How many apps are on your phone right now? If you’re like most people, the answer is “a lot.” But, chances are good that you don’t use most of them. Do you tend to download apps only to delete them right away as well? That’s also an exceedingly common habit.
So, why are there so many apps that never get used? In many cases, it all comes down to UI/UX. If users don’t enjoy a great experience, they’ll either delete the app or simply ignore it.
What is UI/UX?
UX and UI stand for user experience and user interface, respectively. Both terms are often used together. However, there are differences. UI refers to the buttons, text, screens, and other elements that users interact with on an app. UX takes a broader view of things. It refers to the way that users feel when they engage with an app.
User experience is at its best when users are able to find the information they need and complete tasks easily. When designers include elements that make engaging with apps more enjoyable, that also boosts UX. The term customer experience is often used to describe this as well. However, customer experience (CX) can refer to any sort of experience someone has with a brand while UX refers to software, websites, or apps.
UI design involves placing interactive and visual elements in a way that increases ease of use. UI is relevant to UX because it contributes to the overall effectiveness of an app. It may be helpful to think of UI as a component that improves UX.
Why Are UI And UX Important?
The pressure is on for businesses to deliver better UX/UI. There are three key reasons for this.
1. Mobile Apps Are Often The Primary User Touchpoint
Mobile apps have become the primary point of contact between businesses and users. They are no longer simply an additional channel for user engagement. Because of this, efforts have shifted to developing better interfaces and creating a holistic app experience for all users.
2. We Have The Tech – User Expectations Are Higher Than Ever
There are so many technologies that app developers can leverage to create better apps. These include native functions, artificial intelligence, chatbots, and integrations with other tools. Users encounter this functionality in other apps they use and expect your apps to have similar capabilities.
3. Good UX/UI Drives Conversions
This is really the byproduct of the first two elements. When a brand uses technology to maximize opportunities to wow users within primary channels, that’s going to push more people through the sales funnel. That inevitably leads to increased conversion rates.
Examples: What Makes Good UX And UI
It’s helpful to know that UX and UI are important, but how do you know what that looks like? Both UI and UX are the product of good design choices and an understanding of the needs of the user. Still, it’s difficult to quantify exactly what that means. A good experience can look very different in two different apps.
Headspace
Headspace is an online meditation app with nearly 15K downloads. Because of the app’s niche, it was exceptionally important for the designers to create an interface that was frictionless and fun. The latter point is especially important for customer retention. To accomplish this, the designers introduced elements of gamification into the interface. This motivates users to continue engaging with the app.
Hily
Hily is a popular dating app that provides a safe trusting environment. It is frequently praised for an intuitive design that meets the needs of the brand’s full range of users. This is clear evidence that good UI/UX begins with appropriate user analysis along with a willingness to adjust various design elements to create the best possible user experience.
Notice Good UX/UI
Go back to your phone at some point and consider the apps that you do engage with regularly. Chances are, you will notice design elements in each of them that contribute to an elevated user experience.
