Millions of mobile apps are mushrooming today but not all creators of apps have what it takes to make the app finish like a great one. There are of course hundreds of those applications which are unique and have highly commendable user experience where developers do not leave room for improvements, underperformance, and average design. As a mobile designer or developer, one must set some UI benchmark or fix some UI designing principles as guidelines. These guidelines and basic principles are quite easy to follow and can be easily incorporated with minimum effort. Before beginning to know the UI designing principles, it is imperative to adopt the ‘mobile mindset’ and must be ready to leave some of the stuff to fit the mobile space. Let’s check out some guidelines:
A- Consistency In Imperative In Design Layout
Throughout the mobile application design process, the consistency in the layout must be maintained. This must be practiced in overall design to avoid all kinds of glitches which may occur during the application runs. Inconsistent mobile application’s design may end up creating the mess which of course will be disappointing for your targeted mobile users. Allow each section of the application unfold seamlessly, create an outstanding smooth flow. Anything which may emerge out of blue may lead to undesired action which will leave user frustrated. Different sections of the application must be coherent and the design must have a consistent flow of layout throughout the application. Applications like Dropbox, Netflix and Evernote are among the once which deliver great consistency in their design layout.
B- Proper Navigation Between Major User Interface Iems
If the navigation of the application is poor, then your users will quickly become frustrated and will give up on you. The flow between the screens must match the flow of the work the user is trying to accomplish. This is how your application will make sense of the user. As different users work in different styles and each of them would love to work in the own space, hence the system must be flexible enough to support various approaches. User interface-flow diagrams help in understanding the flow of your user interface. Conclusively, clean and organized navigation is very much important.
C- Carefully Use The Capabilities Of Device
Today smartphones are integrated with high-end features and therefore application designers must aim to make most out of them. From high-resolution HD displays to using device’s GPS features, develop your application with more engagement. There are many successful mobile applications which use hardware functionalities of the device to keep the users’ engaged. Here are some tips which can be followed to harness the complete functionality of the device.
1- Gestures
Gestures are though invisible and you must highlight them wisely to draw the desired responses from users.
2- Keyboards
Today smartphones have many variations and it might irritate your user to select one if your application requires a lot of inputting. Work very wisely and allow relevant keyboard variation to appear automatically for users.
3- Orientation
We all know that portrait is mostly followed and default orientation for most of the applications but mobile UI designers must not ignore the usefulness of landscape orientation especially if a lot of typing is involved.
D- Keep Performance Factor In Mind
The performance of an application includes things like content, display, load time and easy navigation. You must choose the application graphics which comply with the above. Mobile UI Designers and developers are responsible for the performance of an application. Performance is considered as very important part of mobile application development process and often it has been seen that often developers and mobile UI designers make crucial mistakes which have serious repercussions. Too much of high definition images, videos, and similar content will always create a fuss and will make the application slow and dreary. Start designing by keeping the performance factors in mind and you will end up creating an amazingly superb performing application.
E- Keep Thing Simple
Simplicity works wonder. Not in just real life but in the virtual world too. Keep the design clutter free and follow the rule of simplicity. You will experience the magic of keeping all the things simple. The users never want to see a lot of options and content which causes them a distraction, therefore, avoid stuffing complex design elements. Also, don’t overdo simplicity. For example, if you are planning to develop a tour and travel application, do not make it too simple, instead use slides, animations, custom colors, pictures which will keep it engaging and lively. If you are trying to offer a long range of services with an application, you should keep it well spread out. Excess of everything is messy and complicated. Avoid using too much content and too many options on one screen which are always distracting.
Good article: "9 essential UI design principles" ?☕️https://t.co/uk43abkYsM pic.twitter.com/uOn8QE8ao6
— Luboš Volkov⚡️ (@0therPlanet) January 14, 2017
To Sum Up
Follow the above mentioned UI designing principles and keep an eye on:
- Test rigorously: Ensure that you test single detail of your application’s user interface. It must be tested not just from a designer’s perspective but also from a user’s perspective.
- Take help from consultants: There are proficient mobile UI designers, developers and technology consultants which can offer valuable advice, therefore saves time and effort. This guarantees good results.Also, seek advice from designers and developers available at online communities.
- Stay updated: Keep an eye on the competition. There could be many apps which possess similar themes as that of yours. Don’t hesitate in exploring applications which are similar to that of yours and have been downloaded by a large number of people. Stay tuned to such aspiring applications and get inspiration.
Mobile application design trends keep changing but the basic UI designing principles and guidelines will remain intact and will hold same importance. So, if you want to develop futuristic application, stick to the basics!
Related Posts:
- Major Mistakes to Avoid in User Interface Design
- Prototyping Mobile Apps - Benefits And Best Design Tools
References: iamwire.com, designrfix.com, appfutura.com, directory.fm, codementor.io, jaxenter.com, ambysoft.com
Rachit Agarwal
