It might be no surprise to learn that here at Blerp, we're no strangers to app development. This has naturally provided us insight into how design should be managed, while also creating some instances of frustration with the apps of others.
Like a professional chef eating an undercooked meal, it's difficult for us to stand by and let common mistakes pass by. While we don't want to name and shame any poor examples, we thought it might be useful to offer some constructive insight into elements newcomers often overlook. If you're working on an app today or are interested in building one in the future, here's what we think is important.
Have a Plan, but Be Flexible
A huge number of apps start as a simple idea hatched in a moment of inspiration. They're imagined as basic tools for singular tasks, but the development process is rarely this pure. Concentrating on the central aspect of an app without first thinking through will usually lead designers to overlook helpful elements which then need to be added after the fact.
Later additions create problems because code and design can have to be modified in ways that aren’t compatible with the original product. This wastes time, and can create code bugs and inefficiency that negatively affect the user experience. Plan first, document your ideas, and visualize them as you go, and you’ll better pre-empt any additional concerns that appear.
You'll also want to build your apps in a way that leaves them open for further patches and additions. Flexible code and interfaces again mean less frustration down the line. Even if you don't modify a project any further, it's best to be prepared rather than to be left rushing and stressed later.
Consistency is King
The age of users just turning to desktop computers to use programs and apps is long behind us, with portable systems like smartphones and tablets being more important than ever. The popularity of mobiles doesn't mean they need to be your only concern, however, as each platform needs its own version of your app. The most important factor here we often see overlooked is maintaining consistent graphical and interface design across all platforms.
Consider iGaming services as a prime example, such as if you like to play poker on mobile systems. These websites like 888 Poker and Bet365 operate with strict design principles and themes that are maintained across all accessible platforms. Whether you're collecting bonuses like deposit matches, browsing websites, or playing games, users switching between devices never get lost. This is hugely important to streamline access and maintain customer retention.
Anticipate the Uncommon
Our final piece of advice is to understand that people will have unusual ideas about how they access your app, and you need to anticipate this. This is most commonly the case with users accessing from very old devices, or from systems with extremely odd aspect ratios. Your app will need to address these concerns to pre-empt the problems that these fringe cases will incur.
With all this in mind, you're all set to jump into your development process. Remember to test thoroughly, and that it’s usually better to squash bugs as they appear rather than wait for a final crunch to nail everything down. Don’t be concerned if you make a lot of mistakes at first, and remember that every problem is just another opportunity to learn, improve, and maybe even teach others.