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You have a business or a great idea for one and you’re looking to create an app, where should you start? Let’s discuss the simple way of getting your app from idea to the app store.
The user flow is the sequence of how a user would discover your app through using the app. You want to map out the user’s objective in a clear, easy to understand way.
For example, if you’re making a weight-loss app, you want to map out how the user would travel through your platform from download → sign up → entering relative data → tracking progress → completing tasks → to hitting goals.
Keep in mind at each step what the main objective is for your user to accomplish, and check that each feature is useful in accomplishing that goal.
When reviewing your user flow its great to ask yourself, “if I weren’t here to explain this, would the person reading it understand?” Not only will this help you gauge if your app is easy for users to understand, but you want your app to be easy for your developer to understand as well.
Rule of Thumb: If your user flow is confusing, most likely your app is confusing
I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this yet, but you don’t want your app to be confusing! 😂 It’s really easy to start piling up ideas, and that’s great, but you want to make sure the first version of your app focuses on the core ideas.
Look over your user flow with a pair of mental scissors, and trim away at any features that you consider a bonus but aren’t totally necessary for the user experience.
I’m not saying to throw these ideas away, in fact the opposite! 71% of app users delete an app within 3 months of having it.
By saving these features for later down the timeline, you’ll give your users something new to experience when you do implement them, showing growth and enhancing continued interest in your app.
I’ve talked about it before in my blog “Avoid the #1 Mistake That Founder Make: Starting Development Before Design” how important it is to prioritize design.
You may have an amazing idea, but if the visuals aren’t as strong as your ideas the app won’t take off. Design is more than just colors, logos, and branding.
UX design prioritizes the user experience when approaching web or app design.
Think about it, users are what makes your app successful, shouldn’t their experience while on your app be the most important thing? Facebook prevailed over MySpace strongly because of its user-friendly interface and sleek, easy to view design. If design isn’t your forte, consider partnering with a UI/UX designer who’s previous work aligns with your vision.
Now that design should be at the forefront of your mind, start to build a prototype.
Whether working on this yourself or with a designer, you want the prototype to be a solid example of what users can expect from downloading your app.
There are many different platforms for app creation; Figma, Adobe XD, Marvel. Whichever you choose, implement the key features and incorporate a screen for each stage of your user flow.
Before going live, it’s important to get a user sample and feedback.
Find a sample pool of users who have no bias (sorry mom) and would have a reason to be interested in your app. If making a reservation app, ask the hosts at your favorite restaurants to give it a try.
Then ask the users for feedback. 85% of small and medium-sized enterprises say that online customer feedback has been beneficial to their business, Barclays 2018. Consider all feedback and make adjustments in your app where you see fit.
The time is finally here to go live! You’ve done the planning, the designing and surveying, and now it’s time to share your app with the world. Upload your app to the Apple, Android, Google Store, and wherever else you want users to be able to discover and download your app.
Keep in mind, your app being public isn’t enough to get people to download and use it. Marketing your app is just as important as design and development. Once people are on board, take app reviews and analytics into consideration and be willing to make changes and edits to your platform. Successful apps on average make 4 updates a month! (Mobindustry, 2022)
It’s okay not to be perfect the first time, as long as you’re willing to make the necessary adjustments.
Looking to chat more about UI/UX design? Contact us at info@irisdesigncollaborative.com.
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