Mobile App Design : Most Common Mistakes and Correct Practices 

With millions of apps being downloaded every day, many will get a low survival rate, and the chances of it happen are no small deal: 57% at the end of the first month, and 71% at the end of 90 days. If it is confusing or difficult to use, a user deletes it and goes back to something else. Users don't lose much when they delete an app; however, developers and designers may lose work on their application. In reality, the real loss is in the time and effort the design team puts into their craft. So, why so many apps are failing? And how do designers and developers make an app that users will come back to? Here are some common mistakes to avoid and best practices to follow for mobile app design success.

Common Mistake #1: A Poor First Impression

The first interaction with an app is critical, it can determine whether users stay or leave. A poor first impression often leads to immediate disinterest. Striking the right balance in onboarding is key. While lengthy onboarding can bore users, skipping it entirely can confuse them if the app isn’t intuitive. An effective first impression is both engaging and informative, guiding users through essential features without overwhelming them. Beta testing can help designers understand the app from a fresh user’s perspective, ensuring a smoother onboarding experience.

Common Mistake #2: Designing an App Without Purpose

Without a clearly defined goal, the designing process may result in an incohesive app that doesn't attract users. Most successful apps are developed to fill up a certain niche or solve some specific problem or provide some unique service. This clarity of purpose shapes every aspect of the app, from branding and layout to button design. An app’s value should be clear to users from the start. Researching existing apps in the market can help designers refine their vision, avoid imitation, and create something genuinely valuable.

Common Mistake #3: Failing to Optimize User Flow

A carefully planned user flow is essential to an app's success. Before even reaching the wireframing stage, designers should outline the app’s structure and user journey. Often, designers are eager to jump into visual details, leading to overlooked UX architecture. This tendency can result in apps that look appealing but lack intuitive navigation and organization.

Taking the time to map out the flow of the app first will ensure that it aligns with its core purpose. Once the designing part starts, all the details and aesthetic conceptions are allowed to enforce the big picture, not to create a distraction from it.

Common Mistake #4: Disregarding App Development Budget

Once an app’s core features are outlined, it’s crucial to discuss the budget with the development team. This helps avoid investing time in designing features that exceed the project’s resources. Understanding the costs associated with specific features helps designers create within realistic boundaries, using budgets as a valuable design constraint instead of viewing them as restrictions.

Common Mistake #5: Cramming in Design Features

Ideally, thorough wireframing and prototyping will help distinguish necessary from excessive functions. Each mobile platform is already highly versatile, so there’s no need to overload an app with too many features. Too many functions can lead to a cluttered user experience, making it hard to market and difficult for users to understand.

If an app can’t be easily explained, it’s likely trying to do too much. Focusing on one or two key features at launch is often best. Additional features can be tested in later updates based on user feedback, minimizing interference with the user’s initial experience.

Common Mistake #6: Dismissing App Context

An app’s purpose and goals must be framed within the appropriate context. What seems intuitive to the design team may not be as clear to first-time users, especially those from varied demographics. For instance, younger users might find certain app functions intuitive, while older users may not (and vice versa).

Consider how and when the app is expected to be used. For example, Uber’s interface is designed for quick, minimal-interruption use, perfect for users booking a ride on the go. The app’s core content is front-and-center, with support materials hidden until necessary.

Whether your app is designed for quick, on-the-go use or extended engagement, tailor the design to fit its intended usage context. This careful consideration can significantly enhance the app’s usability and appeal.

Common Mistake #7: Abusing Notifications

Push notifications are a delicate aspect of app design. Too many, and users may disable notifications altogether, risking the app becoming forgotten. Too few, and the same issue arises. The content of notifications is just as critical as the frequency; useful notifications, like reminders of messages or daily tasks, add value. Conversely, random updates or irrelevant news can annoy users and increase the likelihood of notifications being turned off. Every notification is a micro-interaction that should enhance the app’s purpose. Poorly timed or irrelevant notifications can alienate users and, in extreme cases, lead them to uninstall the app.

Common Mistake #8: Overcomplicating App Design

The architect Mies Van der Rohe famously said, “It’s better to be good than to be unique.” In app design, this means that meeting the brief’s specifications should come before adding unique flourishes. Extra design elements should enhance the user experience, not detract from it. Designers should ask, "How much can I remove?" rather than "What can I add?" Over-complexity often comes from unnecessarily altering standard icons or design conventions, which have proven to be intuitive and user-friendly. Too many design flourishes and too little white space can make the app feel cluttered and less touch-friendly.

Common Mistake #9: Design Inconsistencies

If introducing new design standards, consistency is key. Not every new function or screen should introduce a new design style. Text formatting, UI elements, and interactions should be uniform across the app. This consistency creates a cohesive experience, balancing intuitive familiarity with visual interest. Finding this balance helps prevent the app from feeling either stale or chaotic, enhancing the user journey.

Common Mistake #10: Under-utilizing App Beta Testing

All apps benefit from feedback loops, and one of the biggest mistakes in testing is doing it exclusively in-house. Fresh perspectives can reveal issues that internal testers may overlook. By recruiting beta testers or using services like UserZoom, designers can gather invaluable feedback, refine features, and address missing elements. While beta testing may take time, it’s essential for catching potential issues before launch, helping to avoid a failed app.

In such a competitive mobile app market, standing out requires a clear vision of the app’s purpose and a commitment to best practices. Following mobile app design principles and incorporating user feedback iteratively helps design teams create apps that users will want to keep, achieving success in a crowded field.