5 Commandments for Effective Mobile Design

21 Jun 5 Commandments for Effective Mobile Design

In the last decade, the demand for landline telephones has decreased drastically, as a result of our strides and heavy reliance on cellular devices. And now, we might go as far as to say that individuals are no longer NEEDING (yet still owning) computers, as a result of our strides and heavy reliance on mobile Internet capabilities.

It is because of these mobile capabilities and conveniences that mobile design has become a sophisticated and admirable concept. Developers are constantly reinventing new and more user-friendly ways to engage people; and, businesses also understand that this very navigation can make or break a returning user.

So, let’s take a closer gander at the 5 commandments of effective mobile design:

1- Create the Illusion of Immediate Action Completion:

The fact that we can access Internet on our phones at any time has further led to a furious expectation for mobile to be faster and more efficient than our computers. While mobile apps and websites are certainly sophisticated, the significantly smaller interface poses a plethora of challenges for developers and user-navigation.

When we go on our mobile Facebook accounts and “like” our friends’ posts, we want to know that our transmission occurred immediately. Signifiers like the “thumbs up” icon let us know that our very action has, in fact, occurred…so we think!

The reality of mobile is this: immediate action doesn’t always happen, but developers understand this urgency for user perception. So, when we tap, swipe, touch, comment, or like media on various platforms, we are led to believe that these actions are occurring right then. This not only allows for a better user experience and increased performance perception, but further allow for technical maintenance to be dealt with at a later time instead of postponing the user experience altogether.

Don’t think of it as being “fooled,” as opposed to having your convenience prioritized.

2- Don’t Make Account Creation Mandatory Immediately:

One of the things that make apps successful is a deferred signup process. Proficient mobile is all about increasing user engagement. When you download an app, you don’t want to be faced with a lengthy signup process before you can even use it. Some people, of course, are okay with this delayed usage. However, most are not. In fact, some of these individuals are so irked by submitting, email, full name, and the rest of it, that they might abandon the app altogether.

Instead, apps are being designed with account creation occurring at a more user-friendly moment. People are now enjoying the freedom to download said app, immediately begin using it, and be prompted for registration when it is more appropriate and users are fully engaged.

3- Design the Interface with Clean and User-friendly Platform for Mobile:

It should go without saying that wildly complex and detailed websites will not translate well to mobile. The important of designing a website or app, specifically based upon the mobile interface is paramount to your success.

The goal with mobile is to utilize the full screen experience. Imagine your users handling their phones, thumbs ready to swipe, type, and tap! Because this medium is comprised of small interface and intricate touch screens, the design demands a much more unique theme and concept. If you don’t design from the mobile canvas, you run the risk of creating irate users or worse, NO users.

4- User Experience Comes First:

The biggest challenge in mobile usage, as a user, is the fact that dexterity is the only means of making do! People are using two thumbs to do everything that they’d naturally be doing with both hands, so designing a platform and canvas that acquiesces to this reality is clutch.

Do everything in your power when designing to remove yourself from the norms of traditional desktop computer navigation. Use restraint in this temptation, because the user experience is everything. Remember that simplicity is a force to be reckoned with in mobile, and users will value you for your seamless, user-friendly, DETAIL-detached interface.

5- Adhere to the Significance of Tap Motion:

User experience, specifically taps, alter the engagement of mobile; that is, if it helps or hinders progress. As a rule of thumb (no pun intended), the more user effort demanded, the more likely you are to deter engagement. However, there are exceptions to every rule and, sometimes, having something only a tap away can be a negative thing.

The fact of the matter is that the favored mobile request is restoration of one-tap access to data. People like things quick and easy. Is that a surprise, really? However, the trajectory of mobile is yet to be defined and that is, perhaps, a more thrilling and captivating aspect of the community at large.

We don’t know what’s to come in five years, or even five months, but we can anticipate a tap-TASTIC interface!