Australians spend quite a bit of time looking at their phones. According to research undertaken in 2021, we each spend on average around 5.5 hours a day on our phones – and that screen time only increases depending on your generation. Gen Z spends the most time browsing social media and apps, with over 7 hours per day spent with their eyes on a screen.
It’s no surprise then that mobile applications – from social media to banking, e-commerce and beyond – have become an essential part of our lives. These days, almost every business is investing in custom app development to provide a seamless user experience to their customers. However, the success of any app largely depends on its user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design. The best UI UX design will go a long way towards retaining a steady user base, and in the end a popular app.
Here’s how UX/UI design contributes to a successful app in depth, and how you can apply this to any future apps you intend to develop or have developed by a team.
What Is UX/UI Design?
If you’re new to the world of software, website and app development, it’s important to have a quick run-down of the difference between UX and UI design.
User Experience Design (UX) is the process of designing an app in such a way that it provides a positive and engaging experience to the users. After all, no one wants to constantly use a clunky app. A good UX design ensures that the app is easy to use, intuitive, and visually appealing. It should also make sure that any user can accomplish their goals – whether it be purchasing clothing online, or ordering food online – quickly and without any confusion or frustration.
Then, you have User Interface Design (UI). This is the process of designing the visual elements of an app, including the layout, colour scheme, typography, and other elements that work together in both an engaging but understandable design. The UI design plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall user experience. A visually appealing app can attract more users and keep them engaged with the app for longer durations.
When it comes to custom app development, the best UI UX design should be the primary focus for businesses. Here are the key factors when it comes to the importance of UX/UI design in custom app development.
1. A good UI/UX design improves user retention
One of the primary goals of custom app development is to keep the users engaged with the app. A well-designed UX/UI can significantly improve user retention, since a seamless user experience can encourage users to spend more time on the app. In the end, this leads to higher engagement and retention rates and possible money spent during app usage.
2. The best UI UX design enhances brand image
A custom app with an impressive UX/UI design can significantly enhance the brand image. A visually appealing app can create a positive impression on the users, which can improve brand loyalty and credibility. Just think of the way popular social media apps such as Facebook, Youtube and Instagram are laid out: when upcoming social media apps are aspiring to grow, they tend to mimic these bigger names due to the success and brand image attached to them.
3. Intuitive design increases app downloads
The number of app downloads plays a crucial role in the success of any app. A visually appealing app can attract more users, which ultimately leads to higher download rates.
4. It can improve user satisfaction
The primary objective of UX/UI design is to provide a positive user experience when using an app. A well-designed app with the best UI UX design can significantly improve user satisfaction. A satisfied user is more likely to recommend the app to others, which can lead to higher user acquisition rates and better turnover, depending on the app’s purpose.
5. Good UI/UX reduces app development costs
A poorly designed app can significantly increase the development costs, especially if you are bouncing changes back and forth between the design and development teams. When an app is poorly designed, it can also lead to a lot of confusion and frustration among the users, which can result in higher support and maintenance costs. A well-designed UX/UI can significantly reduce the development costs by minimising the chances of errors and confusion.
At Spring Digital, we understand that a well-designed UX/UI can significantly improve user retention, enhance brand image, increase app downloads, improve user satisfaction, and reduce development costs. Which is why we partner with businesses all over the country to create native apps that you’ll love using, and will help your business grow.
Get in touch with our talented Brisbane-based team today.
