Having an amazing and unique idea for an app is one thing. Actually deciding to design the app yourself is quite another.
Not quite as daunting as actually building your app — this you can get professional help with! — designing it should be a fun and exciting process where you can let your creative juices flow freely.
So, sit down, open your mind and get ready to design your first-ever app!
Come Up with an Idea That Solves a Problem
If you don’t already have an idea for your app, then don’t worry, you soon will.
The majority of people use the Internet to find solutions to their problems. All you need to do is come up with a unique and highly effective solution to a problem or issue that many people face. It is important that you do not pick a solution that has already been created several times over. You need to ensure that there is sufficient demand for your solution and in turn, your app.
Use a Wireframing Tool to Create a Design Foundation of Your App
Some people use a simple pen and paper for this step, but there are so many excellent wireframing tools available, that it seems foolish not to take advantage of them.
Creating a digital mock-up of your app is incredibly important as it allows you to layout not only the flow but also the exact features that you want to use.
This is also a great moment to eliminate any surplus features that do not add any value to your app or the user experience.
Focus on the Design
This step is crucial and is arguably the most important step in the whole process. You may think the design should be simple, and that you can let the idea do the talking.
However, this is wrong. Users see with their eyes!!! They want exciting visuals and forward-thinking designs that embrace all the latest technologies.
However, there are a few important standard design aspects that your app should include:
- Taking care of the basics: navigation, signifiers, etc.
- Optimizing your app for different screen sizes
- Don’t go overboard with animations. Speed is still one of the most important factors for people using a website
- Stick to common color associations. Yes, you can experiment with color and design, but do not confuse your users. Green was associated with the go-ahead, and red is associated with stop, or error — don’t change these!
Hire a Professional to Test Your App
Once you have built your app, it is important that you have it tested to ensure that it works in the way you intended. Nothing could be worse than launching your app on the App Store and then receiving a barrage of poor reviews because of one tiny error or feature that does not work the way that it should.
A digital performance specialist such as digivante.com can help you test all aspects of your app before it goes live, including the effectiveness of your design, the functionality, and even the safety aspect for users that download it.
Check Out Your App Store Feedback
From the moment your app is downloaded, users will start leaving feedback. Try not to take the comments to heart and remember that this is your first experience designing your own app, so of course, there will be learning curves.
The main advantage of instant feedback is that you can improve and enhance your app immediately. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day!
