The world today seems to run on apps. If it is something that people can interact with, then it’s likely that there is an app available for it. Well designed apps are eye-catching and make you want to use them, whilst poorly designed ones are just frustrating and don’t do what we want them to. While some basics such as usability, functionality and layout help the user experience, one of the most complained about issues with apps are the features, be it lack of expected ones or bad use of those which are there.

1.   Simplicity

Many people have short attention spans and if you make your app difficult to navigate then they will lose interest fast. If your customer cannot access their information quickly and easily, they will become frustrated and do it another way – possibly by using a competitor’s app. Clear, uncluttered screens with obvious leads to the next step in the app process and no ambiguity improve the customer experience and will encourage them to continue to use it.

2.   Speed

Fast loading screens are vital. No one likes waiting, particularly when all they have to look at is a screen-loading symbol and this frustration soon gives way to boredom resulting in a decision to seek something better. Speed means an appropriate set of graphics and not fetching large tables and databases. Keep it simple and keep it quick.

3.   Good image resolution

While you have to balance app speed against functionality and resolution, you have to ensure that what you have on screen is sufficiently detailed to make the user experience worthwhile. We are well past the times of blocky graphics and today’s users expect to have hi-definition and 16 million colours. Anything less will limit your app sales.

4.   Flexibility

There are three main mobile operating systems – iOS, Android, and Windows – and in order to achieve the best out of your app, it needs to be available on all of these. Android apps are easy to upload to the PlayStore, but iOS needs to be tried and tested by Apple before they are allowed on the App Store. The coding doesn’t necessarily need to be different but you may be dealing with different screen sizes and resolutions so make sure to test on both systems before uploading.

5.   Security

Internet security is becoming an ever-increasing issue and the same applies for your app. With many applications storing personal and sensitive information or credit and debit card details, security is an absolute must.

Hackers may attempt to:

• Place malware into apps and onto devices where it can access data and steal screen lock passcodes
• Intercept sensitive information travelling over the network
• Steal customer data for identity theft or fraud.
• Get hold of private business assets

All of those potential issues mean that your app security must be watertight, rather than something that you tack on as an afterthought.