Mobile apps have changed the way we shop, transfer money, book flights and even read the news. However, some of these apps have complex interfaces or are just not easy to use. Heck, even the best apps need improvement every now and again. As the app developer, it’s up to you and your team to make these improvements.
Continue on to learn five ways to improve mobile applications.
Contents
Maintain Simplicity
When improving a mobile app, one of the main goals should be ease of use. Mobile apps are supposed to be innovative while being easy to use. It’s not like a desktop website where there are numerous tabs with branching sub-categories. Apps are supposed to cut right to the chase. Having a lot of clutter on one page, especially given the size of it, can turn anyone off from using it.
While there are plenty of ways to streamline an app, it depends on what kind of app we’re talking about. For example, if you’re trying to simplify a shopping app, you want to include a search bar. The navigation is one of the best ways to simplify a shopping app. Even redoing the layout of the app’s UI can simplify your app. Regardless, the goal is providing app users with a rich and easy experience.
Get Creative
Making improvements to your app is more than simply decluttering a page. Improving your app also gives you the chance to add something new and exciting to it. Whether it’s a new feature, showcasing the logo when the app starts or doing a complete overhaul, there’s no shortage of what you can do.
What’s more is that it gives your users something to look forward to. While you continue to work on the app, you can gradually release teasers on what users can expect once the update drops. Not only does this give your users something to look forward to, it leaves them wanting more. And people who crave more content from you are more likely to stick around.
Shorten Load Times
You would be surprised how many apps these days take so long to load. In fact, some apps can take a little while to even turn on. This can cause people to delete the app before they even get a chance to actually use it. Obviously, a bit of wait time is expected because nothing is instantaneous. However, the wait time shouldn’t take any more than a minute.
Granted, the wait time does depend on the app, what’s being loaded up and the device it’s being used on. But if you’re constantly getting reviews that say the loading time is too long, this is a great time to do so.
Some methods you can use to decrease load time include:
– Getting rid of unnecessary images
– Implementing light code
– Combine certain files
– Evaluate the plug-ins
– Allow cache
Add an Offline Mode
Let’s be honest, some apps are borderline useless when the internet isn’t available. Having apps that are completely dependent on an internet connection cuts its versatility in half. However, there is an easy fix to this in the form of an offline mode.
As the name suggests, offline mode allows users to use the app normally without a connection. But the app won’t be able to get things, like updates and real-time data, until it’s connected to the internet.
Get Rid of Obsolete Features
No matter what app it is, there’s always going to be a few features that are hardly, if ever, touched. If data is showing that a feature isn’t doing so well, there is no point in keeping it. And since we’re talking about improving the app, you can replace it with something the users would like or have been asking for.
The Round Up
Improving mobile apps starts with a solid strategy and market research. Identify what your target audience needs and wants prior to initial launch. Doing so will save time, money and allow you to focus on upgrades.
