10 Best Practices to Handle Mobile App Usability Issues

In today’s fast-fast paced digitized world, mobile app users expect a seamless experience and app usability issues can be a real inconvenience. From onboarding to checkout, any minor glitches can cause users to withdraw from the app, considering the plethora of alternative options available to them. On the other hand, a glitch-free navigation system ensures an enhanced user experience. That is why, it is imperative for companies to never overlook a usability issue and it is definitely justified on the customer’s part to give up on an app if the issues interfere with the completion of the task. 

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Here is a list of practices a company can incorporate to solve mobile app usability issues:

Design for multiple platforms

Both iOS and Android are widely used platforms and when an app is not available in one of the two app stores, users can get frustrated. Platform issues should not be a reason to lose customers.

While building an application, it is best to design separately for the Apple App Store and Android Play Store. Both these platforms are completely different in their working and need to be treated that way. Designing applications in a way that they can be used intuitively by the respective platform users is the key to provide an optimized experience.

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Allow a single sign-up process

Users absolutely dislike a lengthy, time-consuming sign-up process. Keeping the registration process short and sweet makes the user experience much better . In fact, having the option of signing up through social media accounts like Twitter, Facebook or Instagram or by Gmail can boost user retention.

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Include auto-fill customer data

Adding to the previous point, auto-fill data in places like shipping and billing information is very beneficial to app usability. Customers should not have to spend time on adding their details over and over. It also enhances the user’s experience on the app and helps in customer retention.

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Simplify navigation

One of the biggest issues first-time app users face is with navigation. While onboarding, keeping it simple and having an explanation at each step helps users acclimatize to the platform effortlessly. Minimalist design with lesser buttons also helps keep the process simple and intuitive.

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Reduce the number of steps

When customers are able to reach their goal with fewer barriers standing in the way, they take back a great experience on the app. It is best to avoid asking for additional information during the transaction completion process. This point is very important for e-commerce apps in particular. The best way to start is by decluttering the User Interface and retaining steps that are only absolutely necessary.

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Concise and necessary content

Great mobile app content means relevance and simplicity. Customers would not like to see excessive content that clutters the screen and confuses them. Content should be concise enough to give users direction and guide users in the direction of the goal they wish to accomplish.

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Reduce scrolling

All the information that a customer needs should be within the bounds of the screen unless it is inevitable. Scrolling can add to a loss of information. If scrolling is necessary, it’s always better to specify that along with the direction, whether it is sideways or downwards, with the help of buttons.

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Incorporate user testing and feedback

While developing an app, it’s best to keep assumptions aside and start testing. In-app reviews are a great way to get feedback from real customers and that is the most valuable kind of feedback. A/B testing allows a comparative study of different variations and layouts of the app and is an excellent technique to test app usability.

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Gratify instantly

If the user does not see the benefits of using the app almost instantly, there is a good chance that he might never return to the app again. It is a great idea to explain the value that the app can provide during the onboarding process itself. This grabs the users’ attention and helps convince them to stay.

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Consider the orientation

A lot of app developers forget that customers tend to have screen rotation on. An app should be designed in such a way that it is equally comfortable to use in landscape as much as in portrait orientation. This is especially important for apps that contain a lot of video content.

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A mobile app’s success depends on how users perceive the product. The usability contributes directly to how a user feels about the app, factoring in the ease of use, the perceived value, and efficiency of the overall experience. Usability is what will help convert users into loyal, long-term customers which in turn generates more revenue for the app.

Also Read – How UX Analytics Can Improve Your Understanding of Your Consumer Decision Journeys