Several factors contribute to a captivating web application. As the globe continues to inch toward digital expansion by the day, users are demanding more from the online space, shifting the burden of manageability and functionality to producers and leaders.
Steer clear from the pitfalls of bad web apps by following the pointers below.
Here are the top web app do’s and don’ts
Keep a consistent interface
One of the key fundamentals of good UX is a consistent interface. Similar to a residential space, the overall look and feel of your web app should carry a uniformity throughout. The consistency of typefaces, navigation, color scheme, and writing tone help curate a user’s experience on your site. It can be tempting to choose design elements that pop, but remember your app’s visuals should primarily be functional before they aim to entertain.
Consistency is a top principle for any product, so if your web app is poorly designed, other components won’t function as needed.
Prioritize convenient navigation
The bedrock of usability is navigation. Web apps are designed to fulfill a purpose, so your ultimate objective upon inception is to make sure your product performs how it’s meant to. When users can conveniently click, scroll, share, and consume content on your web app, consider yourself a champ.
Here are a few practical tips to remember in this department:
The essential navigation options should stay on top — limit your navigation links at the top-most part of your app, and create sub-navigation options if you must. Conciseness is key to speed, which in turn, is critical to Search Engine Optimization (SEO). The more strategic your SEO efforts are, the easier it will be for your web app to gain organic traffic.
Your navigation options must be clear — everyone wants to be edgy these days, but remember that the more comprehensive your web app is, the easier it will be for your users to navigate. Avoid using foreign words for menu options, so visitors always know what they’re clicking and what for.
Hasten the digital destination — the fewer the clicks, the better. When developing a web app, follow the three-click rule as much as possible; this means letting your site visitors arrive at a desired destination in no more than three clicks. For example, if you have a sign-up page, keep it short. The more effort your users exert, the more your web app will feel like a chore.
Make visible navigation options — no matter how long or loaded your web app is, make sure to include navigation options in each segment. This ensures that your users are guided all the way, and know where to turn to should they need to be somewhere else on your web app.
Make every page searchable
The ⌘+F shortcut is a staple feature for any browser. This is because it makes finding content much quicker. Unfortunately, web apps make optimizations that don’t always support the search shortcut; one such example is virtualization. Because displaying thousands of table rows can slow down browsers, apps only display a mini window of the table and adjust it as necessary. As such, the usual find option is no longer available. A good workaround for this is by including a search box on each page. If you feel like search boxes aren’t apt for particular segments, use the find shortcut to display a search box. That way, the search box doesn’t consume space on your design and only appears when needed.
Encourage users to keep scrolling
Scrolling is an immersive experience, so keep giving your users a reason to do so. The more time they invest in your web app, the more likely they will be to contact you, purchase something, sign up for a promo, or other similar engagements. The primary objective of your app is to convert prospects into paying customers, so design your app in such a way that invites visitors to look around.
Make sure that your web app’s above fold is promising enough; this sets the tone of your entire app, allowing more users to stick around. When your top content is premium, you can bet that more users will want to engage with more of your app’s content.
Accentuate responsiveness
There are billions of devices that run web browsers today. That said, this means your users can visit your web app from various devices, tablets, desktops, smartphones, and even watches! An elemental principle in developing a stunning web app is making sure that users are treated to a good UX regardless of where they open your web app.
Make elemental details easily searchable. Desktop users are the last to struggle when looking for important details on your site. However, the same thing can’t be said for users who are opening your web app on their mobile devices. Make important information like contact numbers and service hours difficult to miss.
Moreover, the size of your app’s buttons should differ per device. Increase the size of clickable options for users who visit your web app on a device other than a laptop or computer.
Build a web app today!
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