App stores are brimming with mobile apps craving to make their mark. This leads to massive competition and makes it challenging for developers who are keen to develop a mobile app to grow their business. The reality is that approximately 80-90% of mobile apps in the app stores are discarded after only one use. So much so, that research shows that the average mobile app tends to lose around 77% of Daily Active Users in its first three days after download and installation. Furthermore, over the past decade, great UX has become a critical aspect of successful app development. It is important to uncover the mistakes that can cause an app to fail with its users which can range from the process of developing your mobile app, the testing, or the marketing. Here are some common usability mistakes that cause apps to fail:
3. Inadequate touch target on mobile devices
Our worlds today are dominated by smartphones, and we are constantly looking for ways to interact and engage with customers. Even though UI is an essential part of user experience, it is usability that should always be a priority when developing a mobile app. The power of usability can mean the difference between your app succeeding or failing, or worse, leaving an extremely bad impression on the user! Remember, when it comes to creating high-quality mobile apps, the devil is in the details.
1. Too much information
Users tend to not want to spend too much time navigating or searching for answers. They prefer quick and easy navigation. As a result, too much information can be detrimental to retaining users. To avoid this, try to organise information better and only include what’s absolutely necessary. This will make it easy for users to navigate your app and digest and understand its content.
2. Lack of text hierarchy
Text is the primary means to convey information on your app. This is exactly why your text must always be legible and organised. When your text is properly formatted, it improves your users’ perception of the information. For this reason, it should be organised in the most digestible and comprehensive way by, for example, having plenty of contrast between style titles, ensuring information hierarchy is clearly visible, and using adequate spacing and kerning.
3. Inadequate touch target on mobile devices
Small touch targets are frustrating and can make it difficult for users to complete their desired action. We’ve all experienced the frustration of trying to tap the correct button on our smartphones when the touch target is very small. So, when designing clickable elements for your app, remember that users come with different sized fingers, and it will improve your app to have finger-friendly touch targets.
4. Excessive number of steps
Users don’t want to struggle with endless typing or tapping to complete a task. Users tend to see each action required by your app as an obstacle to getting to their desired destination. Make sure that these actions are really necessary and, where possible, opt for an alternative to make it easier for your users. The more user-friendly and easier you make your app for your users, the longer they will stay with your app.
Usability contributes directly to how a user feels about your app; it contributes to the effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction with your app. It’s therefore vital to test your app’s usability by asking your users for their feedback. You can have a great app with outstanding features and functionality but if your users struggle to use it, your app will fail.
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