Apps are cool and getting even cooler. The UI(User Interface) in new apps is particularly impressive. They appear like works of art. Designers at a mobile app development company are incorporating new ideas every day, and the apps that are produced reflect this trend. As apps become more artistic and imaginative, the appeal of apps changes. The purpose of the app isn't as important since hundreds or even thousands of apps provide the same function. The appearance and functionality of the app become more important to the user. If the app doesn't look good, then it's time to get a new one. Here are five design elements to look for in apps.
1. Blank Screens with New Features
Most screens in an app are filled with interesting elements that are arranged perfectly. Each screen reveals something new. Once in a while, you will arrive at a blank screen. These screens are becoming more common in apps. Designers at a
mobile app development company are deciding what to do about it.
A blank screen is usually a dead end, that gives users a choice. This usually involves tapping a link to access a file or another application. The black screen usually has a description of what is available there. This usually appears when there's nothing in this area of the app. For example, the Reminders section of an app would have a description similar to this: 'This is where your reminders are. It's empty now, so add something to be reminded of.'
The blank screen is simple, but it could be designed with more attractive elements. For example, the background color could be adjusted or the font of the description could be more interesting. Other things to consider include adding buttons instead of text-based links. Buttons are more modern.
Error screens fall into this category as well. They are designed with new elements and most look great.
2. Designing for Varying Loading Speeds
When you upload or download a file, the screen will be static. You have to wait for the upload or download to complete. During this time, the screen will display a downloading bar and a percentage. You can watch as the percentage approaches 100%. A notification icon usually appears as well in the status bar. These elements can be designed so that it is appealing. Also, reducing the perceived time that it takes to upload or download a file by displaying a graphic element will make the experience more tolerable. Designers at an app development company are working on this.
The same is true for pages that don't load immediately. To solve this, placeholders are used. A placeholder could be an icon that appears temporarily until the actual elements are displayed (images, videos, documents).
3. Information-revealing Interactions
A new design element to look for in apps is gestures or touches that reveal information on the screen. Pressing and holding an icon reveals information. Swiping or dragging an image may reveal hidden information. Designers at a mobile app development company are changing the way users interact with the screen.
For example, an image in a photo album could have information hidden from view. Touching the image will produce a pop-up bubble that displays the name, age, and email address of the person in the image. Another way the information could appear on the screen is by simply fading through the image and appearing on top of the image. The benefit for the user is visual stimulation in an otherwise normal interaction. Instead of reading the information in a list placed next to the image, users can access the information by touching the picture. There is a privacy advantage to this, which makes it comfortable to view the information in a public place, without worrying about someone stealing the information.
4. Instructive Animations
Another design element to look for in apps is instructive animations. This is used to instruct the user on the various features of the app. It's similar to show-and-tell. This approach is taken by several designers at a mobile app development company. The text appears on the screen, along with visual examples. There could be a pointer showing where to tap. The basic functions of the app are revealed to the user. Some users may like this type of introduction and tutorial, while others may feel too overwhelmed by the interface. If the tutorial is too long, users may have to take notes on a piece of paper.
One of the challenges designers face is making the app convenient without making it too complex. A very complex app requires learning on the part of the user. If the user spends enough time learning the app, developers can add more and more features. Apps should come with a recommendation for the amount of time that is required to study and learn how to use the app so that consumers don't uninstall the app based on the fact that it's too hard to use.
5. 3D Audio, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality
The display and sound coming from an app can be enhanced with
3D audio and virtual reality elements. This creates a more immersive user experience. Users can wear 3D glasses and headphones to hear and see the virtual reality elements in an app. Several designers at a mobile app development company are working on this.
Augmented reality apps use data from the environment in real-time. This is another interaction that users may like. They will be able to interact with their surroundings in a new way. One of the most useful applications of this is information retrieval from landmarks or tourist attractions. Users can take a picture of a building or statue, and the app will find information about it. A more intuitive approach is based on proximity to an attraction. Within a certain distance, information is transferred to the mobile phone and displayed within an app. These features enhance the user experience, and several designers at a mobile app development company are working on this.
Conclusion
Designing apps is a challenge. Even if the design looks great, some elements may interfere. For example, when a user creates a list with long names or uploads pictures of different aspect ratios, the design will suffer if it can't accommodate such variations. In fact, the entire user experience could be compromised, and it will ultimately lead to an uninstall decision by the user.