UX design is all about making the end user happy. Mobile UX is no different, but it has a narrower focus.
The problem with mobile UX design.
Designing for small screens is harder than for big ones.
There’s less space to display content and interface items. Designers often have to leave out elements to keep text legible. And since the font and buttons are small, users may struggle to see them.
“Designing for mobile first forces you to focus and prioritize. You have to decide what’s important and what’s not.”
Luke Wroblewski, author of Mobile First
But we’ve only touched the surface. Mobile devices come in different shapes, sizes, models, and brands. Mobile apps and sites must run smoothly and be consistent across all devices and platforms.
“The best mobile experiences are those that are designed for the user’s context, not just their device.”
Josh Clark, author of Tapworthy
Stats (scroll down to see them!) show that mobile users are more impatient and selective. They want apps to be fast, responsive, and personalized.
But the challenge is fun. Designers can play with techniques to maximize legibility and improve usability. Plus, it’s a chance to learn more about your end user.
How-to: mobile UX design.
Some mobile UX design rules align with the general principles of UX. Others, however, are unique to small screens.
User-centricity.
This principle of UX design is best described in this quote:
"Design is really an act of communication, which means having a deep understanding of the person with whom the designer is communicating."
Don Norman, the inventor of UX design.
Consistency.
Coherent design across platforms is a must. Mobile UX designers need to use consistent elements, styles, colors, fonts, icons, and terminology. At the same time, they must keep in mind the standards of the platform or device they are designing for.
Clarity.
At the end of the day, UX is about delivering the message in a clear and concise manner. UX designers need to use simple and direct language, avoid jargon or ambiguity, and explain any unfamiliar terms or acronyms.
Affordance.
Affordance describes how an object or a design element suggests its possible uses or actions to the user. For example, a button affords clicking, and a slider affords sliding. Affordance is particularly important in mobile UX, so designers should use shapes, sizes, colors, or labels to show what the elements can do.
Feedback.
Apps can not only collect feedback but also give it. Mobile users need immediate and appropriate responses to their actions, such as sounds and progress bars.
Accessibility.
All users, regardless of their abilities and disabilities, should be able to use an app or site. For example, small screens put extra strain on the eyes, so the font must be legible.
Adaptability.
People use smartphones and tablets in various situations. Mobile apps and sites must be adaptable to different screen orientations (portrait or landscape) and modes (light or dark), depending on the context.
Why you shouldn't neglect mobile UX.
- There are 4.3 billion smartphone users as of 2023, and the number will only grow. (Statista)
- Over 50% of users are less likely to engage with a company due to poor mobile UX. On the other hand, 85% of users are more likely to purchase from a company that provides a good mobile UX. (Think with Google)
- The average mobile landing page takes 15.3 seconds to load. However, 53% of users abandon a site if takes longer than 3 seconds to load. (Think with Google)
- 76% of users say the most important factor in a website is how quickly they can find what they want. (HubSpot)
The bottom line.
Mobile UX is not a trend but a necessity in the digital age. However, knowing UX principles isn’t enough—you must know how to apply them. That’s when we step in. Get your consultation today.
