Mobile app design is the first thing that is consumed by the eyes!
If any of you wonder what the worth of an app design is, then it is hard to be expressed in words, because much before the functionalities of an app, the design is something that engages the users, and inclines their interests towards the app.
App design is not a random approach that can be implemented in the app but needs a thought process behind it to make it work in the favour of users.
In simpler words, a good user experience cannot be achieved with the best functionalities, rather it needs to be created with every possible measure.
Unfortunately, the companies who fail to give importance to app design, face the brunt of user rejection leading to app installation.
To help your mobile app design thrive, we have brought you the top 10 UX app design practices to be used in 2024.
On this page
1. Design for ALL
It must be confusing for you to even know what it means.
Let us help you understand it clearly…a smartphone is just a device that can be handled and managed by any user as per their specific area of interest.
Some prefer using the smartphone in the left hand while others in the right hand or some even use both hands while accessing the smartphone.
Here you need to ensure that the app is designed for all in a smooth manner so they can access the buttons or other functionalities without being hassled.
2. One Action per Screen
A smartphone, no matter how advanced it becomes, has a smaller screen compared to a desktop or a laptop, and this creates a challenge for designers to fit everything into an app screen.
Here some designers place every single functionality on one screen, which only creates further confusion for the users, and they are overwhelmed while using the app.
In such a chaotic scenario, it is always advisable to place one action per screen so users are not confused and find it easy to access the app functionalities.
3. Prominent Button Size
It has always been a point of concern for the users to find out and tap on the buttons that are too small to be viewed and sometimes are not even tappable.
Designers fall for this fallacy as they want to fit everything into one page and due to space crunch, they are not left with any choice but to shrink the button to a size so it cannot be viewed easily.
As a result, users fail to access the right functionality from the app and grow closer to the competitors.
Thus, it is highly recommended to keep the button size 44 x 44 pt or 48 x 48 dp and while testing it is mandatory to test the tapping functionality of the buttons so no issue is faced during the user interaction.
4. Spacing & Padding
Have you ever witnessed a mobile app where everything is so cluttered and no space left?
Well, this usually happens when designers place every single element on a single screen and it is a perfect recipe for disaster.
With a cluttered app design, you gain nothing but sure-shot ways to app uninstallation at a faster rate.
Here, designers must take a strong note of spacing and paddings and include white space.
It enables users to get a well-structured design and avoid any sort of distraction that can remove users’ attention from a distraction.
5. Neomorphism
Have you ever thought about how the digital and real-world converge?
With this new design practice, app designers are implementing real-life tools in digital products by using a simple flat design, which aids apps in appearing simplistic, but with real-life information such as visuals, buttons, and more.
It is worth mentioning here, that such light shadows and monochrome are ideal for applications that suit the taste of millennials and drive new target markets.
6. Least Content Wins the Heart
Content is king and will continue attracting the users’ attention with catchy phrases. However, too much content can be a big distraction and even irk the users to read and understand the function.
It is a good choice for designers to invest in visual tutorials with one or two-liners and engage the users towards the app functionalities.
Also, for other relatable functions, buttons can be created with a single word on it, which saves space and gives a cleaner app design look.
7. Add Dark Mode
Many of us are still unaware of the significance of dark mode, which will continue thriving in the years to come.
There are multiple benefits that come associated with this mode, such as reduced eye strain, battery power saving, and highlighting important elements.
8. Full-screen Immersive Graphics
There is no doubt that visuals that extend and cover the space on the device screen not only look appalling but catch attention on a larger scale.
The primary objective of using full-screen immersive graphics is to make every space and corner of the screen look eye-catching.
Consequently, this trend immerses the user and compels them to move to a new section of the application, as the full-screen effects offer mobile app users another way to look at the app functionalities with growing interest.
9. Include Asymmetrical Elements
The asymmetrical elements are an uneven step-up of arrangements offering visual details like irregular size, changes in the line weight, different shapes, and more contrasting colors.
It removes unnecessary patterns that result in an unbalanced and dynamic app layout and includes proportion between various elements while creating white spaces whenever needed.
10. Bottom Navigation
This factor is often overlooked, but mind it bottom navigation is equally important to attain satisfactory app design. It empowers users to explore and switch to the top-level and bottom-level views with just a click.
Furthermore, it also enables users to access easy & enhanced features and display the three to five dimensions at the bottom of the screen. Designers can represent this with an icon and an optional text label.
Final Thoughts on App Design Practices
App design trends and practices are not static, but dynamic in nature, which are changing to match the burgeoning needs of users and the emergence of the latest technology trends.
Include these practices in your designing principles in 2024 and beyond with mobile app development and make a difference to your business.
As we venture into 2024, the aforementioned mobile app design trends & practices are taking us forward to the realm of innovation and creativity.
