doing the same for mobile will use up a lot of screen space. Therefore, mobile navigation should be easy to discover and made sure that it only includes the most essential functions.
2. Usability: In general, elements in the app should be designed so that users can reach their goal easily. A special feature of mobile device is that people often use it one handed. To improve on user experience, it is important to place main navigation buttons within the reach of the user’s thumb. Required gestures and action outcomes should also be consistent across the app.
3. Minimal Effort: Mobile apps that are easy to use are often rated highly. It is principal for mobile app to reduce the effort needed from users. One way to do this is by providing search filters to help users quickly find what they are looking for. Another way is by personalizing the experience of each user by learning their behavior when using the app. For example, giving suggestions based on past buying pattern or pick-up point. 4. User Interface: People typically don’t have much free time when they decide to use mobile app. Thus, minimal design with only the essential elements is recommended to deal with users’ reduced attention span. In this case, negative space is useful to improve readability and bring focus on certain contents.
Creation of a great UX for mobile app should always begin with a user-centered design. In addition, putting emphasize on mobile-specific features is also essential. The ideal mobile app would be one that is useful and easy to use at the same time.
Whether you have a business requiring mobile app, or is a developer yourself, there is one question that always arises... Should I start developing for Android or iOS first? Although mobile app development is a fast paced and dynamic industry, it doesn't mean that you need to rush and try to simultaneously build app for both platforms. On the contrary, it is often advisable to choose one to start from. It is recommended to do so because in the mobile app development process, a lot of learning and tweaking are expected, which makes it simpler to achieve your desired app experience on one platform first. Next, we can proceed to discuss the factors to determine which platform should you start on.
As we all know, it is not easy to choose without any ground. Nor it is a wise solution to simply toss a coin and see what you get. Therefore, we have listed some factors that you might want to consider:
Target market: Android holds the largest global market share, with substantially more users in Asia and the majority of developing countries. So, if you are targeting that demographic, then android app development will be more suitable. On the other hand, while iOS have less user, they tend to have higher income and education, as well as higher engagement. It comes down to whether you aim for breadth or depth.
Purpose: Will there be in app purchase or direct charge for your app? If that is the case, then it might be preferable to start on iOS app development. Data from various studies shows that iOS users are more likely to make in-app purchase and generate more revenue than Android. But it doesn't mean that you should scratch Android off your list. In fact, if you want more control over the hardware and software of your app, Android might be better as it allows more freedom in elements customization
Cost: Generally speaking, the costs of building app for Android and iOS are similar. However, difference in the cost will occur when you need to design for more number of devices that use Android. At the same time, however, it also means that you can reach wider audience.
In the end, choosing a platform to develop your first mobile app depends much on the purpose and goal you want to achieve. However, due to demographics, cost, and engagement, many developers typically prefer to start with the iOS platform first. One of the most prominent example for this case is Instagram, which was launched on iOS 2 years before it was made available on the Android app store.
Hope that this article can help you to choose where to start! :D
Mobile App Development - What Is It?
In Mobile app development process, application software is developed specifically to cater for mobile devices. Usually, mobile app is accessible through devices such as smartphone and tablet. Apart from those that are already pre-installed in the devices, you can also download apps from an online app store. In 2017, it is reported that the Apple has more than 3 million apps in its mobile app ecosystem. Games like Pokemon Go, online ride hailing platforms, and online food ordering have all been a big hit. As technology and smart devices are becoming more and more readily accessible to people worldwide, mobile app development is a rapidly growing field. Designers and developers are often usually hired by businesses and enterprises to work on mobile app development.
Having A Mobile App - What Are The Benefits?
There is a prevailing assumption is that only big companies need to have their own mobile app. And that, in fact, is incorrect. Even small and medium enterprises can benefit from having a mobile app and stay in the front-line of their industry, here's why:
Creating A Mobile App - How To
Convinced to create a mobile app for your business, but wondering where to start? Check out our post on how to create an app without programming! Alternatively, the easiest way to do this is to be in contact with digital experts who specialize in mobile app development. Mobile app developers are ready at your service, handling the app design according to your needs. The prices will usually vary depending on the complexity and the platforms supported. Therefore, it is good to have a picture of what functions you need for the app and its purpose.
Review Of Mobile App Development in Singapore
Grab - Transportation Booking App
An example of a very widely used and popular mobile app in Singapore is Grab. Using the app which is available on both android and iOS app store, users can easily use it to book transportation in simple steps. First, location detection is used to determine the pick up point accurately. Users are then prompted to key in their destination and their choice of transportation. After confirming the booking, users are able to track if their driver is on the way, and be notified when it has arrived.
The app is popular as it offers more convenience compared to the traditional taxi. Users don't have to make a call to book with Grab, and the app makes it impossible to misheard pick-up or destination point. The app is more effective and transparent as it directly indicate how much will the journey cost. In addition, Grab also give their customer extra value by frequently sharing promo code that users can use in the mobile app.
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